The Best Ways to Curl Synthetic Hair

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Add bouncy curls to your wig or extensions without melting them
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Synthetic hair can be just as beautiful as natural hair, but it does require extra care and preparation when styling. Giving synthetic hair wigs or extensions curls is possible; however, it takes a few extra steps than just using a heat tool. In this article, we’ll teach you how to curl synthetic hair with a curling iron , boiling water , and pins and a steamer so you can look fabulous for a day-to-day look or cosplay.

How can you curl synthetic hair?

The easiest way to curl synthetic hair is to use a curling iron on the lowest setting. Heat-friendly synthetic hair can typically withstand temperatures up to 275 °F (135 °C). Section the hair, and curl each section with a curling iron. Then, pin the curl up and spray with hairspray to help the curl last.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Curling Synthetic Hair With a Curling Iron

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  1. As hair augmentation specialist Nikia Londy explains, “If your wig is made out of synthetic hair, you have to be a little more careful [styling it] than if it’s made out of natural human hair because it isn’t as resistant to heat.” [1] If you're using synthetic hair extensions or a wig, read the product label to see if it can be heated. The label should tell you how much heat the synthetic hair can handle. Heat-friendly synthetic wigs and hair can typically handle heat below 275 °F (135 °C). [2]
    • If you’re unsure if the hair can handle heat (or it’s not stated), test curl a tiny portion of the hair to see if it melts.
    • When testing to see if the synthetic hair will melt, ensure that you choose a hair piece that’s slightly hidden so that if it does melt, it won't be noticeable.
  2. Decide how large you'd like your curls to be, and divide the hair into sections accordingly. If you'd like small curls, divide your hair into many sections. If you want big curls, divide the hair into a handful of sections. Use a clip to secure the hair in place (whether that’s on your head or a mannequin). Turn your curling iron on to the lowest setting, which might just be a warming setting (or level “1”).
    • Most heat-friendly synthetic hairs can only withstand temperatures up to 275 °F (135 °C), so keep your curling iron below this temperature (unless the hair’s label instructs otherwise). [3]
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  3. Synthetic hair can fry or melt if it isn’t slightly wet or damp before styling. To protect your wig or extensions, spray or dip the portion of hair you’ll be curling in water. The hair should be wet to the touch, but not dripping. [4]
    • If you put too much water on the hair, no worries! Simply use a towel to soak up the excess.
  4. Wrap each section of hair around the curling iron as you would if curling your own hair . The catch? Avoid applying the heat for longer than 10 seconds, as this could melt the synthetic hair. [5] Hold the curling iron in place until the hair begins to feel warm. Gently slide the curling iron out of the curl. Continue curling the rest of your hair.
    • If you want a tighter curl, pin the curl in place against your head or mannequin until it cools completely. This helps the curl hold its shape.
  5. 5
    Finish with a coat of hairspray. Like real hair, synthetic hair can be held in place with hairspray. Spray each curl after it’s been curled, or give the entire head of hair a good spritz after it’s been styled. This helps the curls last and keep their shape. [6]
    • Avoid dousing the wig in hairspray, as this can make it look hard or ridged. Stick with a light hand for the best results.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Curling Synthetic Hair With Hot Water

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  1. 1
    Ensure the synthetic hair is heat-resistant. Before attempting to curl synthetic hair with boiling water, first make sure it’s heat-resistant. Check the label or packaging of your wig or extensions. If it says the hair is “heat-resistant” or can withstand heat, you’re good to go. If not, avoid curling the hair with any form of heat to prevent melting. [7]
  2. Determine how large you'd like your curls and lay out several sizes of perm rods , or hair rollers . Divide the hair into a small section and roll it up and onto a perm rod. Cap the end to keep the hair tightly wound on the rod. Do this until you've rolled all of your hair onto perm rods. [8]
    • Try varying the sizes of the perm rods to get different-sized curls.
    • For a more natural look, keep the curls near your neck and the back of your head larger and looser. Use smaller perm rods for the curls near your face so they're smaller and tighter.
    • For looser, bouncier curls, Londy suggests using bendy rollers instead of perm rollers. These curlers come in various sizes, are affordable, and are super effective. [9]
  3. Fill a basin with boiling water. Then, dip each wrapped rod into the water or submerge the entire wig into the water. Leave the rod and hair in the water for a maximum of 3 minutes, then remove. Carefully soak up some of the excess water with a towel. [10]
    • Use metal tongs to safely and carefully submerge the hair in the water.
    • If the water cools, rewarm it and continue dipping the perm rods.
    • Alternatively, pour boiling water directly over the wig and rods while it’s on a mannequin head. [11]
  4. Place the wig back on a mannequin head and leave to air dry overnight. Avoid handling the wig or rods until the hair has cooled and dried completely. [12]
    • If you’re short on time, you could blow-dry the hair on the lowest heat setting, but this may hinder the shape of the overall curls. Plus, applying extra heat risks melting the synthetic hair.
  5. Once the hair has dried completely, gently remove the perm rods. The curls will probably be tight and springy when pulled. If you'd like them to stay tight and close to your head, just leave them alone. If you'd like the curls to look softer or fluffier, gently run your fingers through them. [13]
    • You can also separate curls into smaller ones. This can make the curls look softer while adding volume.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Curling Synthetic Hair Using Pins & Steam

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  1. 1
    Detangle the synthetic hair, divide it into sections, and dampen it. Brush through the synthetic hair to ensure there are no tangles. Then, section the hair and lightly mist each section with water. [14]
    • Avoid drenching the hair in water. The goal is to dampen the hair so it’s wet to the touch but not dripping wet.
    • For smaller curls, section the hair into multiple, small sections. For larger curls, create larger, thicker sections.
  2. With each section of hair, wrap the hair up to the scalp of the wig to create a pin curl . Make sure to roll the hair in the direction you’d like the curl to go. Lay the wrap of hair as flat to the wig’s scalp as possible and pin into place with a bobby pin. Repeat until all of the hair is pinned up. [15]
    • Consider using a wig curl refresher spray before wrapping each section of hair. This can help the synthetic hair hold its curl longer.
  3. 3
    Steam the wig to form the curls. Hold a steamer up a few inches away from the wig. Steam each section of hair for a few seconds, and then move on to the next. Continue steaming the pinned hair until it’s all been steamed evenly. [16]
  4. 4
    Leave the wig to cool overnight and then remove the pins. For the best results, let the curls air dry and cool overnight. Once cool, carefully remove the pins and let the curls fall. Use your fingers to disrupt or loosen the curls as desired. [17]
    • For a more natural look, run your fingers between the curls to divide them and give the hair more body.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I curl my synthetic hair without heat?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Plait your hair while it's wet, and then let it dry in plaits to form beautiful, wavy curls. You can also tie your hair up in a ponytail and wrap it around a donut bun to create some gorgeous curls.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 34
  • Question
    Can you use heat on synthetic hair?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can, but you have to be extra careful since synthetic hair isn't as resistant to heat as human hair is.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 20
  • Question
    So the water will help it not melt?
    Community Answer
    Yes, wetting the hair helps prevent it from melting, but it also helps hold the curl.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/wigs/fiber-type-synthetic-vs-human
      3. ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/wigs/fiber-type-synthetic-vs-human
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/hqOC8eqSztk?t=76
      5. ↑ https://shop.mayvenn.com/blogs/blog/how-to-curl-your-wig-without-heat-damage
      6. ↑ https://shop.mayvenn.com/blogs/blog/how-to-curl-your-wig-without-heat-damage
      7. ↑ https://aliceincosplayland.com/2014/03/curl-wig-with-hot-water.html
      8. ↑ https://aliceincosplayland.com/2014/03/curl-wig-with-hot-water.html
      9. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://aliceincosplayland.com/2014/03/curl-wig-with-hot-water.html
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NA1iACce1Fk?t=25&feature=share
      3. ↑ https://aliceincosplayland.com/2014/03/curl-wig-with-hot-water.html
      4. ↑ https://aliceincosplayland.com/2014/03/curl-wig-with-hot-water.html
      5. ↑ https://www.uniwigs.com/blog/can-synthetic-wigs-be-straightened-and-curled-here-are-8-simplest-methods.html
      6. ↑ https://www.uniwigs.com/blog/can-synthetic-wigs-be-straightened-and-curled-here-are-8-simplest-methods.html
      7. ↑ https://www.uniwigs.com/blog/can-synthetic-wigs-be-straightened-and-curled-here-are-8-simplest-methods.html
      8. ↑ https://www.uniwigs.com/blog/can-synthetic-wigs-be-straightened-and-curled-here-are-8-simplest-methods.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To curl synthetic hair with a curling iron, divide your hair into sections depending on how large you want the curls to be. Turn your curling iron on the lowest setting, spray your hair with water, and curl one section at a time. You can also curl synthetic hair with hot water by first applying a little moisturizer to your hair to help it hold the curl. Then, roll your hair onto perm rods and dip them into a mug of hot water for 15-20 seconds. Let the hair cool and dry before removing the rods. To learn how to curl synthetic hair using pins, keep reading!

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