It's a good idea to steam a wig to set it for long-term hold.If you don't have a hand-held steamer, you can still add volume and style to your wig.It is gentle enough to work on even cheaper synthetic wigs if you hold the wig over steam.Wrap a wig in a damp towel and place it under a hooded dryer to set the style of your dreams.
Step 1: Put your wig in a wig form with rollers.
You have to style your wig before you can steam it.Wrap each section of hair around a roller by using the pointed end of a comb.Continue until you have rolled the entire wig, using clips or pins to secure the rollers.Put T-shaped pins through the wig and into your wig form or mannequin head so it won't fall off while you're steaming it.If you want more dramatic waves, use larger sections or smaller sections.If you roll the hair away from the front, the style will look better.Since you will be steaming the hair, you don't need to use hot rollers.Hot rollers can damage wigs.
Step 2: Let the pot of water boil before you drink it.
Set the saucepan on the stove on high heat after filling it about 1/3 of the way.Allow the water to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to about medium so that it doesn't burn you or your wig.It's best to use distilled water for this, as tap water might have contaminants that could build up in your wig over time.If you don't have distilled water, tap water will work.The heat should be turned back up if the water isn't steaming enough.
Step 3: The wig should be held over the pot.
Make sure the wig is secure on the form.Hold the bottom of the wig form and lower it into the steam from the pot of water.If you have a wig stand, you may want to use it to hold the wig, but you can also use the bottom of the form.It could burn you if you put your hands in the steam.Don't let the wig touch the water, just hold it in the steam.
Step 4: Put the steam on the hair.
It's important to let the steam penetrate into every section of the wig since it will set the hair.Try to keep the wig moving so the steam doesn't sit in one place for too long.Hold the wig over the steam longer in areas where the hair is thicker, like the crown, and a little less in places where it is thinner.
Step 5: Allow the wig to dry.
If your wig is synthetic, air dry it because the heat from a blow dryer could damage the fibers.It's best to let the hair cool overnight to really set the style in, even for heat-resistant wigs.Before you take out the rollers, make sure the hair is dry.Your hard work may be undone if the style falls flat.
Step 6: Don't use the rollers, rock your new style.
Carefully remove the clip or pin that holds the roller in place as you work on one section at a time.Don't pull the hair too hard or it will lose its curl.Use your fingers or a comb to smooth the curls after all of the rollers are out.Whenever you want to change your wig's hairstyle or just refresh it, repeat this process.
Step 7: The wig should be pinned to a mannequin head.
After you steam it, set the style you want the wig to have.Wrap each section of hair around a cold roller with a pointed end of a comb.You can start rolling at the top of the wig and work your way down the back.T-pins can be used to attach the wig to a wig form or mannequin head.Use larger sections on each roller to create waves.If you want more dramatic curls, opt for smaller sections.Wrap the hair around the rollers vertically for bouncy, wavy curls.
Step 8: Take a towel or turban and put it in the water.
If you have a thick turban, choose a towel that will wrap all the way around your head.Run it under your sink.If the towel is very wet, it's best to wring it out so it doesn't leak.
Step 9: The towel can be microwaved for 2 minutes.
Place the towel in a bowl and microwave it.When it's steaming hot, put the towel on high for about 2 minutes.If you can handle it, take the towel out of the microwave and let it cool.If you don't have a microwave, put water in a pot on the stove and pour it over the towel.You don't want to burn yourself.
Step 10: Wrap the towel around the wig form.
If you can handle it, wring it out just enough so it's not dripping everywhere.It's important to drape it around the wig so that it covers every part of the hair.If you have heat-resistant gloves, you can handle the towel while it's still hot.
Step 11: The towel should be covered with a plastic bag or shower cap.
If you have a shower cap that is large enough to fit over the wig, the rollers, and the towel, use it.Use a plastic bag and tie it in a knot to fit around the wig form.It's important to not skip this step because the plastic will help seal the steam from the towel.
Step 12: The wig should be placed under a hooded dryer.
You're not trying to dry the wig here.The heat from the dryer will help set your hair.Only do this if your dryer has a cool or low heat setting, and don't leave the wig under the dryer for more than 15 minutes.If you have a wig made of human hair, you can leave it under the dryer for longer.Make sure it isn't getting too hot by checking it every 10 minutes.
Step 13: Remove the rollers after the wig is dry.
Remove the plastic bag or shower cap from the wig before putting it in the dryer.Place the towel in the dryer or hang it up to dry.Put the wig out of the way so it can dry.Before you take out the rollers, make sure the wig is completely dry.The curl may not be set completely.The rollers are held in place by a clip or pin.Move the hair from the roller to the next place.After you get all of the rollers out, use your fingers or comb to smooth the hair down.