Can you curl a synthetic wig with tongs?

Know your wig fibre

Check the label, box or seller's description. Wigs are usually sold as one of three types: standard synthetic, heat-friendly or heat resistant synthetic, and human hair. Heat-friendly fibres are designed to tolerate a limited temperature, which the maker states. If the wig does not say it is heat-friendly, assume it is not.

If you cannot find the information, contact the seller. Testing heat on a hidden strand at the nape is a last resort, starting at the lowest setting, because damage is permanent.

Curling a heat-friendly synthetic wig

Set an adjustable curling tool to the lowest setting and stay at or below the temperature the wig maker gives. Many premium tools, including ghd's wands and tongs at a fixed 185 °C, are too hot for most heat-friendly fibres, so you need an adjustable tool that goes low. Our temperature converter helps if the wig label gives °F.

Put the wig on a wig stand, brush it gently with a wig brush and take small sections. Wrap or clamp for only a few seconds, then let the curl cool completely before touching it; synthetic fibres set as they cool, just like natural hair.

1. 1

   Check the maximum temperature on the wig's label.

2. 2

   Set an adjustable tool at or below that temperature.

3. 3

   Mount the wig on a stand and brush gently.

4. 4

   Curl a small, hidden test section first.

5. 5

   Curl small sections for a few seconds each.

6. 6

   Let curls cool fully before brushing or wearing.

Standard synthetic wigs: steam and rollers

For wigs that are not heat-friendly, use methods that do not need hot plates or barrels. One common approach is to set the wig in rollers or flexi rods and then pour or dip it in hot, not boiling, water, or use a garment steamer at a distance, then let it dry completely in the rollers. Follow the wig maker's guidance, as some fibres react differently.

This takes longer but avoids melting and frizzing. Pre-curled synthetic wigs usually hold their style for a long time, so many people choose a wig with the curl pattern they want rather than restyling.

Why curls may not hold, or the tool stops working

If curls will not take on a heat-friendly wig, the temperature may be too low, the sections too thick or the wig not cool before handling. If curls drop on a human hair wig, the same tips as for natural hair apply; see how long to hold a curling wand.

If a tool seems not to work on a wig, residue from melted fibre on the barrel may be the problem. Unplug, let it cool and clean the barrel as in how to clean curling tongs. Stop using any tool with a damaged cable or melted residue that will not come off.

Note:Melted synthetic fibre can stick to a hot barrel and give off fumes. Use low heat, work in a ventilated room and never leave a hot tool in contact with a wig.

Curling human hair wigs

Human hair wigs can be curled with wands, tongs or straighteners in the same way as your own hair. Use a heat protectant, a moderate temperature and small sections, because wig hair does not get natural oils from the scalp and can dry out with repeated heat. Our guides on how to use a curling wand and do you need heat protection spray apply. For tools, the best curling wands and tongs guide compares premium options, and what size curling wand to get helps with barrel size.

See the best curling wands and tongs →

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a curling iron on a synthetic wig? Only on heat-friendly fibres, at or below the maker's stated temperature. Standard synthetic fibres can melt.

What temperature should I use on a heat-friendly wig? Use the maximum given on the label, or lower. Do not guess.

How do you curl a synthetic wig without heat? Set it in rollers or flexi rods, use hot water or steam as the wig maker advises, and let it dry fully.

Can I straighten a synthetic wig? The same rules apply: heat-friendly fibres only, at the stated temperature.