What is a Heat Resistant Wig?

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 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 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,we have a selection of heat friendly wigs but there are over 1,000 options of traditional synthetic hair. There are also limited options available in extended sizes, like large 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. 

See the next blog on Heat-Resistant Wigs: FAQs...