Heat resistant wigs are, quite simply, wigs that won’t melt under high heat. Ladies or gents who prefer styling their hair to their heart’s content will thrive with a heat-resistant wig, while people who prefer to finger-comb on their way out the door probably don’t need to deal with the extra fuss.
When choosing a wig, you generally can pick between synthetic, heat resistant, or human hair. Heat resistant wigs, which we’ll be covering in this article, are made of synthetic hair but are heartier than your typical synthetic wigs, built specifically for those of us who like to crimp, curl or straighten, depending on the occasion.
Read on to discover the pros and cons of heat resistant wigs, along with care tips and FAQs.
What is a Heat Resistant Wig?
Heat-resistant wigs, also known as heat-friendly, heat-styleable, or heat-defiant (HD) wigs, are wigs made from synthetic fibers that can withstand heat up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit. While traditional synthetic fibers singe and melt under high heat, heat-resistant fibers are specially made to allow for heat styling with curling wands, straightening irons, and other heated tools. This type of hair comes with lots of advantages, as well as its fair share of drawbacks.
Heat-Resistant Wigs: What are the Pros?
Styling Versatility
The most obvious advantage of heat friendly wigs is the ability to heat style these beauties! The ability to use heat styling products on your wig allows you to create limitless looks from chic straight locks to laid-back waves to romantic curls. The world is your oyster!
Style Memory
Just like traditional synthetic hair, heat-friendly hair has style memory. Once your heat-resistant wig has been heat styled it will "remember" this style until the next time it is styled with heat. For example, if you use a curling iron to curl your wig, it will stay curled until the next time it is styled (even if you wash it!). This is a huge time saver that makes styling and maintaining a heat-friendly wig feel simple.
Natural Look and Feel
Individual strands of heat-resistant fibers are typically slightly thinner than traditional synthetic hair. This can help to create a more natural appearance.
Price
Heat-resistant wigs are usually in the same price range as standard synthetic hair wigs, making them an affordable option. Certain heat-friendly wigs can be purchased for as low as $100.
Heat-Resistant Wigs: What are the Cons?
Prone to Frizz and Tangles
Heat-friendly hair reacts more to friction than standard synthetic hair. This means it is more prone to frizzing, matting, and tangles, which can create a messy look. The frizz can be corrected by using heat on your wig via a heat styling tool or a steamer. A wig-safe conditioner will also help with this issue.
Shorter Lifespan
The double-edged sword of heat-friendly synthetic hair: the fibers need heat to look and feel their best, but using heat damages the fibers over time. The fibers are also slightly more finicky than regular synthetic hair. For this reason, heat-friendly synthetic wigs have a shorter lifespan than traditional synthetic wigs. With proper care, heat-resistant wigs will last 3-4 months with everyday wear, compared to standard synthetic hair wigs which last up to 6 months.
Higher Maintenance
Heat-friendly wigs must be heat-styled periodically, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, styling heat-friendly hair can be more challenging than styling human hair.
Less Options
Because less wigs are made in heat-resistant fibers, choosing to buy a heat-resistant wig will significantly limit your options. For example, headcovers.com has a selection of around 300 heat-friendly wigs, but over 1000 options available in traditional synthetic hair. There are also limited options available in extended sizes, like large wigs and petite wigs. If you need a wig in an extended size or have a very specific style in mind, you may be better off going for a traditional synthetic wig if you find the heat-friendly options too limiting.
Are Heat-Resistant Wigs Right for Me?
Consider Practicality
While the idea of being able to change up your wig style with heat is enticing, it is important to consider how heat styling your wig will fit into your lifestyle. This benefit can quickly become a chore if you don't like styling your hair. This is especially true if you have lost your hair due to chemotherapy and are dealing with other chemotherapy side effects. If you love changing up your hairstyle multiple times a week or month, try a heat-friendly wig. If you typically style your hair in the same way everyday (always curly, always straight, etc.) or simply don't like styling your hair, stick to a regular synthetic wig.
Toppers and Hairpieces
Shopping for a topper is a whole different ballgame, but heat-resistant hair can be a game changer. The ability to heat-style your topper with your natural hair helps to create a seamlessly blended look. If you don't want to commit to the investment and maintenance of a human hair topper, a heat-friendly topper is an excellent option.
Heat-Resistant Wigs: FAQs
What is the lifespan of heat-resistant wigs?
The average lifespan for heat-friendly wigs is around 3 months with everyday wear. However, the less often you wear your wig, the longer it will last. Extend the lifespan of your heat-resistant wig by taking "breaks" from wearing your wig. For example, if the only thing on your schedule is going to the grocery store and binging your favorite TV show, leave your wig on the stand and wear a Slouchy Snood Beanie or Slip On Slinky Scarf instead. The lifespan of your wig can also be maximized with proper wig care. Click here to learn more about proper wig care.
Do I have to use heat on my heat-resistant wig?
Yes, you do have to use heat on heat-friendly wigs from time to time to keep them looking their best. This type of fiber is prone to frizzing and developing a coarse look and feel due to friction. Heat friendly hair basically reacts to friction in the same way curling ribbon reacts to scissors. The friction created by your heat-friendly synthetic hair rubbing against the back of your shirt, for instance, will cause the individual hair strands to "curl up."
This results in a wiry appearance and matting overtime. Thankfully, this issue can be corrected by applying heat to the fibers. Heat must be applied to the wig to prevent and correct a rough appearance and tangly texture.
How much heat should I use?
There is such a thing as too much heat. While heat-friendly fibers typically tout a maximum heat limit of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the lower the heat the better. We recommend styling at temperatures of no hotter than 280 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe. You run the risk of burning your wig when you use higher temperatures. When styling your heat-resistant wig, its best to start a low temperature and gradually raise the heat up to 280 degrees as needed to get the desired style. Invest in heat styling tools with a digital temperature display so you how hot your iron is.
What kind of products should I use on my heat-resistant wig?
Any shampoo, conditioner, or styling product designed for synthetic hair fibers is safe to use on heat-friendly synthetic hair. You can shop wig-safe products here.
Heat-friendly wigs aren't for everyone, but they're an amazing option for those who love changing up their hairstyle or want to integrate their topper with their own hair. What is your experience with heat-resistant wigs? Do you have any tips about heat-friendly fibers? Let us know in the comments below!
You can shop our full selection of heat-resistant wigs here.