Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wearing Wigs in the Summer

With summer just around the corner (only two and a half months away!) first-time wig wearers and wig experts alike are wondering: how can I keep my head cool during the summer?

We get questions like that every year from people just like you.

Wearing wigs can be uncomfortable, particularly if you’re new to wearing them.

Add heat and humidity on top of that, and wearing a wig feel especially cumbersome.

That’s why we put together a list of commonly asked questions about wearing wigs, hats, and headscarves during the summer.

This year, we want you to stay cool, comfortable and beautiful - even when you’re in the middle of a heat wave.

Can I wear a wig in the summer?

The short answer: yes.

If you’ve been wearing wigs for a while and don’t mind the heat, then go ahead and rock your favorite style all summer long.

However, if you’re new to wearing wigs or not used to wearing a wig in the heat, you might be better off considering a different head covering.

Hats with hair, regular hats, and headscarves are all great alternatives to traditional wigs when the weather is warm. Just make sure to wear a wig cap or liner underneath to protect your scalp.

What are best types of wigs to wear in the summer?

Synthetic, synthetic, synthetic

Even if you usually wear human hair wigs, you may want to consider transitioning to a synthetic wig this summer.

Human hair wigs look natural because they’re made of thick, human hair. In the summer, human hair collects sweat and oils, and become extremely heavy.

Synthetic wig hair fibers are lighter and don’t collect as much liquid. For the hottest months of the year, synthetic wigs will keep you cooler and feel lighter on your head.

Will I lose my style in the heat?

Yes, and no…

If you decide to stick with your human hair wig this summer, your style will naturally flatten during the day, just like with your natural hair.

Synthetic wigs, however, always hold their shape. These wigs have “style memory,” hold their style in damp or hot climates, and bounce back to their original style even after they’ve been washed.

Bonus: the color of your synthetic wig won’t fade in the sun like the color in human hair wigs will.

Which wig styles are the best to wear in the summer?

Pixies, Bobs, Boy Cuts, oh my!

There’s a reason your parents took you to the hairdresser for a shorter cut when the school year ended.

Longer styles are heavier and collect lots of sweat and excess oils, weighing down your wig. Shorter styles have less hair and therefore collect less liquid.

Less liquid = lighter wigs = cooler scalps

If you’re 100% set on wearing a long hair wig this summer, try braiding your hair.

Ponytails typically don’t look great on wigs because they pull the wig hair in the opposite direction that it’s sewn into the cap.

A braid will follow the direction of the wig hair and still help you keep your hair off of your scalp.

Picking a lighter color can also help you beat the heat.

Dark colors attract sunlight and can cause you to overheat quickly. Try a new, light color this summer to keep your scalp temperature down.

If you’ve ever wanted to try going blonde, now’s the time!

Should I wash my wig more often in the summer?

Yes, yes, and yes.

While washing your wig too often can cause damage, it’s critical to wash your wig during the hotter summer months.

Excess oils and sweat build up in the cap of your wig quicker during the summer, which will make your wig heavier (and even hotter), causing damage to your wig cap and wig hair.

If too much oil builds up, you could even experience breakouts on your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Not sure how to wash your wig? Read our wig washing guide.

Is it okay to run around in the sun all day with my wig?

Only if you have the right equipment.

Grilling, boating, picnics, gardening: the best part of summer is all of the great outdoor activities you can’t do during the rest of the year.

But if you’re spending lots of time outside in the summer while you’re wearing your wig, you can cause serious damage.

Sunlight is the most common cause of damage to both wigs and natural hair. Just like your favorite lawn chair, the color of your wig will fade the longer it stays in the sun.

Continuous direct sunlight can also break down the fibers of your wig. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outside this summer, wear a hat or scarf over your wig to protect it.

Hats and scarves not only look stylish, but they also protect the longevity of your wigs.

Where should I store my wig this summer?

NOT in the trunk of your car

As we’ve said before, human and synthetic wig hair wigs break down in the heat. Storing your wig in a cool, arid place will help maintain your wig.

Make sure you aren’t storing your wigs near windows, in hot attics, or in the back of your car.

Are there specific wig caps that will keep me cool?

Repeat this ten times: I 👏 need 👏 a 👏 stretch 👏 cap 👏 this 👏 summer

Traditional wig caps are made from thick materials that don’t offer ventilation.

Stretch caps, however, feature built-in ventilation systems that will keep you cool and comfortable during the summer, so you don’t have to forgo wearing your wig.

You can also buy wig caps and liners that are specifically designed to keep you cool. Look for light cotton caps or synthetic caps with moisture-wicking fabric that keep perspiration off of your head. 

Can I go swimming in my wig?

Probably not...

Longtime wig wearers will know that most wigs don’t look great when wet, which can be tough when the sun comes out.

Summer is the time for beach trips and pool parties! Not for worrying about people staring at your wet wig at the beach.

Unfortunately, the chemicals in pools and salt in ocean water can cause damage to the fibers of your wig.

Instead of wearing a wig while you swim, wear a cute swim cap or water-friendly headscarf.

I’ve decided not to wear a wig this summer. What are my other options?

Hats, hats with hair, and scarves

For some people, especially chemotherapy patients, no wig will offer enough ventilation during the summer.

If that’s you, opt for a hat, a hat with hair, or a headscarf. Go for something that’s made of cotton so that you can wash it often and remove excess buildup.

These types of products will keep you cool and keep you from having to go bare.

Bare is beautiful! How do I protect my scalp if I decide not to wear a wig this summer?

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen

If you decide that going bare is how you want to stay cool this summer, remember that the skin of your scalp burns more easily than anywhere else on your body.

If you’re spending any amount of time outdoors in the daytime without a head covering, be sure to wear plenty of sunblock (SPF 50 or higher) on your head, ears and face.

We hope we answered all your questions about wearing your wig during the summer!

Need some more wig wearing advice? Read our guides to Putting on a Wig or Choosing Between Human and Synthetic Wig Hair.