How to Style a Human Hair Wig for Beginners
Wondering how to style a wig so it looks natural and feels like you? Are you new to wearing wigs and unsure where to begin?
The good news is that styling a human hair wig is often much simpler than people expect. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can confidently style your wig to suit your personal preferences while maintaining a beautiful, natural look.
In this guide, we'll share practical wig styling advice, along with a few tips and tricks to help you get the most from your human hair wig. You'll learn simple styling tips that make everyday wearing wigs easier, so you can create your desired look while keeping your hair looking and feeling its best.
BEST TIPS TO STYLE HUMAN HAIR WIGS
Before we get started, it's important to mention the different wig types. This article focuses on how to style human hair wigs. A human hair wig is made from real hair, so it can be styled much like your own natural hair.
Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are made from synthetic hair. Because they are constructed from man-made synthetic fibers rather than real hair, they require different care and styling techniques. If you have questions about styling synthetic hair, it's always best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, as they can vary between brands.
At Daniel Alain, we specialize in human hair wigs, so the guidance in this article is based on our experience helping people care for and style human hair.
So, how do you style human hair wigs in a way that looks natural, effortless, and polished? Let's get started.
Use a Mannequin Head
One of the easiest ways to style a wig is by placing it on a mannequin head. This gives you a better view from every angle, making it easier to brush, straighten, or curl your wig while you work. It can also help the wig hold its style after you take it off.
Although a wig stand can work for basic styling, a mannequin offers a little more stability. It's also useful for holding bobby pins and other styling tools, especially if you're creating an updo or another more detailed style.
As an added bonus, styling your wig this way can make the process easier and help reduce tangles and matting.
Use a Wide Tooth Comb
A wide tooth comb or detangling pin brush can make wig styling much easier. Both are designed to help detangle your wig while reducing the risk of wear and tear on the wig fibers.
When brushing your wig, always start at the ends and gradually work your way up toward the cap. This helps loosen knots without putting unnecessary tension on the hair. Avoid trying to pull through tangles, and instead use a gentle touch until the process is complete.
If you don't have a wide tooth comb or pin brush available, you can carefully work through tangles with your fingers instead.
Wash with wig friendly products
Before styling a wig, make sure it's squeaky clean. Washing your wig will help remove any dirt, oil, or styling products that may be building up on the fibers. This will give you a clean slate to work with and help your styling products better adhere to the hair. We recommend using a specialized wig shampoo and conditioner that has been specifically formulated for natural hair wigs.
Blow dryer vs Air Drying
After washing your wig, you'll need to ensure it's completely dry before styling. Damp hair is more susceptible to damage and won't hold a style as firmly as dry hair will.
Air Drying your wig on a wig stand is ideal, but if you're pressed for time, you can use a blow dryer. Just make sure to stick to the low, cool setting on the blow dryer only. Exposing your wig to too much heat from a blow dryer can damage the fibers.
Use a Heat Protectant on Natural Hair
Before styling a wig with heat, always apply a heat protectant to the fibers first. This will help shield your wig from damage and keep it looking healthy. Make sure you only use a product designed specifically for wigs, not just natural hair.
Don't Use Heat Styling Tools Too Often
Using heat styling tools is a great way to change the style of your human hair wig, but frequent heat styling can leave the hair feeling dry over time and may increase the risk of split ends.
Whenever possible, try to limit heat styling to no more than once a week. If you plan to style your wig more often, always apply a quality heat protectant before using heat styling tools, and keep the temperature as low as possible while still achieving the look you want.
Styling Tips for Straightening Your Wig
Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to learn how to style a human hair wig and get those new strands of yours sleek and polished.
Separate the Hair into Sections
To make your wig easier to work with, start by separating it into sections. Use a wide-tooth comb to do this. Then apply heat protectant to protect the hair from damage.
Start at the bottom of your wig and work your way up. Create between 4-6 sections depending on the thickness of your wig. Once you've got all your sections, use a hair tie or clip to keep them in place.
Start an Inch Away from the Wig Cap
You don't need to get too close to the wig cap when straightening your wig. In fact, it's best to keep the heat from your straightener about an inch away from the top. This will help avoid any damage to the wig cap underneath.
Go down each section of your wig slowly, moving the straightener evenly from the roots to the ends. Don't keep the straightener on each section of hair for too long, and make sure you're not pulling or tugging at the hair as you go to protect it.
Add Styling Products
Once you're done straightening your wig, add a light layer of hairspray to help keep your style in place. Make sure you don't go overboard, as too much hairspray can make your wig look stiff and unnatural. Use a wig-friendly hairspray to keep your strands looking healthy and glossy.
Styling Tips for Curling your wig
If you're looking for something a little more fun and flirty, why not try curling your wig? They are a great way to add volume and texture to your hair, and they can make even the simplest styles look glamorous.
Divide the Hair Into Sections
Just like when you're straightening your wig, you'll want to start by dividing your hair into sections. To make it easier to curl the underneath layers, clip each section to the top of your head. This will help keep your hair out of the way as you work.
The number of sections you do will depend on how big or small you want your curls to be. For more uniform curls, start with smaller sections. You can use larger sections if you want looser, more beachy waves.
Check the Temperature for Real Hair
When curling your wig, it's important to keep the temperature on your curling iron low to avoid damaging the hair fibers. Don't go above 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wrap Each Section Around the Barrel
Once your sections are ready, it's time to start curling! Take each section of hair and wrap it tightly around the barrel of your curling iron. Make sure you hold the ends in place so they don't get caught under the clamp.
Depending on how tight or loose you want your curls, you'll need to leave them in for different amounts of time. For ringlets, let them sit for 10-15 seconds. If you want looser waves, you can leave them in for 5-7 seconds.
Once you've curled a section, hold it in your hand to let the curl sit and cool for a few minutes before styling. Cooling helps the curls set and hold better.
Finish With Hairspray
To keep your curls looking their best, finish with a light layer of wig-friendly hairspray. You can also use a curl-defining product to help give your curls some extra hold and definition—just make sure you wash your wig regularly to avoid build-up.
Styling Tips to add waves to your wig
You can embrace your inner mermaid with some beautiful, beachy waves. This style is perfect for summer weather or for adding a bit of romance to your look.
Divide the Hair Into Two Sections
To start, you'll want to divide your wig into two sections, one on each side of the wig's part. Waves are much looser and more casual than curls, so you don't need as many sections. However, you can split it into four sections if your wig has a lot of hair.
Start at the Bottom
Wrap your curling iron around the ends, going up only to about halfway. This will give you soft, romantic waves that start at the bottom and gradually loosen as they go up.
Hold each curl for no more than five seconds before you release. Any longer and you'll start to get curls instead of waves.
Curl In Both Directions
You'll want to curl your hair in both directions to get beachy, effortless-looking waves. Start by curling each section away from your face, then switch and curl them and hold them for a few seconds before release. This will result in that tousled, windswept look that's so popular in the summertime.
Run Your Fingers Through The Hair
Break up the curls even further by running your fingers through your hair after you've finished curling it. This will help to loosen the curls with a round brush and make them appear even more natural.
Finish With Hairspray
As always, finish with a light layer of wig-friendly hairspray to help keep your style in place. You can also use a bit of sea salt spray to give your waves some extra texture and hold.
Hairstyles for human Hair wigs
Rocking a human hair wig allows you to try out virtually any hairstyle you want.
Human hair—especially the 100% European hair used in Daniel Alain's luxury pieces—has a natural body and movement that will make every hairdo you wear envy all your friends. Plus, the natural-looking front hairline will make even the most intricate styles look like they were your own.
Here are some of our favorite hairstyles to try with your wig.
Braids
Braids are always a popular choice, and they're incredibly versatile. You can wear them loose and romantic or pulled back and sleek, depending on the occasion.
To get started, divide your hair into three equal sections and begin braiding each one from the roots to the ends. Secure each with an elastic, then tuck them under or pin them back however you like.
Top Knot
The top knot is a classic style that looks good on everyone. It's perfect for hot days when you don't have time to style a wig or when you want to keep your hair out of your face.
To get started, gather all your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Then, twist your hair into a rope and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, tucking the ends under. Secure the bun with bobby pins, and you're all set!
Half-Up, Half-Down
This half-up, half-down style is perfect for date nights or any time you want to feel extra special. It's a breezy way to look put together without having your hair in your face.
Start by dividing your hair into two sections, one on each side of your head. Gather the top section into a ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Then take the bottom section and curl it with a curling iron. Finish by spraying your hair with wig-friendly hairspray.
Ponytail
Whether you go Ariana Grande-high or keep it low and sleek, a ponytail is always a good idea. It's a simple style that can be dressed up or down.
To get started, gather all your hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. If you want a little volume at the roots, use a teasing brush to backcomb the hair before pulling it into the ponytail. You can also add a cute scarf or ribbon for an extra-special touch.
SHOP ONLY THE BEST LUXURY HUMAN HAIR WIGS AT DANIEL ALAIN
Book A Consultation with One of Our Stylists
The way a human hair wig looks and responds to styling depends largely on its quality. Well-made human hair wigs typically have more natural movement, making it easier to create different looks, whether you prefer sleek, straight hair, soft waves, braids, or curls.
At Daniel Alain, our human hair wigs are handcrafted using a hand-tied cap construction. Each strand of hair is individually tied to the cap, allowing the hair to move naturally and giving you the flexibility to style your wig in a variety of ways.
Our collection includes a range of styles, colors, and lengths to suit different preferences. Because our wigs are made from human hair, you can enjoy many of the same styling options you would with your own hair, helping you wear a look that feels comfortable, natural, and uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Style a Synthetic Wig?
You can put a synthetic wig into certain styles like a low ponytail, but depending on the quality of the wig, certain updos might expose the wig's wefting. Most synthetic wigs are not heat resistant, so you should avoid styling them with any hot tool. Heat-friendly synthetic wigs exist but should be used with caution - these synthetic wigs are designed for low heat settings only.
Can You Trim a Human Hair Wig?
Yes, you can trim a human hair wig just like you would trim your hair. We recommend taking it to a professional stylist to ensure it's done correctly and evenly.
How Do You Wear a Wig & Make it Look Good?
Making a wig look good is about choosing the right style for your face shape, skin tone, and features. It's also essential that the wig is of good quality to look natural and flow well.
Learning how to style human hair wigs for beginners can take time, but the more you play around and experiment with styling a wig, the better you'll get at it.
Can You Put Gel on a Human Hair Wig?
You can, but use it lightly. Applying too much gel can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy. If you use gel to slick back your new strands, wash it out thoroughly afterward so that the gel doesn't build up and damage the hair
Which Oil is Best for Human Hair Wigs?
Moroccan and coconut oil are both great for human hair wigs. Apply a small amount of either oil to your palms and then run your hands through the ends of your wig to moisturize the hair and return it to its ultra-soft state.
How Do You Hydrate a Human Hair Wig?
One of the best ways to maintain your wig is to apply a deep conditioning treatment to the strands. Select a hydrating conditioner that has been specifically formulated for wigs.
How Often Should You Wash Your Human Hair Wig?
We recommend washing your piece approximately every 7-10 wears.
How Do You Make Your Wig Look Natural?
A natural-looking wig is a high-quality wig. Hand-tied European hair wigs by far offer the most realism. The silky strands are individually knotted onto a base, which ensures each wig feels incredibly natural.
Choosing a wig that will last also comes down to learning how to style a wig to look natural. Practice some ideas in this article to continually improve your skills.
How Do I Choose a Wig?
Whether you're choosing your first wig, or your fifth, it's always an intimate process particularly if you have hair loss. You want to select a piece that complements your natural beauty as well as your personal style. No matter your reasons for wanting to wear a wig—balding, thinning hair, or just for fun—there's a wig out there that's perfect for you. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when wig shopping:
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How frequently you'll wear it
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Your ideal color, cut, and length
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Whether you want volume or sleekness
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If you have any hair loss or thinning
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Check wig attachment methods whether it has wig clips, adjustable straps, or silicone patches to keep it secure
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Your budget
How Do I Pick a Wig Style?
The best part about realistic human hair wigs is that you can style them any way you want. If you're feeling sassy, put on a wig with some big curls or go for a sleek and straight bob. The sky's the limit! It's all about what you feel your best in—and how much you’re willing to learn how to style a human hair wig.
What Do I Need to Style a Wig?
To style a wig, you'll need a few tools and products. Here's what we recommend:
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A wide-toothed comb
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A Detangling pin brush
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Wig-friendly mousse or hairspray
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A wig-friendly heat protectant spray (if you're using heat styling tools)
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A mannequin head
What Should I Know Before Buying a Human Hair Wig?
Lace front human hair wigs are an investment—but one that is oh-so-worth it. Not only do they look and feel incredibly natural, but they also give you the ultimate styling versatility. You can curl, straighten, and style them any way you want!
When shopping for a human hair wig, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Where the hair is sourced from
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If the cap is lace front or full lace
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If the hair is hand-tied or machine wefted
What Are the Different Types of Human Hair Wigs?
The source of the hair will directly affect your wig's overall realism.
European Hair
Considered the gold standard of hair in the wig industry, European hair is ethically sourced from small villages in countries like Russia and Ukraine. The strands are silky, durable, and on the finer side, resulting in a lighter-weight wig.
Indian Hair
Unlike the sleek strands found in European, Indian human hair wigs offer more volume and texture. The hair is collected from small temples in India, where women donate their hair in a ceremonial act. Because it's more readily available, Indian wigs are more affordable.
Asian Hair
Asian human hair wigs are incredibly popular because they offer a happy medium between European and Indian hair. The strands are thick and durable but still have a soft feel. Asian hair is also more affordable than European hair.
However, many Asian hair wigs are sourced in unsavory ways. Manufacturers will collect strands from drains, the floor, and brushes to create these wigs. So when shopping for an Asian hair wig, be sure to look for ethically sourced options.
Virgin Hair
Everyone wants virgin hair—but virtually no one gets it because it's impossible to find nowadays due to the popularity of chemical treatments and hair dye. If someone is promoting virgin hair, proceed with caution because it's likely not the real deal.
Remy Hair
Remy hair refers not to the location but how the hair is collected.
For a wig to be considered Remy, the cuticle has to be intact and running in the same direction. This is important because it prevents tangling, matting, and shedding. When the cuticle is damaged or goes in different directions, it's more likely to tangle.
Where Can I Buy a High Quality Human Hair Wig?
There are a million and one places that offer human hair wigs, but Daniel Alian provides only the best of the best.
Our wigs are made with 100% European hair sourced from the world's largest (and only) private reserve. We hand-tie our wigs to ensure a natural look and feel, and we have the most realistic front hairlines on the market.
If you're looking for a high-quality human hair wig that will last you for years to come, look no further than Daniel Alain. Click here to browse our collection of luxury wigs today!
