Wigs are great in providing instant changes in hairstyles. From curly to wavy, from short to long, all these possibilities offered by wigs are there in order for one to make a different "you". But to those who have wigs with curls or waves and are very much curious about it, "Can you straighten a wig?" Well, in fact, it depends on what kind of wig you have.
This should, however, be noted: wigs can be straightened, but there is a correct procedure to follow so as not to damage the fibre. The article critically looks at what kind of wigs can be straightened, either synthetic or human hair wigs; the methods one can use, and how he or she should go about it without causing any damage.
Can You Straighten a Wig?
Yes, you can straighten a wig, but of course, that depends on if your wig is made from human hair or synthetic fibers. Human hair wigs can generally take the heat, while the synthetic ones require extra care not to develop any kind of damage. Further, we are going to discuss how to straighten both kinds of wigs.
Straightening Human Hair Wigs
Human hair wigs, of course, are the closest to natural hair, being versatile and durable. If you wear a human hair wig, then you can straighten that thing pretty much much like your own hair. The steps below will show how to safely do this:
1. Check for Heat Tolerance
First of all, it would be necessary to figure out whether the human hair wig is able to handle the heat of such styling appliances or not in advance. Most high-quality human hair wigs can take high temperatures from flat irons and blow dryers, but one should always make a point to consult the product label or talk to the manufacturer.
2. Wash and Condition the Wig
Just like your own hair, a human hair wig should be prepared first before heat styling. You could begin by washing the wig with a mild shampoo and continuing to condition the fibers with a moisturizing conditioner. Allow the wig to air-dry completely; straightening wet hair may cause damage with a flat iron.
3. Use Heat Protectant
There should be a heat protectant spray or serum for wigs with hot tools in use. These types of products create some kind of protective barrier between the hair and the heat to prevent damage from occurring to the hair, like split ends or dry and brittle fibers. In fact, even for human hair wigs, if not well cared for, all these can happen and may weaken the strands eventually.
4. Use a Flat Iron
Now that the wig is clean, dried, and protected, you can straighten it with a flat iron. Place your flat iron at a low or medium heat setting; ideally, this shall be between 250-300°F. Work in small sections, passing the iron from the root to the end slowly. Be careful not to hold it in one place too long because it can burn or damage the hair.
5. Style as Desired
Afterwards, you can either leave the wig as is or style it. You also can style a human hair wig like any other natural hair, adding more layers, volume, or waves after straightening if you feel like doing so.
Straightening Synthetic Wigs
The process for straightening a synthetic wig is quite different from one made of human hair. Most synthetic wigs are not designed to handle heat, so you really have to be careful. Some synthetic wigs are described as "heat-resistant" or "heat-friendly," which means they can take lower heats for straightening.
1. Verify If the Wig Is Heat Friendly
First of all, check whether your artificial wig is heat-resistant. Those artificial wigs that are not suitable to bear high temperatures may get melted or grossly damaged when exposed to it. In case your wig is not heat-friendly, then the use of a flat iron is best avoided, and other methods should be tried to straighten it.
2. Use Low Heat
If your synthetic wig is heat-resistant, set your flat iron or blow dryer to the lowest possible heat setting. Synthetic fibers are more fragile than human hair and, with too much heat, can easily cause permanent misshapen texture.
3. Straightening with Steam
Another less damaging way to straighten synthetic wigs is through steam straightening. Rather than using direct heat, the steam would relax the fibers and smoothen it without running the risk of melting the wig. You can use either a handheld steamer or a steam flat iron for this method.
Steaming to Straighten: Using low steam, place the wig onto a wig stand. Lightly steam the sections that you would like to straighten. Immediately after steaming, take a fine-tooth comb and smooth the fibers while warm. This is a little bit gentler because of the quality of the synthetic fibers.
4. Avoid Too Much Heating
Even heat-friendly synthetic wigs should not remain on very high heat for extended amounts of time. Keep it on lower temperatures and do not hold the flat iron in one spot. Always move the iron continuously, keeping a watchful eye out to make sure you aren't burning the texture of the fibers.
5. Allow the Wig to Cool
Once you have straightened your synthetic wig, let it cool down before styling or wearing it. Synthetic fibers take quite a while to set once exposed to heat, so try not to touch or style the wig until it has fully cooled.
How to Maintain a Straightened Wig Whether it be a human hair or synthetic hair wig, after straightening it is now time to maintain your wig in good condition and appearance. 
Here are a few tips to keep your wig great after heat styling:
Avoid Over-Usage of Heating: As much as straightening can give an amazing look to your wig, try not to overuse the heating appliances. Too much heat can result in weakened fibers that could eventually reduce the life span of your wig.
Wig Stand: Immediately after wearing, it is advisable to set it on a wig stand to hold its shape and not tangle. Proper storage of wigs also allows for ventilation and prevents accumulation of sweat or oils.
Moisturize: Human hair wigs need wig-safe oil or serum products that will keep the hair in a moist and shiny state. This prevents dryness and breakage after heat styling.
Conclusion
So, is it possible to straighten a wig? Yes, it is! But the method you use will be different for a human hair wig and one made of synthetic fibers. Human hair wigs can withstand heat so easily, while synthetic wigs are a bit different and fragile, requiring special maintenance, and not all of them heat-resistant.
Always use low temperature and heat protectors, and follow the right technique for your wig's good condition. But with the right ways of doing things, that sleek, straight outlook is yours to wear, without compromising on the quality of your wig.