Hair forms an integral part of our personality. From wearing it down when we wish to look beautiful to wearing it in a high pony when we want a bolder look – there is a different style for each purpose. However, for people who suffer from hair loss or alopecia, the lack of usual hair is very troubling. They feel as if they are deprived of a part of their body and aren’t whole anymore. Something feels missing, and incomplete. However, with the advent of wigs – that too, in a large variety – the thought of hair loss doesn’t seem so daunting anymore.
With hair products for people with differing hair issues, there are many businesses – such as Uniwigs – that offer a large variety of wigs. From hair extensions to synthetic and human hair wigs, lace front to silk top wigs, everything is available. However, an important question arises when we don unnatural wigs – Can one swim or shower with wigs?
The question sounds weird and often we feel confused for wigs are just like human hair. If we can bathe or swim with our natural hair, what issue does a wig pose? However, the answer isn’t a complete yes or no to submerging the wig in water. Yes, you can swim or shower with wigs, but there are underlying conditions.
1. Know Your Product
Before making your way to the water, it is important to know the type of wig you are donning. From synthetic hair, to human hair wigs, all are prevalent in the market. However, both differently to pool and shower waters. You might be thinking – water gives the hair the shine it needs, leaving it looking fresh and glossy. However, water and saltwater affect differently.
Chlorine damages human hair wigs. Its harsh chemical compounds attract the natural oils of the hair, leaving the hair dry and weakened. On the other hand, increased contact with saltwater sucks the moisture out of the human hair wig – leaving it brittle.
In such circumstances, a synthetic wig with a cap might prove a better alternative for showers and occasional trips to the pool.
2. Go Waterproof
Just as we make use of waterproof makeup, especially for brides who are going to cry – contact with water needs to be a major factor in our decision making of wigs. The usual adhesives may be tapes, wig liners, normal wig glues, or straps to hold your wigs in place. However, as you submerge yourself in the pool water, the story becomes entirely different.
In such circumstances, the standard adhesives may not work as they normally would. Thus, better safe than sorry – get a stronger adhesive glue than the one you currently use or opt for waterproof glue options instead. If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of a stronger glue, get a wig cap to keep things in place.
3. Don’t Dive
It is important to know that even thought the wig is completely attached to our heads, it is not exactly natural and thus holds the chance of slipping. As you visit the beachside, or walk towards the pool, you must be vary when getting in the water. Diving majestically may make for a good Snapchat story, but the thrust of the water may also result in the wig getting loose (and coming off in some situations!).
Thus, to prevent the occurrence of a potential hairless situation, do not dive headfirst, or go cannonballing in the pool. Or if you still wish to have this fun, wear a swimming cap on top of your wig tightly, and make your way to the pool.
4. Tie your Hair
As soon as your wig becomes wet, it may appear sleek, however, to bring it back to a fashionable style, or tamed manner is another feat in itself. Submerging hair in the water for a long time may result in an increased amount of tangles in the hair, which may be difficult to untangle.
An easier way to manage your hair alongside your hair wetting needs is to tie it before establishing contact with water. Tie a gorgeous side braid – and be the representative of fashion and ease. If you are going for a swim, you could either tie the synthetic hair back, or wear a swimming cap instead. Although perhaps not fashionable enough, the cap does play the part in keeping your hair manageable, and out of harms way (i.e. direct contact with chlorine and saltwater).
5. Don’t wear your Favorite Wig
As much as we would like to protect the wig from all harm of the chemicals present in sea and pool water, there is some likelihood that the wig will get adversely affected. More so if it’s a human hair wig than a synthetic hair wig.
We know there is usually one wig which we have a great attachment with. It frames our face perfectly, brings out the color of our eyes, has hair color that complements our skin tone, and so on. To prevent our favorite wig from even the slightest chance of losing its glow, or becoming dry and lacking moisture, it is preferred to not wear your favorite hair system when you go for a water activity.
6. The Afterward Care System
As we care for our natural hair, we must care for our wigs too. This means if we have plans of introducing them to chlorinated or saltwater, it is better to rinse them in freshwater before and after contact. To prevent the hair from drying out, the use of a leave-in conditioner and hair mask should also be made often. These help to lock in moisture that could potentially be lost in the harsh reactions of the saltwater and chlorine.
Caring for the hair system means it not only lasts longer, but is a financial investment which looks as good on day 50 as it did on day 1.
If you want to shower, or especially swim with your wig, it would be better to have a set hair system routine. A certain wig, a specific wig cap, and other assortments specifically designated for easy submerging in the water. This way, not only will you fulfill your desire of looking your best when you go underwater, you will also not harm your oh-so-pretty wig.
Fashion and ease taken hand-in-hand.