How to style synthetic wig cosplay?

The Ultimate Guide to Styling Synthetic Wigs for Cosplay

Choosing the Right Wig

Basic Wig Care

1. Washing: Use a mild shampoo specifically designed for synthetic wigs. Gently wash the wig in cool water, being careful not to rub or twist the fibers.

2. Drying: Never wring out a wet wig. Instead, gently pat it with a towel and let it air dry on a wig stand.

3. Brushing: Use a wide-toothed comb or a wig brush to detangle the wig. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid damaging the fibers.

4. Storage: Store your wig on a wig stand or in a wig bag to maintain its shape and prevent tangling.

Essential Tools for Wig Styling

• Wig head and stand
• Wide-toothed comb and wig brush
• Scissors (preferably hair-cutting scissors)
• Pins and clips
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Hairspray (suitable for synthetic hair)
• Heat styling tools (if working with heat-resistant wigs)

Basic Styling Techniques

Cutting and Trimming

1. Always cut less than you think you need. You can always cut more, but you can't add length back.
2. Use sharp scissors designed for cutting hair.
3. Cut at an angle or point-cut to create a more natural look.
4. For bangs, cut them longer than you want the final result to be, as they will appear shorter when styled.

Adding Volume

1. Gently backcomb (tease) the underside of the wig.
2. Use a light mist of hairspray to hold the teased sections in place.
3. Smooth the top layer of hair over the teased sections.

Creating Curls

1. Set your curling iron to a low or medium heat setting.
2. Wrap small sections of hair around the curling iron.
3. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then release.
4. Allow the curl to cool completely before touching it.

1. Dampen the hair slightly with water.
2. Roll sections of hair onto foam rollers.
3. Allow the wig to dry completely (this may take several hours or overnight).
4. Gently remove the rollers and style as desired.

Straightening

1. Use a flat iron on a low heat setting.
2. Work in small sections, starting from the roots and moving towards the ends.
3. Don't leave the iron in one spot for too long to avoid damaging the fibers.

1. Dampen the wig slightly.
2. Use large hair clips to section and hold the hair straight.
3. Allow the wig to dry completely before removing the clips.

Advanced Styling Techniques

Creating Spikes

1. Section off the hair you want to spike.
2. Apply a strong-hold gel or hairspray to each section.
3. Use your fingers or a comb to shape the spike.
4. For extra hold, you can use a low-heat hair dryer to set the style.

Styling Updos

1. Gently backcomb the wig to create volume and texture.
2. Use pins and clips to secure hair in the desired shape.
3. Use hairspray to hold the style in place.
4. For a sleek look, use a small amount of hair gel or pomade to smooth any flyaways.

Adding Wefts

1. Purchase additional wefts that match your wig's color and texture.
2. Sew or clip the wefts into the wig cap, following the existing weft lines.
3. Blend the new wefts with the existing hair by gently combing or styling.

Heat Styling Tips

1. Always check if your wig is heat-resistant before applying heat.
2. Use the lowest effective heat setting.
3. Apply a heat protectant spray designed for synthetic hair.
4. Work quickly and don't leave heat in one spot for too long.
5. Allow the hair to cool completely before styling further.

Coloring Synthetic Wigs

1. Fabric Dye: Use fabric dye specifically formulated for synthetic fibers. This works best for darkening a wig.

2. Acrylic Ink: For adding streaks or highlights, acrylic ink can be effective. Dilute it with water and apply with a brush.

3. Sharpie Markers: For small areas or temporary color, Sharpies can work in a pinch.

4. Colored Hairspray: For temporary, all-over color changes, colored hairspray designed for synthetic hair can be effective.

Maintaining Your Styled Wig

1. Use hairspray sparingly to hold the style in place.
2. Store the wig on a wig stand to maintain its shape.
3. If the style starts to droop, you can often refresh it with a light mist of water and gentle reshaping.
4. For long-term storage, consider using a wig cap or bag to protect the style.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tangled Wig

1. Gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends.
2. Use a wig conditioner spray to help smooth the fibers.
3. If severely tangled, soak the wig in cool water with a small amount of fabric softener, then gently comb through.

Frizzy Wig

1. Use a small amount of leave-in conditioner designed for synthetic hair.
2. Gently comb through to distribute the product.
3. For stubborn frizz, you can try steaming the wig (be careful not to get it too wet).

Flattened Style

1. Use a steamer or the steam from a kettle to gently revive the style (be careful not to burn yourself).
2. Reshape the style with your fingers or a comb while the wig is still warm.
3. Allow the wig to cool completely on a wig stand before wearing.

Tips from the Pros

1. Practice on Cheap Wigs: Before styling an expensive wig, practice your techniques on inexpensive ones.

2. Take Photos: Document your styling process so you can replicate successful styles in the future.

3. Be Patient: Wig styling takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect.

4. Use Reference Images: Keep pictures of your character handy to guide your styling.

5. Consider the Character: Think about the character's personality and environment when styling. A neat, precise style might not suit a rugged character, for example.

Recommended Resources

1. CrazeCosplay.com: This site offers a wide range of cosplay wigs and styling tutorials.

2. YouTube Channels: Many cosplayers share detailed wig styling tutorials on YouTube. Some popular channels include Kinpatsu Cosplay and Arda Wigs.

3. Cosplay Forums: Sites like Cosplay have active communities where you can ask for advice and share tips.

4. Local Cosplay Workshops: Many anime conventions offer wig styling workshops where you can learn hands-on techniques.

Conclusion