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Education & Learning

How to Wear a Wig in Hot Weather: The Complete Guide

We all know that the summer heat can be overwhelming and even unbearable, especially when you wear a wig. While it’s a great way to change your look and help conceal hair loss, the weather may feel “too hot” for wigs. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to keep your head cool and comfortable when the temperatures rise. Join us as we discuss how to wear a wig in hot weather by finding the right cap construction, hair fiber, and accessories, so you can enjoy this season in comfort. 

Guide Sections:

Style Suggestions

Accessories

Wig Care

FAQS

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Which Wigs Are Better for Hot Weather

Wearing a wig in the hot summer months can seem daunting. It’s important to explore your options to find the perfect wig that suits your taste and lifestyle. The key lies in selecting the appropriate cap construction, hair fiber, and length to ensure a pleasant wig-wearing experience.

Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic hair wigs are perfect for getting the style that lasts. The fibers are lightweight, making them ideal for hot weather. Another advantage is that they retain their shape and hold the hairstyle, regardless of humidity or rain. Synthetic fibers have “style memory,” which means they bounce back to their original style, despite being exposed to hot weather or a damp environment. 

Basic Cap Wigs

If you want to stay cool while wearing a wig, find one with a basic cap construction. Basic cap or “capless” wigs are made with a thin elastic material for a lightweight feel. The hair is sewn in sections called wefts. Since they feel less dense and create more open space, wefts allow air to flow directly to your scalp to maximize breathability. 

Please Note: If you want a more natural appearance, look for a basic cap wig with a lace front and monofilament. These features will give you more styling options and create a realistic look.

Short Wigs

When the weather gets warm, wearing short wigs or hairstyles will help you stay cool. Short haircuts, like pixies and bobs, are less likely to stick to your face and neck. As an added bonus, short wigs require minimal styling. The ultimate shake-and-go wig!

Please Note: Since short wigs tend to expose more of your neck and shoulders, remember to protect your skin from the sun with sunblock or clothing if you’re going to spend time outdoors.

Long Wigs

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Long wigs can potentially lead to discomfort since they trap more heat and stick to your face and neck. However, if the idea of parting with your long locks fills you with dread, never fear! Like with bio hair, you can style your wig to keep the hair off your face and help you stay cool. Experiment with low ponytails, braids, and buns to help keep you cool and comfortable. 

Colors Play a Factor

Another aspect to consider when deciding to wear a wig in hot weather is the color. For example, darker colors, such as black, absorb much heat while lighter colors, like white, reflect all the light, instead of absorbing the heat. Similarly, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet absorb less heat in that order. If bold colors aren’t your style, you can wear a shade of blonde and brown, too. 

What Accessories Can Help Keep Your Head Cool?

Headline It - No Sweat Liner | 10 per Pack PPC MAIN IMAGE FB MAIN IMAGE
Remove the adhesive strip and apply the tan colored side to your wig, the soft blue material will touch your head and scalp.
Headline IT's are great for all wigs to absorb sweat.
Stop sweat from rolling into your eyes
For more protection use 2 liners.
Its easy to apply!
Provide the ultimate comfort and security
Each package consists of 10 disposable sweat elimination liners.
Headline It - Best of NEW Health Product 2007 -2008

No Sweat Liner

$26.95
$26.95
Secure Softie Wig Liner by Jon Reanu in BEIGE PPC MAIN IMAGE FB MAIN IMAGE
Secure Softie Wig Liner by Jon Reanu in BEIGE
Secure Softie Wig Liner by Jon Reanu in BEIGE
BEIGE

Secure Softie Wig Liner Average

$20.00
$20.00
Sure Grip by BeautiMark PPC MAIN IMAGE FB MAIN IMAGE
Sure Grip | Cushion and Comfort
Securing and reliable fit
BeautiMark | Sure Grip

Sure Grip

$14.95
$14.95

Wig Liners

Wig caps are a great way to protect your scalp from your wig and also help keep your hair tucked up. However, they can be a little hot to wear, especially during the summer months. Fortunately, there are some alternatives you can try to help keep your head cool. 

No Sweat Liners by Headline It 

What’s great about wig liners is that they not only protect your head from your wig but can also help keep you cool. For example, if you want to prevent “sweaty head,” check out Headline It’s No Sweat Liners. They are designed to absorb and wick away sweat. And they are not just limited to summer months. You can also wear them to the gym or workouts.

Secure Softie by Jon Renau

If you need a little more protection, check out Jon Renau’s Secure Softie. This wig liner is made with bamboo viscose. Not only is the material super soft but it’s also breathable. Perfect for sensitive scalps! 

Sure Grip

If you have a sensitive scalp but don’t want to wear a wig cap or liner, check out Beautimark’s Sure Grip. This wig grip not only helps keep your wig in place but also prevents pressure that may be caused by your wig. What’s amazing about the Sure Grip is that you can stick it in the freezer and wear it under your wig to help stay cool.  

Hair Accessories

You can also use hair accessories to your advantage. Not only do they help elevate your look but they also protect you from the extra heat. For example, adding a headband or a hair clip can help get the hair out of your face and improve your style. You can also use barrettes or sunglasses to help keep your forehead cool and prevent the hair from sticking to your face. 

Hats, Head Covers & Halo Wigs

If you decide not to wear a wig in hot weather, there are a couple alternatives to protecting your head. You can wear hats and head covers to keep the sun off your scalp. If you like the feeling of hair, but don’t like the discomfort of heat, try a halo wig like Jon Renau’s Hat Magic 16” shown below. It’ll give you the look of having a full wig of hair but it’s open at top, so you can easily pair it with a hat.

Featured Here: Hat Magic 16” by Jon Renau in shade 10RH16 CAFFE MOCHA

Taking Care of Yourself and Your Wig

Protect Yourself 

Maintaining a clean scalp is essential for comfort while wearing a wig. Regularly wash your scalp with a gentle shampoo and avoid using heavy hair products that can cause sweat and buildup.

Also, give your scalp some breathing room by taking breaks from wearing your wig whenever possible, especially during long periods of stationary activities. Use this time to cool down and let your scalp recover.

If you decide to rock your bald head this summer, protect your head and remember to be generous when you apply sunscreen. Your scalp skin burns more easily than any other part of your body. Look for a good sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.

Protect Your Wig

While we recommend washing your wig every 6-8 wears, you should wash your wig more frequently if it appears or feels like it needs to be washed. Be sure to use shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated for your wig’s hair fiber type. Using human hair care products on synthetic fiber will ruin your wig.

If you don’t wash your wig, the sweat, oil, and makeup collected will build up and damage the wig hair fibers. Additionally, this build up can also lead to skin breakouts if you have a sensitive scalp. 

Cooling Tip

If you’re wearing your wig and the heat becomes unbearable, running water in your wrists is the easiest way to cool down. This technique is common among runners – the science behind it is that the blood vessels are near the surface on the pulse points. Therefore, the cold water or ice will bring your temperature down fast. 

Final Thoughts

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Wearing a wig in the summer doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort for style. By choosing the right wig cap construction, hair fiber, and length, you can enjoy the versatility of wigs without overheating. Also, finding the right accessories and styling your hair can help keep you cool and comfortable in the hotter months. With these tips, you can confidently rock your favorite wigs all summer long, staying both stylish and comfortable. And if you’re looking for your perfect wig this season, check out our collection of summer wigs! 

FAQS: What You Need to Know About How to Wear a Wig in Hot Weather 

1. Can I wear a wig to go swimming? 

We do not recommend wearing a wig while swimming. However, if you want to wear a wig to the pool, there are a couple methods you can try to help preserve your wig: 

Wear shorter styles or clip the wig hair up to avoid getting your hair wet. Remember: water can cause the hair fibers to tangle and matt. This can potentially lead to the hair getting frizzy, excessive shedding, and even damage to the cap.

If it's super hot and you cannot resist the allure of fully submerging your head under the water, tuck the hair up in a swim cap or use a wig you don’t mind getting damaged. 

Wash your wig to get rid of the chlorine and use a good detangling spray to get rid of any knots or tangles.

2. Can I wear a wig to the beach?

Of course! Here are a few tips on wearing a wig to the beach:

Wear synthetic wigs since they retain their hairstyle, even after getting wet. Additionally, wear a wig that you don’t mind getting damaged. 

Avoid diving into the water. The waves can easily steal your wig.

Opt for shorter hairstyles, clipping the hair up, or even wearing braids and low ponytails.

After your beach day, wash your wig to get rid of sand, salt water, and sunscreen. Use a good leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair. 

3. Can I wear sunglasses with my wig? 

Yes! Not only are basic cap wigs breathable, but most have open wefting. You can easily slide your sunglasses into the wefts to keep them securely on your face. 

Additionally, if your wig has open ear tabs, you can stick the temples of the glasses through the small hole for a secure fit as well. Alternatively, you can also tuck the “arms” of the glasses under the ear tabs as well. 

4. Which wig cap construction is better for hot weather: basic cap or hand tied?

Selecting the right wig cap construction comes all down to preference and what works best for your lifestyle. If you’re going to be outdoors and want to keep your head cool, we recommend wearing a basic cap wig. 

If you have a sensitive scalp, hand tied caps are a great option because the hairs are individually tied down to avoid poking and irritating the skin. However, hand tied wigs tend to be more dense and hot, which is not optimal for warmer temperatures. 

If wearing a basic cap wig is uncomfortable for you, get a wig cap/liner or wear a halo wig with a hat on top. 

5. How often should I wash my wig?

We recommend washing your wig every 6-8 wears. It is imperative you use styling and care products specially made for wigs and their fiber type. You will ruin your wig if you use the wrong formula on the hair fiber. When you’re done washing your wig, remember to let it air dry on a wig stand.

Do you have any tips on how to wear a wig in hot weather? Let us know in the comments!

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