Straightening Wigs
Real hair wigs can be straightened with a flat iron. However, synthetic or partially synthetic wigs are typically not able to be straightened with something as hot as a flat iron. So, how do we straighten these wigs? With a steamer! A small, handheld, portable clothes steamer is more than sufficient for this process.
Begin by brushing out the wig as much as possible. If it is heavily knotted, use the end of a rat tail comb to help disrupt the knots. Attempt to brush from the bottom to the top of the hair for the best results. Then, begin steaming the wig. Do not place the steamer too close to the wig. Let the steam, not the head of the steamer, do the work. Gently brush the wig as you continually keep the steamer moving. Do not steam the same spot for prolonged periods of time. The reason this process straightens synthetic wigs is because it slightly melts the hair fibers. If you apply too much heat, you will overmelt the fibers. So, be careful throughout this process to protect both the wig fibers and you from melting or burning from the steam!
Curling Wigs
As stated in the last section, real hair wigs can be styled with heat. Thus, hot rollers and curling irons may be used to style these wigs. However, synthetic and partially synthetic wigs need something a little cooler than a curling iron.
Synethic wigs can be curled in two ways. The first way is to wet the hair. Then, to curl the hair with roller curlers. A brick set, demonstrated below, is standard. However, a number of curl patterns and tools can be utilized. Then, use a blow dryer on a warm setting to dry the hair. This should lightly melt the synthetic fibers to retain the curl shape. Alternatively, one may slightly dampen the hair and use a steamer to ensure the fibers are wetted and warmed sufficiently. Then, the wig can either be dried with a hair dryer or left to air dry.
De-Frizzing Wigs
Wigs have a tendency to get frizzy quickly. This is especially true if they are jostled about for traveling productions or frequent quick changes. There are several ways to fix frizzy wigs. The first is through restyling. If the wig is a straight style, then steaming it every once in a while to freshen the style might be beneficial. However, do this only if there is adequate time to steam and restyle the wig.
Another solution is to use Armor All Original Protectant. This is an all-purpose protectant for vehicle interiors. However, it can also be used as a de-frizzing agent for synthetic wigs. Lightly spray the wig with the product and brush it through with a rat tail or regular comb. Also note that it is important to apply Armor All Original Protectant when the wig is not on the performer.
Finally, hairspray can be used to style wigs and tame flyaways. However, to prevent excessive layering of hairspray throughout the production, reactivate the hairspray by spritzing rubbing alcohol on the wig. For instance, if the wig needing retouching is curly, lightly spritz the wig with rubbing alcohol and scrunch the curls. The alcohol reactivates the hairspray, so as the alcohol dries, the hairspray will dry with it. While this should not be used for major alterations in the hairstyle, it can help maintain the original style and prevent frizz.
Cleaning Wigs
Following the completion of productions, wigs should be gently washed and dried with wig safe shampoo and conditioner. This will make the wigs easier to store, allow them to be ready for the next production, and clear out any dirt, debris, sweat, or germs lurking within the wig. Ultimate Looks has an excellent informational page about wig cleaning and maintenance.