Wig Styling & Care   On various forums and communities, I see alll kinds of cosplayers, new and veteran, asking all kinds of questions about wig styling. I also see people replying to these folks with "rules" regarding synthetic wigs. I'm here to tell you that most of the "absolutes" of wig styling are absolute rubbish. Here are some wig-styling myths, debunked! Wig Styling Myths, Debunked! #1. Synthetic wigs are not real hair! The hair behaves completely different from real hair!   This one's true, but the consequences are not as negative as everyone makes them out to be. Most of the differences between synthetic hair and real hair turn out to be a real bonus to cosplayers. For example...can you hotglue your own hair? Yeah, didn't think so. #2. You can't use a straightener or curling iron on synthetic wigs. The fiber is plastic and will melt!   Yes, synthetic fiber is basically plastic. However, I'm not exactly sure how folks are melting their wigs, unless they're baking them in the oven. I have used a curling iron on SEVERAL of my wigs. I have used it to curl bangs, add feathered effects, curl under ends, etc. Some people have even made actual ringlets and curls (though I've never had a wig that required this, and this haven't tried it myself). All my curling iron has is a "hi" and "low" setting. In order to actually make hair, say, curl under, I actually have to hold the hair in the curling iron for about 10-15 seconds on the "hi" setting. Does it melt? No. It actually usually isn't curled enough after this amount of time, and I have to do it over (sometimes a few more times). I've heard of people leaving the curling on the wig for about a minute straight, and there was still no melting. Another nifty thing you can do with a curling iron is change the part in the wig. Say your wig is parted on the left, but you need it on the right. Comb your part in, and then rest the curling iron on top of the hair coming out of the part. This will train the fiber and keep the part from flipping back over to the original side it was made on!   Now, as far as straightening iron are concerned...I haven't had a lot of luck with them. They will straighten curls in curly wigs, but the fibers don't look good. It's not because they're melted, but they still want to be kinky and curly. #3. You can't dye synthetic wigs, except with the sharpie method or so-and-so's wig dye.   Actually, you can. There are two other methods that I know of, and I have tried both. One method is to use the spray paint used for silk flowers. Spray it on your wig, and comb it WHILE it's fresh and wet. Then spray again and comb. Continue until the wig is fully coloured, and constantly keep combing the wig, or your wig will get hard. Let it dry, but keep coming back to comb it periodically while it's drying. The only downside with this method is that the fiber is not longer super-shiny...which this could technically be a a plus to some people. The other method is using an acrylic paint and water mixture. I have never used this to make a very drastic change though. I used it to make a pale blonde wig into yellow-blonde. The texture seemed about the same as the floral spray paint method-- a little stiffer, and less shine.   One thing I can tell that is a big NO-NO though, is that you should never use fabric dye on your wigs...fabric dye isn't good on synthetic fibers of any kind, so suffice to say, it does not work on wigs, either. #4. You cannot use real-hair styling products on synthetic wigs. They're not real hair!   For the longest time I actually believed this silly rule...and then I saw my friend use hairspray on one of her wigs. And it worked. And I felt stupid.   Two of the best products I have found for styling wigs are got2b hair glue and got2b hair cement. This stuff is amazing. After seeing what it can do with wigs, I'm scared to ever use the stuff on my own hair. Need spikes on your wig? Simply suspend your wig upside-down and form the spikes with either of these products, then hairspray it for good measure. When it dries, those spikes won't be going anywhere! As for hairspray, the best brand I've found for wigs is crazy old-school Aquanet. My mom used to use this stuff back in the 80's and 90's and I remember her hair never moved. Use it on your wig, and it won't move much, either. Spray it on top and lightly all over to prevent flyaway hairs (just like with real hair). As for the best thing to use on wigs that isn't a styling a product...Elmer's Glue. Wig Care Washing your wigs   When you first buy a wig, you should wash it. If you bought from a brick-and-mortar store, it could have been tried on by any number of people. Even if you order it brand-new from online, there's no telling where it was kept before hand.   Always use cool water to wash your wigs. Hot water can change the shape of the fibers (your slightly rounded bob will lose it's roundness). Fill a tub with some cool water and some soap. I have actually seen "wig shampoo" for sale, and I have no idea why someone would think this necessary to own. Regular soap is fun, just put it under the water as it's running. Then carefully wet the wig and switch it around in the water. Rinse it with cool water, and hang to dry. When it dries, the shape will spring back into it! Storing your wigs   As nice as it would be to have a room full of shelves with nothing but wig heads carefully displaying our cosplay wigs, few of us actually have that luxury. Make the most of your space with these suggestions: If your wig isn't styled, just a regular wig: they can be carefully folded and stacked in a box. As long as the box stays in one place and isn't moved around, the wigs aren't going to spontaneously tangle themselves. If your wig has crazy spikes or other decoration: this is kind you should save your wig heads for. Secure them to a wig-head with bobbypins, and then cover them with a cloth to keep them from getting dusty. Travelling with your wigs If your wig isn't a styled wig: carefully wrap it in a cloth and roll it up, then secure it with rubbberbands. You will end up with a wig burrito, with the fabric being the tortilla. If your wig is a crazy wig: obviously, don't put it in a suitcase or anything. A box that has very little "wiggle room" in it is ideal to keep it in. A stiff shopping bag or gift bag is also good. Just leaving it in the backseat of the car..not so good. Take a sharp turn and your wig goes flying. While wearing your wig   In the crowded, busy halls of a convention, a wig can get pretty trashed. Here are some tips to help cut down on damage: Carry a comb in your pocket/bag/purse. Whenever you go to the bathroom to "freshen up" or what-not, take a moment to comb your hair. This is sooo much easier than having to battle 1329577230349 knots at the end of the day! If your wig is very intricate, with lots of spikes or delicate decorations in it, don't wear it all day. That's just asking for trouble. If you're going to be in the cosplay or costume contest, wear it for just the judging and the contest, and not much else. Stay out of the dealer's room and other highly congested areas while your wear it. The same goes for very long wigs (such as godiva wigs).