Are you going on vacation and hoping to pack your hair topper or wig to feel more comfortable with your alopecia? But can you wear your hair replacement system at the pool or the beach, or even go swimming in it? How can you protect your hair topper from the sun?
I’ll tell you everything in this article so you can feel comfortable this summer while protecting your product as much as possible 😉
Can you swim while wearing your hair replacement system?
Since Comme un diadème launched in 2020, this is probably one of the questions women considering a hair replacement system ask me most often! You’d think three-quarters of people spend their whole lives on vacation! 😁 🌊
I’m joking because I know that behind this question there’s actually a little anxiety about managing those times when you can’t wear the product, after you’ve finally gotten used to your new look. That’s also why questions about sports come up regularly.
Yes, our hair toppers and wigs are made from natural hair, so they won’t melt in water (phew 😅). But be careful: just like your own hair, they don’t really like salt, chlorine, or the strange chemicals sometimes found in certain pools. These can dry out the lengths, alter the color, and damage the hair over time.
In short: if you decide to swim while wearing it, it’s possible… but you’re doing it knowing the risks 😉. And if anything goes wrong (drier hair, a change in color, or a change in shape), Comme un diadème cannot be held responsible.
My heartfelt advice: take care of your hair topper just as you take care of your own hair (or even a little more 😄). And if you really want to go in the water, save a “special vacation” wig or an older one you wear less often.
As we know, sea salt and chlorine can dry out and damage natural hair, and can even slightly alter its color, especially blonde hair. The hair on a hair topper or wig is no exception, unfortunately. Plus, it doesn’t grow back and it’s quite an investment, so I’d recommend protecting it as much as possible by avoiding putting your head underwater. The base of your hair topper or wig may also become visible when the hair is wet, so let’s avoid taking unnecessary risks 😁
Beware of the sun ☀️!
The pool or the sea isn’t the biggest “threat” to your hair topper or wig while you’re on vacation—the sun is ☀️. Hair toppers, especially those with lighter hair such as light brown and blonde shades, are particularly sensitive to the sun. Their color can change if they’re exposed to very intense sunlight for several days or weeks. Blonde shades tend to turn yellow, while light brown shades can lighten considerably.
On vacation, I’d recommend protecting your product by wearing hats or staying in the shade as much as possible. This will also protect your skin #party pooper 😁.
Brown and European hair (Leïla, Meghan, Chicago, Katie, Sofia, Kate) are less susceptible because they’re virgin hair and therefore less weakened by bleaching and coloring processes. The color will therefore lighten more gradually and naturally over time.
With daily wear outside of vacation periods, a light brown or blonde hair topper will also tend to lighten by a shade or two after a few months. So, if you want to give your hair topper a fresh new look, don’t hesitate to have its color refreshed after a year of daily wear.
I’m sometimes asked whether protective hair oil is effective at protecting the hair of a hair topper. I can’t guarantee that it is, as I don’t think it can be verified. Personally, I wouldn’t have taken the risk with one of my hair toppers.
Sunscreen can turn your hair topper’s hair pink 😱
When applying sunscreen, be careful not to run your hand through the hair of your hair topper or wig, especially if it’s blonde. Sunscreen can unexpectedly alter the color of your hairpiece. It could develop pink tones you may not want 💕 You should also be careful with hand sanitizer and any products containing alcohol.
My best advice: Wear nothing and enjoy life!
For women with fairly moderate hair loss, or at least hair loss that doesn’t draw attention, I’d recommend not wearing your hair topper or wig to the beach or pool.
Why put yourself through such an inconvenience when you can still enjoy going out freely? That may not always be the case, and I think you should make the most of it while you still can! Because it’s clear that when our hair loss becomes visible to everyone, it’s much harder to deal with.
This is just my opinion, but wearing a hair topper on vacation in hot weather can be a hard-to-bear inconvenience. A hair topper or wig isn’t meant to trap you in a life of restrictions. These products shouldn’t make you feel like you have to hide 24/7. They’re simply products that can help you feel beautiful whenever you want.
But wearing a hair topper in 35°C weather isn’t pleasant, so I recommend not putting yourself through it if your hair loss allows you to go without one. People at the beach or by the pool won’t be looking at your scalp. Besides, everyone’s hair is a mess at the beach—that’s part of the fun 😉
Give yourself a little breathing room, and if you like, wear a cap, hat, or headband.
For women with very significant hair loss that people notice, I understand that it can be more difficult to consider. A cap or hair-thickening powder can be a solution. But if that isn’t enough, I understand wanting to wear your hairpiece anyway.
Acceptance at all costs isn’t something that should be imposed. Everyone should move forward in a way that works for them, taking into account their hair loss, their insecurities, and what feels acceptable to them. Today’s “body-positive” messages push us excessively to show our insecurities, accept them, and change attitudes about beauty standards. They’re Instagram-friendly messages that are easy to write in five minutes from the comfort of your sofa.
But a woman walking down the street or going to the beach with significant hair loss doesn’t necessarily want the burden of changing attitudes about beauty standards or becoming a role model for self-acceptance on her shoulders. You have every right not to want everyone to see your hair loss or your insecurities. It’s a private matter, and everyone should be free to handle it however they choose. Choosing to keep your hair loss to yourself is just as respectable as choosing to show yourself as you are.
It’s important to feel comfortable during your vacation. And if that means wearing a hair topper to conceal your androgenetic alopecia at the beach or pool, that’s absolutely fine—you can do so without damaging your product.
So this summer, do whatever makes you feel good! And most of all, have a wonderful vacation!
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