Wearing a wig and keeping it in the best possible condition is a priority for every wig wearer. Making wig wear work in your everyday life depends on it. But, are some activities out of bounds now that you wear a wig or hairpiece?

We explore how to wear a wig when partaking in a particularly popular pastime – swimming.

Can you really swim in a wig?

Yes, you can! Whilst wig-wearing during swimming isn’t ideal, particularly if you’re wearing your very best wig or hairpiece, it is possible with the right preparation and care.

Here at Wigs4u, we understand that your wig goes everywhere with you. Whilst we’d advise keeping your wig out of water as much as you can, we get that sometimes this isn’t always possible. Considering the effects of swimming in your wig however and taking precautions is vital.

We’ll let Crafty Hair Hacks explain more about what could happen to your wig without the right care:

“The chlorine in the pool and the salt in the ocean damage your wig and shorten its lifespan. Chlorine and salt strip the moisture from your wig, causing it to dry out and become frizzy. If your wig is a human hair wig, it can also become matted and develop split ends. If your wig is synthetic, it will become tangling and irreparable.”

How can I swim confidently when wearing a wig?

Whether you swim on occasion or every week without fail, investing in some waterproofs will keep your wig secure even when you’re poolside.

Choosing the right hair system glue or tape is vital when wearing a wig or hair system. When making this all-important choice, select a product that’s waterproof for swimming and exercising. Your everyday wig glue or tape just won’t cut it in the water or when exposed to excessive sweating, and will quickly loosen leaving your wig insecure.

We’d also recommend doing a trial run in your own home by submerging yourself (and your wig) in the bath if you’re using your waterproof wig glue or tape for the first time. This way you can hit the pool with complete confidence.

You may want to consider having a separate wig for swimming to ensure your best wig stays in great condition for everyday use. A waterproof swim cap is another great investment for avid swimmers and wearers of human hair or synthetic wigs.

Do I need to wash my wig after my swim session?

You should wash your wig thoroughly after every swim session to remove any harsh elements and chemicals that you may have encountered in the pool or sea. Take care of your hair system by soaking it in tepid water and swirling it in your shampoo. Finish by rinsing your wig until the water runs clear.

You should always follow up wig washing with a conditioning treatment to restore any lost moisture. Choose a sulphate-free conditioner to hydrate your wig, minimise damage, soften hair, and reduce tangles.

Deep condition every so often by leaving your wig to soak in the conditioner for a few hours.