Wig Studio 1 News
Traveling with Your Wigs
(Wig shown above: AMARA WIG BY RENE OF PARIS)
Last summer I covered some of the “survival ideas” about getting through the summer with wigs and toppers. This week I’m taking another look at the challenges of traveling with wigs and caring for them during the summer when we are on the go.
Let’s look first at how we get our wigs safely to our destination:
HOW TO PACK AND STORE WIGS WHEN TRAVELING:
When you’re new to wearing wigs, learning how to pack a wig and travel with your wigs can be tricky because there are so many things to consider. Here are a few of the most asked questions:
- What products should you bring?
Answer: Think less is more and just bring what you need, and don’t overload on products either in your suitcase—or your wig. Take travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and sprays, and make sure you label them. (Not admitting that I didn’t do this and regretted it a few years ago.)
- How many wigs should you bring?
Answer: Always have a spare or two. Instead of washing and drying wigs on your vacation rotate them so that unless you get them in the pool or ocean, you won’t need to wash them until you get home. But just in case, default to the travel size products.
- Should you buy a wig-specific carrying case or are there easier options?
Answer: No need for special wig carriers, boxes, or containers. Keep reading for my suggestions.
Packing for a trip is all about one thing: suitcase efficiency.
With shoes, daytime outfits, nighttime outfits, makeup, reading materials, and all the chargers that you need, packing efficiency is a challenge. I’m a fan of the zip-lock plastic bags for storage. Cheap, easy to see what you have at a glance, and keeps the wig safe from tangling in the suitcase and keeps it from any debris. Also, it takes up much less space than a carrier, box, or structured container.
KEEP IT SIMPLE:
When traveling this should be our mantra – keep it easy and simple by bringing synthetic wigs that keep their style, the necessary care products, a collapsible stand, and some headgear – hats, scarves, etc., to give you wigs and your head a break.
A RECURRING QUESTION: WHAT ABOUT GOING THROUGH SECURITY AT THE AIRPORT?
Will I have to take off my wig for airport security? It seems the rules change from time to time, but most of the time, from what I have heard and read, it’s rare for anyone to challenge you or make you take your wig off. If the stays in your wig do set off the alarm, just quietly tell them you are wearing a wig. Most of the time they will just pat the back of your head to verify you aren’t smugly something and you go on—or they will just pass you on through.
o Know that TSA/security is not required to ask you to remove your wig. Just like with your clothing, their scanners should be able to see through the wig.
o However—you should avoid wearing too many metal wig clips or bobby pins that could set off a sensor or raise suspicion.
o If you are asked to remove your wig and don’t feel comfortable doing it in front of all the people at security, ask for a private room. TSA is required to grant that request.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Because I’m a big Plan B person, I’d never put my wigs inside my checked bags. If I am going somewhere for a week or more, I put a spare wig and travel-size products in my carry-on bag. I also include a hat and scarf. Wig care products should not take up any more room in your luggage than care products for bio hair.
SOME HELPERS THAT ONLY YOU WILL KNOW ABOUT:
Dealing with the heat as a wig wearer can be a challenge, even if you are not in some tropical climate on vacation. These are some of the things you might consider to help make things easier:
Bamboo caps, Wig liners
Until next week, be happy, and stop and smell the flowers,
Vickie Lynn
Heat Friendly Hair Revised
One major plus regarding heat-friendly hair is the ease at which you can revise the style. For example; beachy waves, whether it be too much or in this case, not enough. This is so often a challenge many of us have encountered when we like a style so much we understandably order it again. Sometimes I want a backup or another color. To the chagrin of myself and many wig sisters, patterns of curl inconsistency abound in wig land.
In this blog/ video we shall embark upon reinforcing and revising a rather limp beachy wave on a very popular style; Caliente HF (heat friendly) by Belle Tress in the gorgeous new color: British Milk Tea.
You will need: the patience of a saint, a wig head on which to secure your victim, a rat-tail comb, blow dryer, and either spiral-type Curlformers or a reasonably close item resembling such. (Shown in the video as many options are now available). These types of curlers can be obtained from Amazon in various price ranges and are reusable.
Optional: Estetica Design Sea Salt Spray.
T-pins may be used to secure the wig on the head (not yours). One pin on each ear tab and one pin at the nape area. Avoid going anywhere near the delicate lace front.
Note: Steam will NOT be used. The method depicted is for heat-friendly fibers ONLY. Not to be used on regular synthetic fiber as the dry heat from the blow dryer is too hot in temperature and will fry the fibers on a regular synthetic piece.
It is recommended that the curlers be left in overnight for the curl to cool and set. In closing, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the show as we tackle another wig life challenge.
Best,
Michele Pearl
