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These days many people tend to use hair extensions. And as good as human hair is, there are times we want to use synthetic hair. Flat ironing natural hair is quite easier than synthetic hair.
This is because synthetic wigs contain fibers from plastic that can burn or melt the hair when you use hot tools. Thus, it brings about this question; can you flat iron synthetic hair?
Read on to find out the answer to this question and different ways to straighten synthetic hair.
Can you flat iron synthetic hair?
The answer is yes, but there are many factors attached to it. Although, all synthetic hair is made of fiber which makes them susceptible to damage from heat. Some are heat resistant. So you can go for these to be able to straighten it.
However, you can still flat iron synthetic hair that is not heat resistant. You need to be careful of the amount of heat you expose the hair to.
Related: Can I Flat Iron My Hair After Dying It? [A Detail Explanation]
How can you flat iron synthetic hair?
To flat iron synthetic hair, here are the tools you need.
- Blow dryer: you need a blow dryer if you have just washed your wigs or if it is damp for whatever reason. It is not your natural hair does not mean you should flat iron wet hair. That will increase the risk of damage.
- Wide-tooth comb for detangling the hair
- High-quality flat iron: if you want to control the damage to your synthetic hair, you should go for a high-quality flat iron. Especially the ones that have adjustable temperature settings. This will control how much heat you expose your synthetic hair to.
- Hair spray to finish up.
Now that you know the products you need, here is a step-by-step guide on how to flat iron synthetic hair;
Step 1: Attach your wig to a wig stand and blow-dry
Using a wig stand or a styrofoam wig head makes it easier to work on the hair. Therefore, the first thing to do is attach it to a wig stand or wig head. After that, you can now blow-dry the synthetic hair if it is well.
However, ensure the temperature is at the lowest so that you will not damage the hair before starting flat ironing. Finally, blow-dry the hair till it is completely dry.
Step 2: Detangle the synthetic hair
After you have blow-dried the hair, the next thing is to detangle it. But you should not detangle it with a brush, it might damage your wig. Run your fingers through the hair to remove the knots on the lock. After which, you can use a wide-tooth comb to smoothen the hair.
Related: Can I Flat Iron Body Wave Hair? [A In-Depth Discussion]
Step 3: Start flat ironing
Once you have detangled with a wide-tooth comb, you can go in with a brush to ensure the strands are smooth. Then put on your flat iron and set it at the temperature you use for your natural hair.
But, ensure that it does not go higher than that to avoid any damage. Then start flat ironing from the bottom of the lock and slowly work your way to the middle and top section of the mane.
Step 4: Finish up with a finishing spray.
After you have flat ironed the hair, you should leave it for about 5 to 10 minutes to cool down and set. Then you can finish up with a finishing spray.
Note: volumizing products will not work if you want to add volume to the synthetic hair. However, you can add volume by using volumizing flat irons.
So, here is how you can flat iron synthetic hair. However, there are other methods of straightening synthetic hair.
Other Methods
If you are skeptical about using a flat iron on your synthetic hair, here are other methods of getting a straightened mane.
Method 1: Use hot water
You can also use hot water to straighten your synthetic hair. Here is how to go about it;
Step 1: Place your wig on a wig stand and brush through with a wide-tooth brush to detangle it.
Step 2: Take the wig to the bathroom and put it in the bathtub. Then, boil some water up to 82°C, and pour it slowly on the wig. To avoid damage, the temperature should not be more than this.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 above two to three times till the hair is straightened. Then bring it out and let it air dry.
Step 4: Brush the synthetic hair and finish with a finishing spray.
Related: Can I Flat Iron Texturized Hair? [If Yes, How Do I?]
Method 2: Use of steam
To use steam on your synthetic hair, all you need to do is take it to the bathroom. Lock all the doors and windows to trap heat as much as possible. Then put on the hot water in the bathroom, and leave it on until the bathroom is filled with steam.
Start brushing the hair from the tip using a wide-tooth comb. Make sure you brush gently and slowly to avoid damage due to breakage.
The heat from the steam combined with the brushing will loosen the curls and make them more straight. Once it becomes straight, take it out of the bathroom and allow it to cool. With this method, you have not exposed the hair to too much heat; hence it has a lesser risk of damage.
You can also use a steamer for this method. You need to hold the steamer in one hand and a brush in the other hand. Brush through the hair and follow with the steamer.
But the steamer should not be too close to the wig to avoid damage. Once you have covered the whole area of the hair and it is completely straight, leave it to air dry. Then spray with hairspray.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can flat iron your synthetic hair and straighten it with other methods. However, know that the risk of heat damage from synthetic hair is high. Hence, you should avoid using it.
You should buy a straight and curly wig if you want to switch up styles. This does not only save the synthetic hair from damage but also makes it last longer.
