Are Wigs Hot? An Alopecia Perspective

Are Wigs Hot? An Alopecia Perspective

Are wigs hot? An alopecia perspective. A bit about me, my life changed unexpectedly when I developed alopecia universalis (total, complete hair loss) during my second pregnancy so in short, I wear wigs all day, every day.  One of the most common questions that beginner wig wearers have is, are wigs hot? I thought I would share my experience so far.

First, you should know that the head generates and losses seventy-five percent, 75%, of the total body heat. 75% is a lot, right? So when your wig is on you'll probably be hot and when it's off boy will your head get cold. Wearing a wig is kind of like wearing a hat - meaning a wig traps all the heat that the head generates so yes unfortunately wearing a wig is hot and some wigs are hotter than others. 

Why are some wigs hotter than others? A basic hand-tied top has two materials-lace/monofilament & hair but these kinds of wigs are very itchy and the top doesn't look very realistic, therefore, most wigs require additional material. For example, the most realistic top is called a french drawn top. French-drawn tops are most realistic because they hide the knots and look like natural scalp but it order to get this look many manufacturers will use 5 to 6 layers of material! That is a lot, right? 

Ok, so now that you know that wearing a wig will be hot, what can we do about it?  Here are some tricks to keeping nice & cool all day long under your wig:

1. If you can, take your wig off. I promise, taking a break from the wig even, for a couple of minutes, will cool you down very quickly! 
2. I always have one or two dental gauze sheets in my purse or car. Unlike cotton balls which leave fuzz everywhere, these sheets don't separate.  Prior to using them, cut them into 2x2 squares then when you need to use them, all you have to do is wet one with cold water or ice.  Then I'll go into the bathroom and place it on top of your head. Honestly, it works and it keeps me cool all day long! 
3. Pause cooling spray - the scent is strong but boy does this work! All you have to do is spray to a little bit under your wig and in seconds you will be cool.  Just, please, make sure the mist, doesn't drip down and get into your eyes.
4. Wear wigs that have less material on top. The Ponytail wig by Encelia only has two layers and it features a cooling mesh inside, which cools the head down and acts as a buffer so the top isn't itchy.