With the weather getting cooler by the day, our self-care routines are evolving to offset some of the season’s less favourable side effects. For the skin, winter often means excessive dryness, worsening skin conditions (including eczema and psoriasis), barrier damage and discomfort. Natural hair isn’t immune to the colder climate either, with experts warning that temperature drops could leave you at greater risk of hair loss.
You may think that wig wearers are spared the discomfort and damage of winter, yet harsher weather takes its toll on your wig too. Read on to discover how climate and environment could alter the lifespan of your wig as well as the way you wear it.
Just like your natural hair, wig fibres will feel the full effects of wintry weather without the right care. Winter cold and dryness can have a drastic impact, leaving your wig full of static as well as looking and feeling dry, brittle and stiff. The impact of cool weather can actually be more dramatic for wig fibres as they don’t benefit from the influx of naturally occurring moisture that your natural hair does.
During winter, synthetic and human hair wigs are particularly prone to breakage, with freezing conditions directly diminishing the durability of your favourite styles. Even on those dry days, wind and rain will cause your wig to become heavier and tangled to negatively impact longevity and wearability further.
Summer may seem like a distant memory, but it is important to acknowledge that it has its impact on your wig too. In fact, humidity and heat can be just as bad for your wig as cold, damp weather.
Increased humidity levels mean one thing for even sleek, synthetic wig styles – frizz! Wigs lose their shape and style when exposed to prolonged or intense moisture leaving them limp, lifeless and prone to tangling. Heat from the sun or styling tools can also cause your wig to become dry, brittle and shapeless. That’s why we always recommend heat-free styling and storage away from direct sunlight.
Maintaining scalp health is an integral part of wig care, or at least it should be! This part of the body feels the effects of temperature fluctuations and weather changes too, with cold, dryness, moisture and humidity all altering the scalp’s delicate ecosystem to cause issues. Trichologist Anabel Kingsley details how scalp health can change in colder weather:
“Environmental fluctuations like cold weather are external aggravators for dry and flaky scalps… Our scalp is home to our hair follicles, so its overall condition is highly important to healthy hair growth. Flaking of the scalp can cause hair loss and also impact the quality of hairs we’re producing. A dry scalp – unlike dandruff which is an oily scalp condition – occurs when the top layer of skin (the epidermis) lacks moisture (water).”
Come summer, heat and humidity make the scalp a hive of activity for dandruff and fungal growth, making a good hair and scalp care regime crucial.
With the right care routine, you can keep your wig and scalp healthy, luscious and beautiful. Use products to minimise static, while keeping your wig thoroughly hydrated. Try our Revive Conditioning Spray for a daily moisture boost or our Leave-In Conditioner for a more intensive treatment.
When styling, minimise the use of heated tools to keep those moisture levels just right. Don’t forget the wig care basics that are applicable all year round either. Correct storage and consistent cleaning remain musts for keeping your wig in tip top condition.
Your natural hair and scalp need a helping hand too, especially if you wear your wig every day. Avoid the use of hot water and harsh shampoos when taking care of what’s underneath your wig. Give your natural hair and scalp the nourishment it needs with regular conditioning – it’s a lifesaver in winter!
