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What Are the Best Tips for Curling Synthetic Hair?
An advantage of using synthetic hair on a wig or hair system is that it is much less expensive when compared to the cost of human hair; a disadvantage is that it is often more difficult to style the hair into a curly hairdo. The best tips for curling synthetic hair include using a curling iron set to its lowest setting, if the hair can withstand it, or to use hot water to shape the curls. The heat from hot water can be used to mold synthetic hair into any shape, with the help of foam hair rollers. In either case, the person curing the hair should use caution not to burn the hair or him- or herself.
Some synthetic hair can withstand low heat, so a curling iron set to its lowest setting can be used to style it. A light heat protectant should be applied on the hair first; this will help protect against damage that could be caused by excessive heat. The curling iron should be set to be a few dozen degrees lower than the recommended temperature set by the wig manufacturer, because it is always best to err on the side of caution when curling synthetic hair with this method.
Traditional synthetic hair can offer unique challenges. Curling synthetic hair with hot water may be the only option to style it without the intense heat of a hot tool appliance. The hair should be parted into sections, with a foam roller rolled onto each piece. Synthetic hair extensions can also be curled with this method. How many rollers are used depends on the type of curls being created; more rollers can be used for a more defined curl, while using fewer rollers will result in a loose wave.
Hot water is often the key to curling synthetic hair. A pot of water should be brought to a boil, then allowed to cool until it is about 180°F (82°C). The person doing the rolling should use a towel to protect his or her hands from accidental spills, and carefully dip each foam roller into the water. The water should saturate each hair-wrapped foam roller for no more than five seconds. The heat from the water will end up curling synthetic hair into the shape of the foam.
Once all the hair has been treated, it should be placed on foam head to air dry. The hair should not be disturbed during this time, for this can cause the hair to lose its curl. Even though it may seem tempting, a blow dryer should not be used. Once the hair is completely dried, the foam rollers can be removed and the hair can be styled as usual.
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![Wigs made from synthetic hair are much cheaper than those made from real hair, but they tend to be more difficult to style.]()
By: Brian JacksonWigs made from synthetic hair are much cheaper than those made from real hair, but they tend to be more difficult to style. -
![Some synthetic hair can withstand the heat of a curling iron on a low setting.]()
By: anueingSome synthetic hair can withstand the heat of a curling iron on a low setting. -
![Hot water is usually the best way to curl synthetic hair.]()
By: nikkytokHot water is usually the best way to curl synthetic hair. -
![Blow dryers should never be used on synthetic hair.]()
By: macbrianmunBlow dryers should never be used on synthetic hair. -
![Synthetic hair extensions can be curled with hot water.]()
By: alarsonphotoSynthetic hair extensions can be curled with hot water.
Discussion Comments
Make sure the hair extensions are off your head. Leave the extension on the rollers to dry somewhere and then remove them slowly when they're dry. They should be curled. When you wash them, they will return to their original, straight shape.
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You can create nice curls with synthetic hair using a curling iron on low heat and water. There are video tutorials online.
@SarahGen-- If you want to temporarily curl synthetic hair extensions, you can dip them in warm water, squeeze out extra water and roll them in rollers. Make sure the hair extensions are off your head. Leave the extension on the rollers to dry somewhere and then remove them slowly when they're dry. They should be curled. When you wash them, they will return to their original, straight shape.
This is only for temporary curls, so it's a good option if you like changing your hair style often. If you want a permanent curl, then a curling iron on low heat (if the hair is heat resistant) will work better. I've never tried hot rollers, but that may be an option as well if it doesn't become hot to the point of damaging the extensions.
@SarahGen-- That depends on the type of synthetic hair you have. If you can use a straightening iron on your hair, then you could straighten it that way later. If not, then you may have to keep your hair curly.
I curled my hair with the hot water method and it worked great. I don't want it straight again but my hair can be styled with heat, so I can change it again if I get bored of this.
If I use the hot water method to curl my synthetic hair, will I be able to straighten it out again later? Or will it always stay curly?
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