Your Guide to Wearing Wigs at the Airport

Traveling with a wig can be a breeze if you’re prepared with the right essentials and style. With tips on packing wig care products to navigating TSA security checks, we’ve got you covered.Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time flying with a wig, this guide to wearing wigs at the airport will help keep your wig looking fresh and your journey stress-free.

Check out our video where our brand ambassador Roxie gives helpful tips on wearing wigs at the airport:

Travel Essentials for Wigs

Before you begin your journey to the airport, make sure you have included your wig’s travel essentials (shampoo, conditioner, detangling spray, etc.) in your luggage. We recommend carrying a wide tooth comb in your carry-on for any touchups. Also, be sure to pack a wig stand to your store piece when you’re not wearing it.

If you are bringing additional wigs on your trip, you can store your wig inside a Ziploc bag. Be sure to keep the air inside the bag to prevent your wig from getting squished in your luggage. You can also store them inside Amy Gibson’s ResQ Bag & Kit + Mini. The special mesh lining helps protect wigs and other alternative hairpieces to minimize tangles and frizz.

Please Note: If you choose to put your wigs in your carry-on bag, be sure to pack them so it’s easy to remove them if asked.

Wearing Your Wig Through the TSA

The TSA security line can be scary if you are wearing wigs while traveling for the first time. You may need to mentally prepare yourself and your wig for the security check. TSA agents see numerous wigs a day, and they are trained to recognize hairpieces.

When you reach security, you may choose to discreetly inform them that you are wearing a wig. If they request to check beneath your wig, you can request to hold your wig down while they look underneath it. If an agent does have to touch your hair, don’t be afraid to request they wear a fresh pair of gloves.

If, for any reason, you are asked to remove your wig, you are allowed to request a private room to do so. For this reason, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to make it through security without missing your flight.

When flying internationally, try to match your hair color to your passport picture. If your hair looks different from the picture, be cognizant that comments or questions may arise in conversation.

One client - a former TSA officer (and wig wearer!) - gives great advice about going through security in a wig:

Your wig will most likely NOT be detected.

If you have a lot of hair under your wig, it may alarm the body scanner. If this happens, they will need to pat down your hair (wig) while it's on your head. You can kindly ask the officer to change into clean gloves. If you ask, they are required to do so. If they refuse, ask for a supervisor.

In the unlikely event that they have to look under your wig, you may request a private screening. Your significant other, travel partner, etc., may accompany you in the private screening. However, due to COVID-19 procedures, they may request you to do so alone.

If you have traveled within the last year and have had a private screening due to wearing a wig, please let us know about your experience in the comments. We want to keep this specialized information as up-to-date as possible!

Travel with Your Wig in Style

Steph B. from @wigswithsteph gives advice on how she wears wigs at the airport.

Wearing the right wig at the airport can make air travel much easier, so choose a comfortable style for the flight. We recommend avoiding heat friendly and human hair wigs because the fibers will frizz and tangle more easily from rubbing against the seats and clothing. You can also opt for shorter styles to minimize the frizzing and tangling.

We mentioned earlier including a wide tooth comb and a travel sized detangling spray in your bag. After exiting the plane, comb through your wig and give it a quick touch up. Now you’re ready to take on the world in your new destination!