Wig Styling Necessities part 1: Tools
Wig Blocks and Stands
Colored Lightweight Wig Styling Block
Standard Canvas and Cork Wig Styling Block
You can select your block based on your or your performer's head size. I style most of my wigs on either a 22” or 23” which is about the average size. If you are working with someone who has a lot of hair, low hairlines, or a large head size a 24” is a good idea.
The wig stand I typically use is currently unavailable, I’ve looked around for the best affordable options I could find and this is what I have found:
This Floor stand seems to be the best option because it is made by the company that makes Canvas heads and specifically states it will work for canvas heads. I don’t usually prefer tripod style floor stands, but unfortunately this is the best option I can find for now.
Floor Tripod Wig Styling Stand
Hair Nets
Pins
I am very particular about the bobby pins I work with for styling synthetic wigs. It is important to have a very strong and sturdy pin to get the best hold. Here are some of my favorites.
White STA Rite Bobby pins (for Elsa)
I mostly use these 3” hair pins to hold hair in place while styling and applying wigs. The color does not need necessarily need to match your wig color when used for styling purposes, however for applying the wig it is best to use the closest color match. However, the goal is for the placement of the pins to be invisible when applying your wig. When using for application on a lace wig, it is better to use the option without the ball tip (often called french hair pin).
Pack of hair pins small and large size from Metagrip (No ball tip)
I primarily use these 6 inch upholstery needles for styling on the block to hold large sections, I have found them to be much more sturdy than most of the “hat pins” . These do leave a bit of a bigger hole on your block, but the benefit is totally worth it in my opinion. If you are new to styling you may want to glue a bead on the dull end of the needle as a safety precaution! (my Dad’s suggestion, don’t want to accidentally poke yourself in the eye!)
Its difficult to find a sturdy 3” pin that doesnt bend on the block, these are the best I’ve found and come in a large quantity! Well worth the money as other 3” pins bend and end up having to be thrown away after one use.
Steamer
A steamer is one of my “cant live with out” tools and one of the first things you should invest in when learning to style synthetic wigs. Here is my favorite steamer for wig styling:
Styling Irons and Rollers
Curling Irons Organized by my most commonly used sizes. I recommend using a spring iron if you are new to styling.
Hot Tools 1 inch Curling Iron (spring)
Hot Tools 1 inch Curling Iron (marcel)
Hot Tools 3/4 inch Curling Iron (Spring)
Hot Tools 3/4 inch Curling Iron (Marcel)
Hot Tools 1/2 inch Curling Iron (spring)
I use this GHD platinum flat iron for MOST of my character styles, this specific iron works so well for creating the perfect shaped curl on heat resistant synthetic, giving the hair time to cool/set on the back of the iron as you rotate it. It is a higher price tag than the other irons I use, but it has been well worth the investment. I have had mine for 6 years and used it excessively for both styling hair behind the chair and wig work. I would say it is my primary heat styling tool.
Hot rollers can be a good option for more sensitive synthetic fibers that do not work well with irons. I have used this set and found it to be the best option as far as the selection of roller sizes and the consistency of the heat. However if you are setting the full head, it could require 3-4 sets of these rollers (maybe more) depending on size and placement of your rollers.
Wet set rollers are a great option for setting wigs from scratch. You can set your wig with these rollers while wet and reinforce your curl using a steamer, or a hairdryer with a bag over the head on low heat setting. Being that most of the character styles and base wigs I work on come pre-set I dont find myself needing to wet set very often. I prefer the spring and mesh rollers to get an even amount of tension. Whether using hot rollers or wet set rollers, I suggest using end papers to ensure a smooth even curl on the ends and prevent fish hooks. Choose your sizes based on your desired curl pattern.
Brushes and Combs
Scalpmaster Wire Brush ESSENTIAL FOR DETANGLING!
Spornette Big Wonder Brush ESSENTIAL FOR TEASING AND SMOOTHING!
Blue Pick Comb ESSENTIAL FOR SHAPING!
Fine Tooth Pin Tail ( made with carbon fiber: heat resistant) ESSENTIAL FOR SMOOTHING AND DETAILING
Mason Pearson Mixed Bristle Brush Great for brushing out curl sets, smoothing waves, controlling surface frizz on long hair. These brushes are an investment but they last forever, we call it “a blow out in a brush”
Cutting Tools
Synthetic hair can dull your cutting blades very quickly. I highly suggest using a haircutting shear for maximum control and detail. The shears below are a consumer friendly price, as most hair cutting shears for professionals can be hundreds if not thousands of dollars for cutting human hair. These scissors offer a professional quality that wont break the bank when you have to inevitably have them sharpened or replaced. As someone who cuts synthetic wigs every day, i replace mine about every 3 months or so. A feather razor is also a great tool to achieve a blended and soft finish on your ends. The feather razor can be very forgiving for someone who is new to haircutting and afraid to make “mistakes”. The blades do dull quickly on synthetic as well. I usually use up to 3 razor replacements on one wig.
Cricket Salon Xpressions 5.75” Scissor