Tips for Wearing Wigs in Hot Weather
Summertime is here! The warm weather means lots of outdoor activities—barbecues and beach days, patio dining and weekends on the boat. For many people, it’s their favorite time of year, but for women who wear wigs…well, it can be a little anxiety-inducing. Adding that extra layer to your sensitive scalp can be hot, sweaty, itchy, and just downright uncomfortable. And on top of all that, if you don’t take the proper precautions, all that sun and sweat could end up doing damage to your faux tresses.
We don’t mean to scare you, though…if you know how to take care of your wigs and hairpieces, the summer season is nothing to fear! We’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help make the next few months as easy as a summer breeze.
- Choose wisely. Your summer will go so much more smoothly (and comfortably) if you start off on the right foot. If you’re ever going to invest in a wig with higher-quality material and cap construction, now’s the time. Look for wigs made with sheerer, more breathable cap fabric, or consider switching to a capless (or wefted) wig. They may cost more than your everyday, run-of-the mill wig, but they pay off in dividends when it comes to your comfort. Your scalp will stay cooler, and the finer materials will help reduce irritation.
- Line those puppies. While you’re at it, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a breathable, no-sweat wig liner. They’ll help you stay cooler and will reduce damage to your wig caused by perspiration.
- Cover up. A big, floppy, summertime hat never goes out of style! And a good thing, too, as sunlight is the most common cause of damage—both to wigs and natural hair. Those warm rays we love so much cause your strands to fade, dry out, and become brittle. The most effective way to avoid this is to cover it up. This not only keeps the sun off of your head but it also keeps you cooler and keeps your delicate skin protected from the sun, too.
- Lather up. What happens in the summer months? You sweat. You slather yourself with sunscreen and bug spray and any other manner products that make it safer and more comfortable to be out in nature. But all these oily, sticky substances attract dirt and grime, which tend to make their way into your wigs, as well. Your ‘do will start looking awfully dull and worn and, if not taken care of, can lead to icky scalp infections. It’s important to give your wigs a good rub-a-dub-dub every 4-5 wears in the summer—possibly slightly more if you’re particularly active or spend a lot of time outdoors—to keep them looking fresh and to help them breathe better. Be sure to use a gentle touch and only products specially formulated for wigs, and consider looking for products that have UV protection, as well. After you’ve given your locks a gentle scrub with those wig-friendly shampoos, be sure to apply a wig-friendly leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray. This is especially important for human hair wigs, as heat and light break down the keratin that keeps hair looking shiny and healthy.
- Switch up your style. Human hair wigs may look the most natural, but they also tend to be rather heavy and warm. Switching to a synthetic wig—which is much lighter, cooler, and easier to style in the warm months—will keep you more comfortable and confident. Summer is also a great time to try out shorter styles and lighter colors to keep the heat away. If you just have to rock the long beach waves, make sure to have a versatile one for updos when the heat is just too much.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll keep your wig looking fresh and healthy all season long. From all of us at Envy, jump into July and have a wonderful summer!
