Excited about your Summer hols?
"When all else fails, take a vacation."
Wearing a wig can be a fantastic way to change up your look, boost your confidence, or deal with hair loss. However, it's essential to remember that wigs, like natural hair, need protection from the sun's harmful rays. In this blog post, we'll discuss why sun safety is crucial for wig wearers and how to protect both your scalp and your hairpiece.
Why Sun Protection Matters
Just like your skin, your scalp can get sunburned. And if you're wearing a wig, it's easy to forget to protect your scalp from UV damage. Sunburn on the scalp can be painful and may even lead to long-term damage.
A few years ago I was enjoying the warmth (and freedom!) of being outdoors minus my wig. I was out for a couple of hours moving around and not really paying attention to how hot it actually was. I ended up with a very badly burned head! That night I felt so poorly and my head was bright red and burnt.
Hairpiece Longevity: Exposure to sunlight can cause fading and damage to your wig's fibers, making it lose its colour and texture over time. UV rays can also weaken the structure of the wig, leading to frizz, tangling, and breakage.
Sun safety tips for wig wearers
Wear a Hat : A wide-brimmed hat or a scarf can provide excellent protection for both your scalp and your wig. Look for hats made from UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) fabric for added sun protection.
Use Sunscreen : Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your scalp, hairline, and any exposed areas of skin before putting on your wig. Make sure the sunscreen is water-resistant and reapply it throughout the day, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
Opt for UV-Protective Wigs : Some wig manufacturers offer UV-protective coatings or treatments that help shield the hairpiece from sun damage. Consider investing in a wig with built-in UV protection for added peace of mind.
Limit Sun Exposure : Try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you're spending time outdoors, seek shade whenever possible.
Keep Your Wig Hydrated : Just like your skin, your wig can benefit from hydration. Use a leave-in conditioner or a UV-protective spray designed specifically for wigs to keep the fibers moisturised and prevent dryness and damage.
Store Your Wig Properly : When you're not wearing your wig, store it away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. A wig stand or a mannequin head is an excellent way to keep your wig's shape and prevent it from becoming misshapen.
I hope that today's tips are helpful and that you enjoy your break away where ever you may be headed! Keep your eyes open for more "holidaying with alternative hair" tips coming up this month over on our social media accounts, here in future blog posts and in our newsletter.
Emma Jones
Aspire hairs founder, a busy mum of 3, wife, sister, friend, daughter, mental health advocate and neurospicy alopecia of almost 30 years.
