Can You Sleep in a Wig? And Other Frequently Asked Questions

Are you new to the world of wigs and feeling overwhelmed? Wondering if you can sleep, or swim in your wig, or how to even store it correctly? We’re going to provide you with the answers to all your questions (and to some you might not have even thought of!) 

From sleeping habits to storage solutions, we’ve got you covered. We’ll dive into the main concerns for new wig-wearers and provide experiences and anecdotes from real wig-wearers to guide you every step of the way.

Can You Sleep in a Wig?

When it comes to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your wig, one of the most common questions our consultants are asked here at Daniel Alain is whether it’s okay to sleep in it. The general recommendation is to avoid sleeping in your wig whenever possible. While it might seem like a good idea, doing so can lead to several issues that could damage your wig. And if you’ve spent a lot of money on an expensive human hair wig, you definitely want to protect your investment!

Potential Risks of Sleeping in a Wig

• Tangling and Matting: As you move in your sleep, your wig is likely to rub against the pillow, causing tangles and knots. This is particularly true for longer wigs.
• Reduced Wig Lifespan: Regular sleeping in a wig can stress the fibers or stretch the cap and lead to breakage and a noticeable decrease in the overall lifespan of the wig.
• Friction Damage: The constant friction against pillows and bedding can cause the wig to lose its sheen and smooth texture.

"Every night, I have a ritual where I remove my wig and gently brush it through," shares Merritt who has been wearing a Follea human hair wig for a couple of years. "This ensures my wig is free from tangles and ready for the next day. It's a small task that makes a big difference in maintaining my wig. My oldest wig still looks as good as new!”

Tips for Overnight Wig Care

To keep your wig in top condition, consider these overnight care tips:

• Use a Wig Stand or Mannequin Head: Storing your wig on a stand helps maintain its shape and style, preventing it from getting crushed or matted.
• Gentle Brushing: Before placing your wig on the stand, gently brush it out to remove any tangles or knots, using a wig-friendly brush or comb.
• Silk Scarf: If you’re uncomfortable sharing hair loss with your bedmate, try wrapping a fun patterned silk scarf around your head and channeling your inner Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. Silk reduces friction and helps prevent tangling and matting and protects your natural hair.

"Before I go to bed, I always make sure to carefully place my wig on a mannequin head," says real-life customer, Mirna. "This little ritual not only helps me keep my wig in perfect shape, but it also feels like I'm giving her the care she deserves. Seeing my wig neatly displayed each morning reminds me that I'm starting my day with a well-maintained, beautiful hairpiece. It's a small step that's made a huge difference in preserving the quality and appearance of my wigs."

Can you swim in a wig?

Swimming in a wig is a topic that our consultants are often asked about, especially during the summer months. While it is technically possible to swim in a synthetic piece, it's important to proceed with caution if you’re wearing a human hair wig. 

Both chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can be damaging to wigs, affecting their color, texture, and overall integrity. And if you’ve invested in a pricey human hair wig, you could be throwing your money down the drain. Literally.

Some alternative ideas to wearing your wig to swim include:

• Swim Caps: A high-quality, durable swim cap is a great option. Swim caps can protect your scalp and natural hair from the sun and are a simple, effective solution for swimming.
• Scarves and Bandanas: Lightweight, quick-drying scarves or bandanas can be stylishly tied around the head. They offer sun protection and a fashionable look and are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
• Synthetic Hairpieces: If you still want the look of hair, consider a low-cost synthetic hairpiece instead of a more expensive human hair wig. Remember that your natural hair is most fragile when it’s wet, so avoid breakage or damage with tight clips.

Daniel Alain customer, Trish, wears our René human hair wig but loves to spend time at her community pool. She explains, “When I swim, I switch my wig out for a swim cap. My neighbors barely recognize me, but I don’t mind who knows I wear a wig! I want to protect my Follea and so far it still looks as good as new!”

How Do You Store a Wig?

Proper storage of your wig is crucial in maintaining its shape, quality, and overall lifespan. How you store your wig when it's not in use can make a significant difference in how well it holds up over time.

The Importance of Proper Storage

• Maintaining Shape: Storing your wig correctly helps it retain its original style and shape.
• Preventing Tangles and Matting: Proper storage reduces the risk of knots and tangles, which can be damaging when brushed out.
• Protecting from Dust and Moisture: A well-stored wig is less likely to be affected by environmental factors like dust and humidity.

Daniel Alain customer, Kelly, started wearing our Style wig four years ago and now has multiple pieces she has to store. “I have a storage unit I use,” she explains. “It’s a mirror that spins, and on the back is space for every wig. When people come over and get a tour of my house, I always show them off proudly!”

While you might not have the space (or the wigs!) for a dedicated cabinet like Kelly, some other wig storage options include: 

• Wig Stands: These are ideal for maintaining the shape of the wig and are great for short-term storage or for wigs that are used frequently. They come in various materials like plastic, metal, or foam.
• Mannequin Heads: Similar to wig stands but offer a more realistic shape, which helps maintain the style of the wig. They can be made of styrofoam, canvas, or even more lifelike materials.
• Wig Boxes: Specially designed wig boxes are excellent for long-term storage, particularly for travel. They protect the wig from dust, moisture, and being crushed.
• Silk or Satin Bags: Soft silk or satin bags are gentle on the wig fibers and are good for preventing tangles and frizz, especially for curly or textured wigs.
• Cabinet or Drawer: A clean, dry cabinet or drawer can be a simple and effective storage solution, especially when laying the wig on a soft, silk or satin surface.

What should I do if I have more questions about wearing wigs?

Navigating the world of wig-wearing can sometimes feel daunting, especially when you’re trying to find answers to specific questions that concern your daily experience.

Through this article, we've explored several key aspects of wig-wearing that are essential for both new and experienced wig users. 

However, we understand that each wig wearer's situation is unique, and you might have more questions related to your specific circumstances. If you find yourself seeking further guidance or personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our consultants. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your wig-wearing journey and can provide tailored solutions and support to address all your concerns.