Can you use a hair dryer or hot air brush on a wig?

Know your wig fibre

The label, packaging or seller's description should say which fibre the wig is. Heat-friendly synthetics are usually labelled as heat resistant with a maximum temperature. If you are unsure, treat the wig as standard synthetic and avoid heat.

Human hair wigs

Human hair wigs behave much like your own hair, with one big difference: they do not get natural oils from a scalp, so they dry out more easily. Use a heat protectant, keep to low or medium heat and avoid repeated passes on the same section.

Dry the wig on a wig stand or a canvas block head, which holds it in shape and lets you work in sections. A dryer with a concentrator and a round brush gives a smooth blow-dry; a hot air brush makes this easier one-handed. Our hot air brush how-to and guide to getting volume apply to human hair wigs too.

Heat-friendly synthetic wigs

Heat-friendly fibres are designed to accept some heat styling, but only up to the temperature the manufacturer states. Above that, fibres can frizz, kink or melt. A hair dryer's air temperature varies with the setting and distance, so stay on the lowest heat, keep the dryer moving and test on a hidden section first.

Hot air brushes and air stylers can work at low settings, but the heat is concentrated as the brush holds the fibre. Many wig wearers use them only on cool or the lowest heat. Dryers that state a maximum temperature on their listing make this easier to judge; the Dyson Supersonic listing in our guides states a 100 °C maximum, for example, but check that against your wig's limit.

Standard synthetic wigs

Standard synthetic fibres are not designed for heat. Even warm air from a hair dryer can change their texture, causing frizz or a permanent kink. Air-dry them on a wig stand after washing, away from radiators and direct sun. If you need to speed things up, use the cool setting only, held well away from the fibre.

The good news is that synthetic wigs usually keep their style after washing, so they often need no styling at all. Shake gently and let them dry in shape.

Note:Synthetic fibres can melt and stick to hot surfaces. Never use high heat, curling tongs or straighteners on a wig unless the maker says the fibre can take it, and keep heat away from lace and adhesive areas.

Step by step: drying a wig with a hair dryer

A dryer with fine-grained heat steps and a reliable cool setting is the most useful for wigs. Our guides to hair dryers for fine hair and lightweight hair dryers include models with low heat steps and gentle air attachments.

1. 1

   Check the fibre and the maker's care instructions.

2. 2

   Blot excess water with a towel; do not wring or rub.

3. 3

   Place the wig on a stand or block head and secure it.

4. 4

   Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends.

5. 5

   Choose the cool setting for synthetic, low to medium heat for human hair.

6. 6

   Dry from a distance, moving constantly, nozzle pointing down the hair.

7. 7

   Finish with the cool shot and let the wig cool before wearing or storing it.

Your own hair under a wig

If you wear a wig over your own hair, dry your own hair fully before putting the wig on, as damp hair trapped under a cap can become matted and uncomfortable. A gentle dryer with a low heat setting helps if your own hair is fine or fragile. See does a hair dryer damage hair for gentle drying tips.

If you wear a wig because of hair loss, a GP or dermatologist can advise on scalp care. This guide covers drying and styling only.

Frequently asked questions

Can you blow-dry a synthetic wig? Only on the cool setting unless it is a heat-friendly fibre, in which case use low heat within the maker's stated limit.

Can I use a Dyson Airwrap on a wig? On human hair wigs, yes, at low to medium settings. On heat-friendly synthetic, only within the stated temperature limit and after a test. Not on standard synthetic.

How do I know if my wig is heat resistant? Check the label or the seller's description for 'heat friendly' or 'heat resistant' and a maximum temperature. If it is not stated, assume it is not.

Can I use a diffuser on a curly wig? On human hair and heat-friendly fibres at low heat, a diffuser can help keep curl pattern. On standard synthetic, air-dry instead.