So many women make these three mistakes when it comes to caring for their HD wig fibers. Not all wig fibers are created equally, and each must be cared for differently or else you’ll find your hair becomes frizzy, clumpy, and dry-looking quickly.
This post is a follow up to a recent video I did explaining the differences between traditional synthetic and HD (heat-defiant) fiber. This fiber is something called HF or “heat-friendly”, too.
Seen it already or prefer reading (the post has more details!)? Feel free to skip. ?
In the video’s description on YouTube, I promised more pics of the gorgeous Haute wig, by Jon Renau, as well as more detail on how to care for these delicate fibers.
Let’s dig in!
First, here’s a pic of Haute in color 12fs8. Such a cute, swingy style. She’d look really amazing with some beachy waves, don’t you think?
(If you want to see this color in person, I have this color available in the Top Wave topper, in the Hair Try-On Shop for CH&M private Community members.)
What is HD Fiber?
Heat-defiant—or HD—fiber is synthetic hair that is made to withstand heat. You can curl or wave this hair using heat up to 350 degrees.
My fave manufacturer, Jon Renau, recommends sticking around 280 degrees, however, you should be able to use heat tools up to 350 degrees.
Woohoo for styling options!
Any style you add into the hair with heat will remain until you use heat to again alter that style.
Love the waves you added to your HD topper or wig? Congrats—they’ll stay in place until you flat-iron the piece.
To me, HD fiber often feels much more like human hair to the touch versus traditional synthetic.
It also is a synthetic fiber that will not have that glaring shine that some synthetic fibers have right out of the box. #amen
Sounds great, what’s the catch?
While you still benefit from the ease of synthetic hair, it’s not *as easy* to care for and maintain as traditional synthetic fibers.
I’ve received TONS of emails from ladies who tell me the following:
“I just bought such-and-such wig, and it’s already frizzing on the ends!”
“I’ve only washed this topper once, and it’s already getting clumpy! What do I do?”
“Why is it that this wig gets matted at the neck throughout the day? This doesn’t happen with my other wigs!”
Have you experienced this?
If you have *traditional* synthetic hair, then definitely check out my post on reviving clumpy, frizzy synthetic hair. I promise, you won’t regret it. There’s a guide in that post that you’ll want to download. That care method is the best I’ve found to keep your traditional synthetics looking and feeling amazing for as long as possible…thus saving you precious moolah.
For HD hair, it’s a whole different ball game.
Mistake #1: Not using the right products for HD fiber
There are a handful of products you must use to keep your HD hair looking great.
If you take nothing else from this product list, please note that the second item listed here is the most important!
1) Synthetic shampoo & conditioner
2) Wide-tooth comb: This is SO important to use. HD fibers are more elastic than traditional fibers, so when combing they require gentleness (almost to the point of babying). If you purchase a Jon Renau HD wig or topper, they got you covered as they include a comb in every box. THIS IS A MUST-HAVE.
3) Jon Renau HD Smooth Detangler
4) Jon Renau Heat Treat Thermal Spray
All of these products can be purchased at Wigs by Patti’s Pearls, or maybe even at a local wig shop that carries the Jon Renau line. If purchasing from Patti’s, save 25% on anything Jon Renau with code: hopeandmane
Mistake #2: You don’t use leave-in…daily
You know how with traditional synthetics, how you can spray them with a leave-in a few times a week (in the beginning, sometimes not at all!), brush through, and you’re good to go?
Much like feeding your child dinner, you have to do this Every. Single. Day. with HD fibers, if you’re wearing her daily. (I know, I know, so annoying…the child part, not the wig-care part.)
Don’t make this mistake.
Every time you pop your topper or wig off you head, spray her down generously with HD Smooth Detangler and comb through with your wide-tooth comb.
This product is formulated so that it won’t build up, so don’t be afraid to use it liberally. It will help tremendously in keeping frizz at bay.
Mistake #3: You don’t use heat regularly
Wait, whatchu talkin’ about, Willis?
I know what you’re probably thinking: the less heat I use, the better, right?
Au contraire.
Not using heat is a big mistake.
With HD hair, you’ll need to use heat to keep it looking great…which completely contradicts what you should do with human hair.
So confusing!
After several wears, you might notice that the high-friction areas are starting to frizz or clump a bit. Usually, you’ll see this at the nape of you neck where the fibers brush against your skin, or on the ends where the hair hits your shoulders or clothing.
You’ll definitely notice this more often in the winter, when you are wearing bulky coats and sweaters and scarves.
If you need a quick fix for one or two small sections, you can spray a bit of Jon Renau Heat Treat to the affected areas, comb through, and run a flat-iron through it to smooth. Or, use your curling tool of choice to reset the wave or curl.
This can often buy you a few extra days before the hair needs a wash.
Before you wash your piece, your piece will benefit from a formal “styling session” with—you guessed it—heat. Yep, you read that right…you are doing this every time you wash the hair.
You might just need to do it in the nape area, or the entire piece might need a little TLC.
Spray the Jon Renau Heat Treat on a small section of hair and comb through. Use a flat-iron and work it down that section to smooth out any frizz and help to rejuvenate the fiber.
Repeat section by section until the hair looks brand-new (no frizz, no clumps, it’s smooth, etc.).
Important: You will do this even if the piece is WAVY or CURLY! It’s an added step, but you’ll get the greatest benefit if you flat-iron first, then add curl back in.
See what I mean when I say that caring for HD fiber is a whole different ball game??
Once you’ve applied heat to the hair and you are happy with how it looks, then you’ll wash, condition, and air dry it like usual.
It’s a process, but it’s the price we pay for having style flexibility.
So tell us, what has your experience been with heat-friendly fibers? Do you love or hate HD? Any tips you’d give to anyone with this fiber? Drop a comment and let us know. ⤵️⤵️
HI, can you use the silicon bambu mix for this type of toppers? MY top it is very dry in te tips only after 2 weeks…
You can! But heat is what is going to make the biggest difference with HD fiber.
I have RW Editors Pick. I wore her once and she still looks good. After reading this I am afraid to wear her. Will I have to flat iron out her curls and attempt to recreate them? It wouldn’t be so bad if it was Belle Tress Amaretto but Editors Pick ??? Is this what I will have to do? Or is that just a last resort if she gets clumpy and its either that or chunk her in the garbage?
Debra, I hate to break it to you, but you will probably need to do this over time. I know, it’s a pain.
As you may remember, I recently bought a 16″ heat friendly wavy wig. It’s been about two + weeks, and it’s loosing it’s wave. I see that you recommend flat ironing it before each washing, then adding the curl back in with a heating tool (I plan to use adjustable hot rollers). And THEN wash and air dry it….What would happen if before I washed it I just added more waves in without flat ironing it first? I’m just wondering if that flat iron step is written in stone somewhere, or it’s tried and true?
Also, am I understanding it correctly that every day when I put on my HF wig I should spray it detangler AND a leave-in conditioner? I want to make sure I do this right.
Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
See above, likely not written in stone but just recommended.
My new wavy HF wig is drooping already. I plan to recurl it with hot rollers. What would happen if I skipped the flat iron set before washing and air drying?
If you’re going to be putting it in roller anyways, I would just give it a try. If you find it doesn’t take as well as you like, you can always try again with the added step.
I have the BelleTress Top Wave in HD fiber and it feels clumpy even after one wear. (I’ve worn it maybe 5-6 times so far). It has waves so it’s tough fix them. I feel like I’m ruining the fiber each time I straighten and curl it again. Are there any regular synthetic lace frint toppers out there that you like that I might be missing?
Kim
Lace front is tricky and there aren’t many out there – hopefully the manufacturers will make more, soon!
KIM~MADEINADAY, I have the exact same one as you and am having the same problem. I have only had mine 2 weeks and have worn her about 8 times and even in that short of time she is in rough shape. I am following Lauren’s advice here tonight and hope to get more wear out of this piece. Unfortunately, I don’t think I have it in me to re-curl her, so hopefully I will like her straight. Live and learn, no more HD Fiber for me unless it is above shoulder length!
Denise
I am new to toppers and wigs. I have a wig that is 50/50 HD synthetic and human hair. It is a shorter style, but it feels stiff and looks too shiny. How do I care for it since it is a mixture?
I’d care for it as you would human. Using heat on it helps both human and HD synthetic to lay nice and flat and frizz-free. I’d just try not to use a lot of oils or anything on it.
Interesting. I’ve been wearing Jon Renau HD for 2.5 yrs now and rarely use heat, have never used the detangler, and just started using the wide tooth comb that now comes with each hair purchase. And my pieces last 9 months easy without frizz or clumping. Maybe because mine are shorter so no rubbing on clothes, etc. I’m thinking longer pieces are for sure higher maintenance.
I’ve been following your blogs for a while and actually use the shampoo and conditioner you recommended a while back, none of which are Jon Renau products. I attribute my success to your awesome advice and recommendations!
You are so right on the longer pieces…the less rubbing, the better!
Lsure, I have been trying the HD detangler and love it!
what a difference… I can see my HD pieces lasting me a good long time now. I also have the Thermal spray and am anxious to try it.
Thank you!!
Lauren, I don’t know what happened, I know I spelled your name correctly ?
That’s great Buslry. 🙂 JK. 😉
Thank you so much for all your advice. When I first got into toppers I knew nothing. I soaked up all the care tips and advice you gave, and I’m still learning from you! I have 3 HD pieces and I love the feel of the fiber and the styling versatility but I find that the ends (mine are 16”) get frizz and the only thing I’ve found that works to straighten the fiber and restore the smooth texture is steaming.
Thanks for the tip! Yes, agree that any type of heat is completely needed with HD. Catch ya on Instagram! 😉
Wow, Lauren! Thanks for all of this information! You look gorgeous as a blonde! ? I think the regular synthetic is what I’ll stick with. The HD fiber sounds like more work and time than I want to devote. I think the Haite is a perfect length for an HD wig though. It’s long enough to get the natural swing in the ends but short enough to not be rubbing on the shoulders causing friction and frizz.
Thanks for all these tips! I just ordered my first HD piece (Bon Bon by Belle Tress) and it has a deconstructed wave…that’s going to be tricky to maintain for sure! But as a former frizzhead with ever ykind of heat-styling tool out there, I accept the challenge!
Sounds like you are the woman for the job. 🙂 Let us know what you think of Bon Bon!
Well, Bon Bon was not for me! I returned it and got BT’s Amaretto instead – which I love. I want to make the waves more wavy, and when the JR Heat Treat gets here, I’ll report back.
I know, Haute is SUCH a great length.