A Guide on How to Straighten a Wig Safely

When you buy a wig, you’re looking for versatility—something that lets you switch up your style whenever you feel like it. But here’s the thing: not all wigs are made for heat styling. Synthetic wigs, for example, typically can’t handle hot tools. Even if they’re labeled as “heat-resistant,” there’s usually a limit to how much heat they can take before you risk damaging the fibers. 

That’s why human hair wigs are such a great investment. They allow you to straighten, curl, or style them much like your natural hair. But even with human hair wigs, there’s a right and a wrong way to straighten them. In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the simplest, safest way to get that chic, straight look without compromising the quality of your wig. Read on to learn the best techniques on how to straighten a wig. 

Can You Straighten a Wig?

The short answer is yes, you can straighten a human hair wig. Human hair wigs are made to handle heat styling, giving you plenty of options to customize your look. But to get the best results and keep your piece in good condition, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. 

First, it’s important that you clean your wig with a gentle, wig-friendly shampoo and conditioner. This removes any product buildup and creates a fresh base for styling. After washing, carefully detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush to avoid pulling or breaking strands.

Another important factor is to always apply a heat protectant to your wig before using any heat tools. This is the most important step for safeguarding the hair from damage caused by high temperatures. For added smoothness and hydration, you can also apply a lightweight serum or styling lotion, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends.

How to Straighten Wig Hair in 3 Ways

Now that your wig is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to get into how do you straighten a wig. High-quality human hair wigs give you many options, and there are several safe methods to get a straight style, depending on your tools and preferences. Here are three reliable ways to get the job done.

1. Blow Dryer

Using a blow dryer is perfect for straightening your wig while keeping some volume. Milano’s Volumizing & Smoothing Hot Air Brush is a great tool for this since it’s designed specifically for human hair wigs and works to smooth and style at the same time.

The steps are pretty simple: start by setting your wig on a stand so it’s stable. Spray a heat protectant evenly throughout the hair to guard against damage. Then, section the hair into smaller, manageable pieces and use the hot air brush or blow dryer and a round brush as you normally would with natural hair. Always start at the roots, brushing down to the ends in a gentle, steady motion. Repeat this for each section until the hair is straight and smooth. 

Straightening a medium-length wig with a blow dryer or hot brush usually can usually be done in about 10 minutes or less,, even if you don’t have a ton of experience. 

2. Flat Iron

A flat iron is your go-to if you want a more polished, super straight look. Just be careful with the heat setting—always use the lowest temperature that gets the job done. Even with human hair, high heat can cause unnecessary damage.

To use a flat iron, secure your wig on a stand and spray it with a heat protectant. Divide the hair into small sections and work on one piece at a time. Starting at the roots, gently glide the flat iron down to the ends in one smooth motion. Don’t hold the iron in one spot for too long to avoid overheating the hair. Depending on the length and thickness of your wig, straightening it with a flat iron usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

3. Steam 

Customers always ask us, can I straighten a wig with steam? And the answer is yes. Steam is actually a gentler option if you want to straighten your wig without using direct heat. 

To use steam, set your wig on a stand and divide the hair into sections. Hold a handheld steamer a few inches away from the strands, letting the steam gently soften the hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to guide each section into place, smoothing it out as you go. 

This method takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you’ll need a handheld steamer, a wide-tooth comb, and a wig stand. We recommend it if you frequently straighten your wig to maintain its longevity and shine. 

Experience Effortless Style and Care with Milano Wigs

Straightening your wig takes a little time and care, but the results are worth it. Whether you use a blow dryer, flat iron, or steamer, it's important to prepare the wig properly and take it slow to protect the hair. Rushing the process can lead to damage, but when you do it right, you’ll get a natural, pin-straight look that lasts.