Who can resist wanting to enjoy swimming for exercise, fun, or both? There’s no need to worry about ruining a wig or hairpiece while participating in water activities. The technique for preserving the style is different depending on whether the hair will be fully submerged in the water or not. The following is a simple guide on how to swim while wearing a wig or other hairpiece. Use the “pin-up” method for wading in the water, and use the swimming cap method described below if the hair will be submerged in the water.
“Pin-up” Method for Swimming in a Wig or Hairpiece
This approach is best used during times when the swimmer doesn’t expect the hair to become completely wet during the water activity. The goal is for all the hair to be pinned above the nape of the neck.
For best results, put the hair into a ponytail or a bun first, then begin securing the loose hair. Use hair pins or a hair clip to secure the hair in place. Be sure to check that that all of the loose hair is clipped above the neck.
Feel free to wade in the water as usual, but try not to get too much water in the hair, as this will make restyling more difficult. After the water activity remove all of the hair accessories and style as normal. Use fingers to fluff the hair back into place. For extremely damp or wet hair, use a cool blow dryer for restyling.
Swimming Cap Method for Swimming in a Wig or Hairpiece
Use this method whenever the water activity will result in the hair being submerged into water. The swimming cap will help to protect the wig or hairpiece from chlorine in pools, as well as salt water.
First, apply a shower cap, and then put the swimming cap on under it. Carefully tuck any remaining hair under the swimming cap, and pin in place if necessary. Feel free to swim as usual.
After swimming, remove the caps and any hair accessories. Fluff out the hair with hands, and style as normal. Use a cool blow dryer on any hair that is wet. In most cases, only the hair around the edges will be damp or wet. Don’t panic if the majority of hair is wet. Simply use the dryer or a cool setting to restyle the hair.
Other Considerations for Swimming in a Wig or Hairpiece
If planning to swim in a wig or hairpiece regularly, consider purchasing a hairpiece that it made for swimming. They are widely available at wig shops and at online retailers.
It’s important to know if the hairpiece is synthetic or human hair. Synthetic hair bounces back into style easily after becoming wet. However, most synthetic hair cannot be subjected to heat, because it can melt. Conversely, human hair wigs are more difficult to style after becoming wet. However they can be dried and curled for restyling with heat.
Whether swimming in a synthetic wig, human hair wig, half, wig, toupee, or other hairpiece, protecting the hair from exposure to water is the key to preserving its style. Have fun swimming!
Source:
- ABC News, “ Wigs by Amy Gibson ” (accessed 4/5/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
