While flat irons can do all sorts of nifty things aside from just straightening your wig or hair extensions, it’s important to first do no harm! Unless your wig or hair extensions are made from 100% human hair (guaranteed), you could risk melting the hair fibres, even if you’re using the lowest possible setting. We set the record straight on flat ironing wigs and hair extensions…
It’s arguably the most important hair tools of the 21st century and if you’re not crimping, straightening, or curling your locks with a flat iron, you’re missing out! Celebs like Kate Hudson, Leighton Meester, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker and even The Duchess of Cambridge have been known to use flat irons to create those famous soft gorgeous curls. Lovers of poker-straight tresses such as Katy Perry, Kristen Stewart, and Cameron Diaz owe their sleek dos to the flat iron. But before you head off to your favourite hair salon to buy yourself your ‘own baby’ there a few things you should know.
What is a flat iron used for?
A flat iron changes the structure of the hair using heat. Flat irons apply direct, even heat to hair, making them more damaging than most other straighteners. However, the heat of a flat iron also makes it the most effective option. And because you’re moving the hair through two polished, flat plates, a flat iron can add shine.
Generally, there are three kinds of flat irons – curling, straightening, and crimping – but most of the top line irons achieve all three looks in one tool. While you can achieve a great look at home, if not used properly, a flat iron can cause extensive damage to your favourite wig or tape-in, clip-in, and tipped extensions. We offer all our clients a customised service and our hair technicians can professionally and safety flat iron your wig or hair extensions for you. Book an appointment with us here.
Can you flat iron synthetic hair wigs?
Never try flat ironing a synthetic wig or hairpiece, unless you’re ready to toss it in the bin! Synthetic hair is made of a type of plastic, applying heat with a curling iron, hair straightener, or blow dryer will burn, singe, or even melt the hair! At Tymeless hair, we only use 100 percent premium-grade real human hair in the crafting of all our wigs and hairpieces. All our products can, therefore, be styled as you would your normal hair, including flat ironed.
What is the best flat iron for wigs and hair extensions?
When choosing a flat iron for your wig or hair extensions we recommend a professional-grade ceramic iron as they distribute heat evenly. Ceramic irons produce infrared rays and negative ions that seal the hair cuticles, lock in natural moisture, reduce frizz, and help hold a style together. Many flat irons are not ‘pure ceramic’ but instead are aluminum with a coating of ceramic on the top. While this makes them more affordable, you should use them with caution and always check the plates before using them. The coating can chip or peel, exposing the inferior metal below.
Look for words like ‘solid ceramic’ and ‘pure ceramic’. Other types of irons include Titanium and Tourmaline irons. Titanium irons have the same benefits as Ceramic but work much faster and deposits more negative ions and infrared heat. However, if not used correctly can damage hair, while tourmaline coating eventually chip. Our personal favourites are the GHD and Cloud Nine irons. They gently glide through the hair without any pulling and smooth even the most unruly hair in just one or two strokes.
What should I put on my wig before I flat iron it?
A flat iron should never be used on a wig or extensions without heat protection. They are extremely hot – ceramics go up to 200 degrees Celsius and titanium up to 230 degrees. It’s important to use the correct heat protecting agents on your wig or hair extensions. Do not go over the same strand of hair too many times and be extra careful when ‘ironing’ the finer hair around your hairline.
How to use a flat iron on your wig
- Plugin your flat iron; set the lowest temperature and preheat it.
- Set the wig on something to make it easier to work with, like a wig stand or a mannequin head.
- Starting with the bottom of the wig, straighten small pieces of hair at a time. The reason you need to work from bottom to top, is because it’s easier than straightening an entire strand in one go. It is also easier to do this because wigs normally have wefts sewn on in layers.
- Move on to the middle area after you finish straightening the bottom pieces.
- Let the wig cool completely.
- After cooling and drying the whole wig completely, take a wide-toothed brush and comb the strands gently and evenly.
- Spray a light coating of hairspray over the entire wig to keep it from reverting to its former curliness. Remember to spray from several inches away to avoid using too much hairspray.
Summary
We hope you feel more confident when it comes to knowing how to use a flat iron on your wig or hair extensions. Just remember these golden rules:
* Choose a professional-grade ceramic flat iron as it distributes heat evenly.
* Never flat iron wig or hair extensions without heat protection.
* Flat iron small sections of hair at a time; and lastly, never try flat iron a synthetic wig or hairpiece unless it is made from heat friendly fibres!
Do you have any tips when it comes to flat ironing your wig or hair extensions? We would LOVE to hear any tips that have been tried and tested by you, even if it ended in disaster! Just let us know in the comments section below.
