Wigs are a great way to express different hairstyles without committing to permanent changes. If you have a curly wig but want to switch things up by straightening it, you might be inclined to use heat tools like flat irons or blow dryers. However, heat can cause damage to the fibers of synthetic wigs and also weaken natural hair wigs over time. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to straighten a curly wig without using heat. This article will explore various methods to achieve sleek, straight hair while maintaining the integrity of your wig.
Why Avoid Heat on Wigs?
Curly wigs, especially synthetic ones, are delicate. Heat styling tools can alter the texture and even burn the fibers, leading to irreversible damage. For natural hair wigs, heat can weaken the hair’s cuticle and lead to breakage, dryness, or loss of shine. This is why it’s beneficial to know how to straighten your curly wig without the risk of heat damage.
Essential Tools for Straightening a Wig Without Heat
To successfully straighten your curly wig without heat, you’ll need the right tools. The process is simple, but having everything prepared ensures the best results.
Here’s a list of essential tools you’ll need:
A wig stand or mannequin head
Wide-tooth comb
Wig brush (with soft bristles for synthetic wigs or a boar bristle brush for human hair wigs)
Leave-in conditioner or wig-specific conditioner
Wig detangler or fabric softener (for synthetic wigs)
Wig setting lotion or mousse
Curl relaxer cream or wig relaxer spray
Sectioning clips
Cold water
Each tool serves a unique purpose in the straightening process. Let’s look at how these tools come into play when straightening a curly wig without using heat.
1. Using a Cold Water Soak to Relax Curls
One of the simplest methods to straighten a curly wig without heat is by soaking it in cold water. Cold water has a natural relaxing effect on curls, making them looser without the need for hot tools.
Steps to Straighten a Wig with Cold Water Soak
Prepare the Water Basin: Fill a basin or sink with cold water. The water should be cool to the touch but not freezing.
Add Conditioner: Mix a small amount of leave-in conditioner or wig-specific conditioner into the water. If your wig is synthetic, you can also add a tablespoon of fabric softener, which will help relax the fibers.
Submerge the Wig: Place your wig in the water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let it soak for about 30 minutes. This time allows the curls to relax slightly.
Rinse and Remove Excess Water: After soaking, gently remove the wig and rinse it under cold running water. Squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting the wig, as this can cause tangling or frizz.
Lay Flat to Dry: Place the wig on a flat surface or wig stand to dry. While drying, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently stretch the curls. This will help loosen them further, resulting in a straighter appearance once fully dried.
2. Straightening the Wig Using the Stretch Method
The stretch method works particularly well for natural hair wigs, but can also be applied to synthetic wigs with care. This method involves stretching the hair while it is wet and leaving it to dry in the stretched position, which helps to loosen the curls without applying heat.
Steps to Stretch a Wig to Loosen Curls
Wash the Wig: Start by washing your wig using a mild wig shampoo and rinse thoroughly with cold water. You want the wig to be clean but damp for this method to work effectively.
Section the Hair: Divide the wig into small sections using sectioning clips. The number of sections depends on the wig’s density, but typically four to six sections are sufficient.
Apply Conditioner or Detangler: Spray a light leave-in conditioner or wig detangler on each section to soften the hair and make it easier to manage.
Stretch Each Section: Take one section of hair and gently pull it straight with your fingers. While pulling, use a wide-tooth comb to comb through the length of the hair from roots to ends, maintaining the tension as you comb.
Secure with Clips: Once the hair is stretched out, use large clips or hairpins to secure the ends of the section. You can clip the stretched section to the base of the wig or the wig stand. Repeat this process with each section.
Leave to Dry Naturally: Allow the wig to air dry while in the stretched position. This process may take several hours, depending on the wig’s material and the humidity in your environment.
Final Combing: After the wig is dry, remove the clips and gently brush through the wig. The curls will now appear looser, and the overall look will be straighter.
3. The Roller Setting Method for Synthetic Wigs
If you have a synthetic curly wig and want to straighten it without heat, roller setting can be a useful technique. While this method is often used to create curls, larger rollers can help straighten the hair by reducing the tightness of curls.
Steps to Use Rollers to Straighten a Curly Wig
Prepare Your Wig: Wash and condition the wig as usual. After rinsing, towel-dry the wig until it is damp but not soaking wet.
Section the Wig: Use sectioning clips to divide the hair into manageable parts.
Apply Setting Lotion: Spray a light layer of wig setting lotion or mousse onto each section. This helps the wig fibers hold their shape as they dry.
Wrap the Hair Around Rollers: Using large rollers, wrap each section of hair around the roller, pulling the hair straight as you roll. The larger the roller, the looser the curls will become.
Secure the Rollers: Fasten each roller with clips or pins to ensure they stay in place while drying.
Let the Wig Dry: Allow the wig to air dry completely. This process may take several hours or even overnight.
Remove the Rollers: Once the wig is completely dry, carefully remove the rollers. The curls should now be much looser, giving the wig a straighter appearance.
SEE ALSO: How to Straighten Wavy Hair Naturally at Home?
4. Applying Curl Relaxer Creams or Sprays
For those looking for a longer-lasting straightening solution, curl relaxer creams or sprays specifically designed for wigs can be a great alternative. These products are designed to loosen curls without damaging the wig’s fibers.
Steps to Use Curl Relaxer on a Wig
Dampen the Wig: Lightly spritz the wig with cold water to make it damp but not dripping wet.
Apply Curl Relaxer: Apply the curl relaxer cream or spray according to the product instructions. Most products recommend applying to the curls in sections for even distribution.
Comb Through the Wig: Using a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, gently comb through the wig from the roots to the tips. This helps to evenly distribute the relaxer and also stretches the curls.
Let the Wig Air Dry: Allow the wig to air dry naturally. As it dries, the curl relaxer will work to loosen the curls, resulting in a straighter look.
Style as Desired: Once the wig is dry, you can brush or comb it to your desired level of straightness. For a sleek finish, apply a wig-friendly serum or oil.
5. Wrapping the Wig for Straightening
Wrapping is another effective method to straighten curly wigs, especially for natural hair wigs. This technique involves wrapping the hair around the head in a flat manner, which helps to stretch out curls and waves.
Steps to Straighten a Wig Using the Wrapping Method
Prepare the Wig: Start by gently washing the wig and allowing it to air dry until it is damp.
Section and Brush the Hair: Divide the hair into four sections. Brush each section downwards, using a soft bristle brush.
Wrap the Hair Around the Wig Head: Starting with one section, wrap the hair around the wig stand or mannequin head, securing it flat against the surface with bobby pins. The idea is to stretch the curls as much as possible by wrapping the hair tightly around the head.
Let the Wig Dry: Allow the wrapped wig to dry completely. This can take several hours depending on the material of the wig.
Unwrap and Style: Once the wig is dry, carefully remove the bobby pins and unwrap the hair. The result will be straighter hair with minimal curls.
Conclusion
Straightening a curly wig without heat is not only possible but also beneficial for maintaining the wig’s longevity. By using cold water soaks, stretching techniques, rollers, or curl relaxers, you can safely achieve a sleeker look without the risk of heat damage. The key is patience and the right tools. Always remember to treat your wig with care, especially if it’s synthetic, and avoid rough handling to ensure the fibers last as long as possible.
By following these methods, you can enjoy straightened hair without compromising the quality and appearance of your curly wig.