Wig Tutorials: Thinning & Styling Wigs to fit Character Specific Needs for Cosplay

Finished wig

Even though synthetic wigs come pre-styled, you would still want to retouch them as per your own facial features. Sometimes you would wish to trim the bangs a bit smaller and the other times you may feel like thinning out a heavy wig. Handling wigs may need a bit of the assistance from your friend and of course the right tools! Please check this mini tutorial if you want to thin out a wig. 

You can also concoct a new hair style to fit your cosplay needs ingeniously as our super talented blogger Martina does. Using Nyaruani cosplay wig she has styled Modern Geisha wig as shown below in the tutorial. 

How to Style a Short & Curly Synthetic Wig

Much has already been written about styling long wigs. In despair about our tangled long wigs we forget the beauty short & curly wigs can ensure for us. Styling begins with brushing your wig gently;-be it a long or a short. Brushing wakes-up the wig fibers that might have flattened over the period of the time.

Boost Volume

Short synthetic wigs especially with tight curls need volume to appeal. Brush it using short uplifting strokes to create an illusion of thickness. For wigs with ringlet curls, use sophisticated finger strokes to maintain the rings or a pic comb.

Create a Pompadour

Synthetic wigs that are short & curly fascinate when are styled upwards with a noticeable height. To create a pompadour; style it backwards and then dress the fibers in the desired direction. This will eventually adorn your short wig with a chic street-style.

Setting your Style

Only use synthetic wig spray and that too with moderation. Too much of the synthetic wig spray would leave product build-up decreasing the life of your wig. For a softer & natural setting keep the spray at the distance of 6inches from your wig and direct it towards the roots whilst stroking the fibers from the other hand. This will keep the roots firm at the style whereas the ends will have more liberty to roam for a breezy style.

If you want your wig to stay in the same style throughout the day you created; you can switch to the conventional mode of hair-spraying. Keep the spray can at the distance of 12 inches and spray all over. Don’t comb your wig when it is wet.

Revitalize your Style

If you are satisfied with the style of your wig; you only need to revitalize it. Spritz it lightly using a wig conditioner or stroke the fibers softly using fingers. You are all set to flutter with your sassy & swishy curls!

Recommended posts:

Straightening a Wig

Curling a Wig

3 Ways to Rock a Synthetic Wig with a Beanie

Beanie is a knitted loose hat; a necessity in winter but serves more as a style statement. Though wearing beanie in summer proves you a dare-devil, the beauty it adds to one's style cannot be neglected. Alternatively, a floral garland can be used in place of a beanie in summer. Choosing a beanie needs a mature sense of fashion; more if you want to accentuate your synthetic wig using bean hats.

Choosing the Color & Design of a Beanie

Beanie is inclined more towards the juvenile fashion. However, at the same time it depicts sophistication if chosen carefully. When choosing a bean hat to accentuate the bangs or to divert attention to the tousles of your favorite synthetic wig; keep it less adorned & less embellished. A beanie would be able to pop up against the color of your synthetic wig, only if it is a neutral shade. Decent colors such as tan, brown and grey also help making an impact.

Wearing a Beanie to Rock a Synthetic Wig

Women love wearing beanie hats because of the comfort they provide. A beanie does not only keep you warm but also help you stand out from the crowd when paired up with a synthetic wig.

Wearing a Beanie over Synthetic Wig for a Casual Look

In day time wear your beanie loosely. It should sit over your skull very comfortably. The front brim of the beanie should sit just above your eye brows, covering your forehead and ears. Don’t pull it all the way down. Let your tousles bounce at either of your shoulders.

Wearing a Beanie over Synthetic Wig for an Outgoing Casual Look

For an outgoing casual look, rock your synthetic wig wearing a beanie in the “Peter Pan” style. This way, your hat sits loosely over your forehead. It is slightly folded at the back that keeps the hat off your neck. This style is recommended when you are wearing a synthetic wig with hidden bangs or no bangs. It also helps creating an illusion of smaller forehead in case you bear a wide forehead line.

Wearing a Beanie for a Glamorous Style against Synthetic Wig

If you are in fun mood today, spruce up a dip dyed synthetic wig with a black/white beanie. Wear your beanie a bit more loosely, further up on your head. Side sweeps your bangs and let them stay out. Tease your tresses or scrunch them for a perfect beach-wave look.

Wearing a Beanie for an Urban Chic Style Statement against Synthetic Wig

To exhibit your love for city fashion, wearing a beanie just at the line of your bangs help. Leave your mane down as it prevents any strange bulges your hair may cause underneath a beanie if wrapped otherwise.

Do you like to wear a beanie? Have you also experienced the meanings it is capable of adding to your synthetic wig?  

3 Things to Consider When Styling Synthetic Wigs

Styling a Wig

Synthetic wigs are prone to matting, shedding, fading and frizzing. If not taken proper care of, a synthetic wig will lose the charm as it begins to get old.  Moreover, if a synthetic wig has curls or waves, it will develop frizz on the locks or tangles. When styling your wig take note of following factors

Oil Sheen Spray

To improve the texture of synthetic wigs, all you need is Oil sheen spray. A light mist of oil sheen spray helps taming down the frizz whereas also provides a new healthy shine to synthetic wigs. To detangle a tangled wig, treating your wig with this DIY conditioner would help.

Using Hair Gels, Mousses, Sprays & Shampoos

When styling synthetic wigs always avoid using regular products. Synthetic wigs can be the most unforgiving when treated with human hair products. Synthetic wigs are made from plastic fibers thus regular hair products are not compatible with synthetic wigs. Only use products formulated for synthetic wigs. Being more specific and using products solely made for heat-resistant wig will save you a great deal of money. If you want to style a pixie cut with numerous spikes; use hair glue instead of gel.

Spraying Synthetic Wig with Colored Hair Spray for a Temporary Dye

If you are up to changing the color of the wig, always rely on wig dyes (acrylic inks or paints). Keep in mind that you cannot dye your wig a color lighter. Wigs can only be dyed a color darker and cannot be reverted to the original color whatsoever.

Read More: How to Dye a Heat-Resistant Synthetic Wig?

If you are hesitant about dyeing a wig, you might want to try staining a wig using hair-chalks. Hair-chalks last only a shampoo.

It is advised to wash your wig every 20 wears or even more frequently if you are a cosplayer and your character demands you to put loads of styling products. Whenever, you try to give your wig a new hair style, trim or an entirely new cut always make sure that the wig is free from the residuals of glues, glitter etc. 

3 Things to be Re-Checked before going in Public when Wearing Synthetic Wigs

Once in a while every woman has to face with a “Bad Hair Day”. No matter what products you apply and how much time you spend in styling it, your hair wisps would simply say no by going fizzy, dry & lack-lustrous. To rescue, synthetic wigs are considered a great option. Synthetic wigs need minimum care whilst ensuring to enhance the way you already look. However, if these 3 facts are neglected, synthetic wigs can be a pure havoc.

An Ill-Fit Wig

When you put on a wig please be careful about adjusting it on your scalp. An ill-fitting wig is a tremendous turn-off. If your synthetic wig fidgets or you have to keep adjusting it on and off, your wig may end up collecting nothing but embarrassment. Before stepping out, do take note of the ear tabs and the wig net- they should be kept hidden underneath.

Styling a Wig

Synthetic wig often comes with a factory-built style, bounce and shape. If on the other hand you decide to modify the style be very careful. If you sport wig for other than cosplay purposes, you would want to stick to a natural-looking hair style. Straightening a curly wig may add to the length of the wig or it may look matte or even faded (if straightened on high heat settings). Re-check if your synthetic wig looks lack-lustrous after ironing. You would want to use this DIY synthetic wig conditioner to bring back the texture and shine.

Your own Hair

A wig should be a depiction of true hair. If upon putting on a synthetic wig, you notice a lump or hair wisps coming through the wig, you need to re-stylize your hair from scratch. In case you have long and thick hair, it will be hard to ensure a firm base for a synthetic wig. Try pin-curling your hair evenly for a flat base. Sometimes synthetic wig produces foul smell when is not washed frequently. Wash your synthetic wigs every 20 wears to keep them look new