How to Style a Synthetic Wig

Written by: Christina Jones

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Time to read 3 min

styling a synthetic wig

Wig Styling Tips to Achieve Your Perfect Look

There's no shortage of ways to style your wig. Today’s synthetic wigs have built-in memory so a few basic synthetic wig care and styling techniques are all that are needed to "remind" your wig of its intended look and keep it looking its best. By learning these wig styling tips, you can achieve a more natural look that you'll love to wear. If your synthetic wig is made with heat friendly fiber then you should check out this guide to see tips on styling your heat friendly wig!

Our favorite wig styling tips:

  1. Style your wig when it’s completely dry.

  2. Try a chin strap for secure, hands-free styling.

  3. Take advantage of styling heads for a view from all angles.

  4. Brush your synthetic wig with a stainless steel brush.

  5. Only use specially formatted wig styling products to maintain wig fibers.

TIP 1: Style your wig when it's completely dry. The weight of water can stretch the wig fibers, as well as straighten curl and ruin the curl/style pattern. Make sure you leave time for your wig to dry after washing.


TIP 2: Use a chin strap for secure, hands-free styling. Using a chin strap to style your wig gives you the freedom to use both hands without worrying about the wig sliding out of place. Plus, you will be able to see both the wig frame and your face as you style.



TIP 3: Take advantage of a styling head for a view from all angles. When you use this accessory, you can easily see all sides of the wig. This is especially helpful if you have difficulty reaching up or to the back to comb your wig. Be sure to use T-pins to secure your wig to the foam head while styling!


TIP 4: Brush your synthetic wig with a stainless steel brush. Styling begins with proper brushing. For synthetic wig fibers, a stainless steel wig brush is recommended to prevent the shedding of hairs and stretching of fibers. For human hair wigs, a boar bristle brush is recommended. Once you have determined the correct tool, brush your wig in a manner that aids the style.


  • Use short lifting strokes with a wig brush on styles with tight curls, waves, or soft curls.
  • Use long, even strokes with a wig brush for wigs that are smooth and straight.
  • Use a pic comb or your fingers in a lifting motion for longer wigs that have ringlet curls.

To achieve more height on any style, brush initially in the opposite direction of the style, then smooth the fibers into your desired shape.



TIP 5: Only use specially formulated wig styling products to maintain wig fibers. Avoid using human-hair formulated products, including hairsprays and gels, as these can damage your synthetic wig. Wig spray or volumizing mousse are great tools to help keep your style in place.

To spray your wig:

  • Start at the back of the wig and spray forward, keeping the spray 12 inches away from your head. Maintaining this distance prevents the wig from becoming overly saturated.
  • Switch hands halfway through to help you spray at the same, even distance all around.
  • Lightly mist the entire wig.
  • Wait a few minutes after spraying to allow the style to set.

For added volume at the root:

  • Spray about six inches away from your head.
  • Separate the wig fibers using your fingers and direct the spray at the roots. This will add firmness to the base of the style, while leaving the ends soft and loose.
  • Wait a few minutes after spraying to allow the style to set.

It is important to not brush or touch your wig when it's wet from spray as this will ruin the preset style. Once dry, you can add height to flattened areas, or reposition your curl using a pic comb or wig brush. Remember to use wig spray sparingly and primarily on areas that you have touched up. Spray build up can damage hair fibers and your wig will need to be washed more often. 


For more information on proper wig washing techniques, read our How to Wash a Synthetic Wig guide.


Proper styling tools combined with the right styling products will help keep your wig looking fresh and beautiful. There are a variety of wig care products and styling tools out there to help you achieve and maintain your perfect look. 


Shop The Wig Company’s wig care tools and styling products today.