How to highlight wig at home?

From experimenting with different hair colors to achieving varying lengths and textures, wigs have truly revolutionized the way we express ourselves through our hair. Among the myriad of creative options available, wig highlighting stands out as a popular technique that adds depth and dimension to your artificial locks. While visiting a salon for this purpose might seem like the most obvious choice, learning how to highlight a wig at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective endeavor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of achieving professional-looking highlights for your wig without ever leaving your house.

Wig materials and types.

Before delving into the art of highlighting wigs, it’s essential to understand the types of wigs and the materials they are made from. Wigs can be crafted from natural human hair, synthetic hair, or a blend of both. The type of hair will influence the highlighting process and the products you should use.

1. Human hair wigs:

Wigs made from human hair offer the most realistic appearance and can be treated similarly to natural hair. This makes them ideal candidates for highlighting. Human hair wigs can withstand higher temperatures and are more responsive to coloring products.

2. Synthetic wigs:

Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are made from artificial fibers that cannot handle high heat. While some synthetic wigs are labeled as heat-resistant, caution should be exercised when using heated tools. Highlighting synthetic wigs requires a gentler approach and specialized products.

Essential tools and materials.

Before you start the highlighting process, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth experience and optimal results. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

Wig: Choose a wig suitable for highlighting, keeping in mind its type (human hair or synthetic) and condition.

Highlighting kit: Opt for a highlighting kit designed for wigs. These kits often include the necessary tools, such as a highlighting brush and mixing bowl, along with the coloring products.

Gloves: Disposable gloves will protect your hands from the coloring products.

Aluminum foil: If you’re planning to use the foil technique for highlights, have a roll of aluminum foil on hand.

Wide-tooth comb: This will help you detangle the wig and distribute the color evenly.

Clips: Hair clips will assist in sectioning the wig for a more organized coloring process.

Protective clothing: Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or stained, as the highlighting process can be messy.

Old towels or cloth: Place these around your workspace to catch any drips or spills.

Hair ties or hair clips: Use these to secure the wig on a wig stand or mannequin head.

Step-by-step guide to highlighting your wig.

Now that you have your tools and materials ready, it’s time to dive into the actual process of highlighting your wig. Follow these steps for a successful and satisfying outcome:

Step 1: Prepare your workspace:

Set up your workspace in a well-lit and well-ventilated area. Lay down old towels or cloth to protect your surfaces from any spills. Wear your protective clothing and gloves to keep your skin and clothes clean.

Step 2: Detangle the wig:

Before applying any color, gently detangle the wig using a wide-tooth comb. This will ensure an even application and help prevent any unwanted color buildup in tangled areas.

Step 3: Section the wig:

Clip the wig onto a wig stand or mannequin head. Divide the wig into sections using hair ties or clips. This will help you apply the color systematically and prevent any confusion.

Step 4: Mix the color:

Follow the instructions on the highlighting kit to mix the color. If your kit includes a highlighting brush and mixing bowl, use them to create the color mixture. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a consistent color.

Step 5: Apply the color:

Using your highlighting brush, start applying the color to the selected sections of the wig. If you’re using the foil technique, place a strip of aluminum foil underneath the section you’re working on and apply the color to the hair strands, ensuring you saturate them evenly.

Step 6: Wrap in foil (Optional):

For a more defined highlight, wrap the colored strands in aluminum foil. This technique helps intensify the color by creating heat, allowing the color to process faster. Repeat this process for all the highlighted sections.

Step 7: Monitor processing time:

Each highlighting kit will have a recommended processing time. Be sure to monitor the time to avoid over-processing, which can lead to unwanted damage or color results.

Step 8: Rinse and shampoo:

Once the processing time is complete, rinse the colored sections thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain the vibrancy of the highlights.

Step 9: Dry and style:

Gently pat the wig dry with a clean towel and allow it to air dry. Avoid using heat styling tools on synthetic wigs to prevent damage. For human hair wigs, you can use heat styling tools as desired.

Caring for your highlighted wig.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully highlighted your wig at home! To ensure the longevity and vibrancy of your highlights, here are some essential care tips:

Use color-safe products: When washing your wig, use products specifically designed for colored hair to prevent fading.

Avoid sun exposure: Direct sunlight can cause color fading, so store your wig in a cool and dry place away from excessive sunlight.

Brush carefully: Gently detangle your wig with a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush designed for your wig’s material.

Minimize heat styling: If you’re working with a synthetic wig, avoid heat styling tools. For human hair wigs, use heat protectants and avoid excessive heat to maintain the color’s vibrancy.

Protect during sleep: When not wearing your wig, store it on a wig stand or mannequin head to maintain its shape and prevent tangling.

Professional maintenance: If you’re uncertain about any wig care step or need a color touch-up, consider seeking the assistance of a professional wig stylist.

When can I wash my wig after I highlight my wig?

After highlighting your wig, it’s important to give the color time to set and ensure that the hair fibers remain in good condition before washing. The timing for washing your wig after highlighting depends on several factors, including the type of color products used, the wig’s material (human hair or synthetic), and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here’s a general guideline to follow:

1. Wait at least 24 to 48 Hours:

It’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after highlighting your wig before washing it. This waiting period allows the color to fully develop and set in the hair fibers. Washing too soon after coloring might cause the color to fade prematurely.

2. Check the highlighting kit instructions:

The highlighting kit you used might include specific recommendations for when you can wash your wig after coloring. Some kits might advise waiting a certain amount of time before shampooing to ensure optimal color retention.

3. Consider the wig material:

The material of your wig—whether it’s human hair or synthetic—can affect the washing timeline.

Human hair wigs: Human hair wigs can generally be treated similarly to natural hair. Waiting 24 to 48 hours before washing is still a good rule of thumb, but you can also consider the condition of the wig. If the wig doesn’t feel overly dry or damaged from the highlighting process, you might be able to wash it sooner.

Synthetic wigs: Synthetic wigs are more delicate and sensitive to heat and chemical treatments. Waiting a full 48 hours before washing is often recommended to avoid damaging the synthetic fibers.

4. Use color-safe products:

When you do decide to wash your wig, make sure to use color-safe shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for colored hair. These products help maintain the vibrancy of the highlights and prevent premature fading.

5. Be gentle during washing:

Whether you’re washing a human hair wig or a synthetic wig, be gentle during the washing process. Use lukewarm water and avoid excessive scrubbing or agitation. Gently work the shampoo through the hair and rinse thoroughly.

6. Post-wash care:

After washing your wig, gently pat it dry with a towel and allow it to air dry. Avoid using heat styling tools on synthetic wigs and use heat protectants on human hair wigs if you plan to style them with heat.

You can always try the highlight wig.

When it comes to achieving that stunning highlighted wig look, you can always trust StarShow Hair to deliver exceptional quality and style. With their range of premium human hair wigs, you have the perfect canvas to experiment with different highlighting techniques. Whether you’re aiming for subtle sun-kissed strands or bold, vibrant highlights, StarShow Hair’s wigs provide the versatility and durability needed to bring your vision to life. Their commitment to using top-quality hair ensures that your highlighted wig not only looks amazing but also maintains its brilliance wash after wash. So, if you’re ready to elevate your style game and create a head-turning highlight wig, StarShow Hair is your ultimate partner on this exciting journey of self-expression and beauty.

Summary up.

Highlighting a wig at home can be an exciting and rewarding venture that allows you to personalize your style with creative flair. Armed with the right tools, materials, and knowledge, you can achieve stunning highlights that rival those of a salon. Remember to choose the appropriate wig type and products for the best results, and follow the step-by-step guide to ensure a successful highlighting experience. With care and attention, your highlighted wig will be a striking accessory that adds depth and dimension to your overall look, all achieved from the comfort of your own home.