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Heat friendly synthetic wigs and hair toppers (also called heat resistant, heat defiant or HD wigs) are made with a special synthetic fiber that can be styled with curling irons, flat irons and blow dryers at low temperatures. With the right care, a heat friendly wig keeps its softness, shine and style for many months. This guide covers how to wash, dry and heat style any heat friendly wig or topper, plus brand-specific tips for Jon Renau, Raquel Welch, Gabor and Belle Tress.

Heat Friendly Wig Care: Quick Answers

• How often should I wash a heat friendly wig? About every 6 to 8 wears, or sooner if you use a lot of styling product or wear it in hot weather.
• What temperature is safe? Most heat friendly fibers handle up to about 300°F to 350°F, depending on the brand. For everyday styling, stay lower, around 270°F to 280°F, to protect the fiber. Belle Tress recommends staying between 250°F and 300°F. Always check the product page for your wig's maximum.
• Can I blow dry it? Air drying gives the best results and protects the fiber. If you need to speed things up, use a cool or low setting and keep the dryer moving.
• Do I need a heat protectant? Yes. Use a thermal protectant spray made for heat friendly synthetic fiber every time you use a hot tool.
• What comb should I use? A wide tooth comb or your fingers. Brushes and fine-tooth combs can stretch and frizz the fiber.

How to Wash a Heat Friendly Wig or Topper

1. Gently remove tangles with a wide tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up.
2. Rinse the wig under cool running water, letting the water flow in the direction the hair falls.
3. Lather a small amount of shampoo made for synthetic fiber through the hair. Keep the hair moving in one direction and do not rub or scrub, which causes tangling.
4. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until the water runs clear.
5. Apply a synthetic conditioner or leave-in conditioning spray, keeping it away from the cap and base.
6. Wrap the wig in a towel and gently pat or press out excess water. Do not wring or twist it.

How to Dry a Heat Friendly Wig

• Place the wig on a wig stand or form and let it air dry completely. This is the gentlest option and gives the best results.
• Make sure the cap is completely dry before styling, wearing or storing the wig.
• If you blow dry, use a cool or low setting and a wide tooth comb, and avoid concentrating heat in one spot.

How to Heat Style a Heat Friendly Wig

Heat friendly fiber is set by heat and locked in place as it cools. Work in small sections, use a heat protectant, and always let each section cool completely before touching it.

Curling

1. Heat your curling iron to a low setting, around 270°F to 280°F.
2. Comb the hair free of tangles and start at the nape. Take ½ inch to 1½ inch sections; smaller sections make tighter curls.
3. Mist each section with heat protectant (1 to 2 pumps).
4. Wrap the section around the iron, staying 1 to 2 inches away from the cap, and hold for 10 to 15 seconds.
5. Release the curl into your palm and pin it up with a small clip until it cools completely, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the clips and gently separate the curls with your fingers.

Flat Ironing

1. Heat your flat iron to around 270°F to 280°F.
2. Starting at the nape, take ½ inch to 1½ inch sections and mist with heat protectant.
3. Staying 1 to 2 inches from the cap, glide the iron slowly down to the ends, following behind with a wide tooth comb.
4. Let the hair hang and cool completely before styling further.

Professional styling tools with digital temperature settings make it easier to stay within a safe range.

How to Fix Frizz on a Heat Friendly Wig

All synthetic fibers can frizz and tangle over time, especially at the nape and on longer styles. Correct frizz early to prevent permanent damage: use a detangling spray and wide tooth comb daily, smooth frizzy ends with a flat iron on low heat, or refresh the fiber with steam. See How to Steam a Heat-Friendly Wig or Hair Piece Safely. Belle Tress does not recommend steaming its fiber, so use a low-heat flat iron instead.

Tips to Make Your Heat Friendly Wig Last Longer

• Detangle daily with a detangling spray and a wide tooth comb, especially on mid-length and long styles.
• Use heat only when you need it, and always with a heat protectant.
• Avoid friction from scarves, collars, car seats and pillows, which causes frizz at the nape.
• Store your wig on a wig stand or in its hairnet, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Rotate between two wigs if you wear one daily, so each one lasts longer.

Brand-Specific Heat Friendly Wig Care

Each brand's heat friendly fiber is slightly different. Follow the guide for your brand for exact temperatures and recommended products.

Jon Renau HD (Heat Defiant) Wigs and Toppers

Jon Renau HD fiber can withstand heat tools up to 350°F, but Jon Renau recommends styling at 270°F to 280°F to preserve the fiber. Wash every 6 to 8 wears with Jon Renau Synthetic Shampoo and finish with Jon Renau Leave-In Conditioning Spray (3 to 5 pumps, away from the base). For daily detangling, use HD Smooth Detangling Spray with a wide tooth comb, focusing on the bottom half of the wig; HD Smooth also comes in a 2 oz. travel size. Before curling or flat ironing, apply Heat Treat Thermal Spray (1 to 2 pumps per section). To add texture and definition, work a small amount of Piece Out Contour Fiber Crème through the hair with your fingertips. Shop Jon Renau hair care products.

Raquel Welch and Gabor Tru2Life Wigs

Tru2Life fiber can be styled with heat tools up to 350°F. See the Wig Care and Styling Guide for Tru2Life Heat-Friendly Fibers.

Gabor Kanekalon Excelle Wigs

Kanekalon Excelle fiber can be styled on low to medium heat, up to 350°F. See the Kanekalon Excelle Wig Care Guide.

Belle Tress Heat Friendly Wigs

Belle Tress recommends styling between 250°F and 300°F and never exceeding 300°F. Do not use steamers on Belle Tress fiber. See the Belle Tress Wig Care Instructions and Styling Guide.

Recommended Products for Heat Friendly Wigs

You'll need a shampoo and conditioner made for synthetic fiber, a detangling spray, a heat protectant, a wide tooth comb and a wig stand. Shop wig care products for synthetic hair or browse all wig care products.

Heat Friendly Wig Care FAQ

What is the difference between a heat friendly wig and a regular synthetic wig?

Regular synthetic wigs hold their style permanently and should never be used with hot tools, because heat will melt or frizz the fiber. Heat friendly wigs use a fiber that can be restyled with low heat, so you can curl, straighten or change your look, though they may need a little more daily care.

Can I use a regular curling iron on a heat friendly wig?

Yes, as long as you can control the temperature. Tools with a digital temperature setting are best so you can stay around 270°F to 280°F and never go above your wig's maximum.

Why is my heat friendly wig frizzy at the ends?

Frizz is usually caused by friction against clothing and by heat damage. Detangle daily, reduce friction at the nape, and smooth frizz early with a low-heat flat iron or steam before it becomes permanent.

How long does a heat friendly wig last?

With regular wear and good care, most heat friendly wigs last about 4 to 6 months. Rotating between wigs and limiting heat styling can help yours last longer.

Can I wash a heat friendly wig with regular shampoo?

It's best not to. Regular shampoos can dry out synthetic fiber. Use a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for synthetic or heat friendly hair.

More Wig Care Guides

• Caring for Synthetic Wigs and Hair Toppers
• Caring for Human Hair Wigs and Hair Toppers
• How to Steam a Heat-Friendly Wig or Hair Piece Safely

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