Can I Sleep in My Wig?

Can I Sleep in My Wig?

Can I sleep in my wig

So, can you sleep in a wig? Our Simply Wigs community often asks this question, as we know that taking a wig off before bed can be a tough challenge for some. This could be especially relevant if you are in the company of a friend, partner, family member, or just anyone if you don’t quite yet feel comfortable enough. 

Even though it is incredibly tempting to sleep in your wig after a long day, it is important that you don’t.

Can You Sleep in a Wig?

Though it is possible to sleep in your wig, and it may be incredibly tempting to do this after a long day, we highly recommend that you don’t.

If you sleep in your wig regularly, you will most likely wake up with knots and tangles, and it will take longer for you to style your wig the next day. Sleeping in your wig can reduce the lifespan of your wig tremendously as the friction between the fibre and your pillow can cause matting/tangling of the hair.

Sleeping in a wig can also trigger scalp irritation due to a build-up of sweat and oils during
overnight wear. Because of this, you may notice a build-up in your wig cap, which could
cause the hair to loosen from the cap and mean the wig demands washing more often.

Can You Sleep in a Human Hair Wig?

Putting synthetic wigs aside, you may wonder whether the same principle applies to human hair wigs. Generally, you should use the same rules for these types of wigs. Whilst human hair wigs are often claimed to be more comfortable to sleep in due to their lightness and breathability, you should still try to avoid sleeping in them to avoid damage.

Human hair wigs are also pricier, so you’ll definitely want to ensure it stays in a healthy condition! To enhance its longevity, you’ll want to keep your human hair wig tangle-free, which could involve storing your wig on a wig stand overnight and gently brushing it with a wig brush before going to bed to ensure it is truly detangled for the day ahead.

Is There Any Case Where It’s Beneficial to Sleep with a Wig On?

While there are many drawbacks to sleeping with a wig on, some wig wearers still choose to do so.

One of the most common reasons why someone may choose to sleep in a wig is convenience. Sleeping in a wig can save time getting ready for bed or getting ready the next day, as your wig will already be secure on your head (although it may still require touching up). 

Another reason why you may sleep with a wig on is self-consciousness. If you have only recently started to experience hair loss or are sharing a bed with a new partner, you may feel more comfortable sleeping in your wig for now.

Solutions to Sleeping with a Wig On

While we don’t recommend sleeping with a wig on, we understand that some circumstances may make you feel more comfortable doing so. Let’s face it – if you have a new houseguest or come home exhausted, sleeping with a wig on sometimes happens. Look below to find our top solutions to sleeping in a human hair wig or a synthetic alternative with as little damage as possible.

  • Secure your wig – Not securing your wig is one of the most common wig mistakes, meaning the first thing to do if you are sleeping with a wig on is to ensure it is in place before you hit the hay. Accessories like hair bonnets or wig clips can help to secure your wig, stopping it from tangling during the night.
  • Choose your sleeping wig – If you want to sleep in a wig occasionally, it’s worth choosing a less expensive style that you will only wear during the nighttime hours. This will stop your main daytime wig from getting damaged, which could save you a lot of money in the long run.
  • Use a silk scarf – Wrapping a silk scarf around your wig can help to protect it, keeping it in place and thus minimising damage to the fibres. 
  • Purchase silk pillowcases – If silk scarves aren’t your thing, you could try a silk pillowcase instead. The smoothness of silk can stop your wig from frizzing and cause less damage.
  • Brush your wig in the morning – You should brush your wig regardless of whether you’ve slept in it, ensuring you defrizz your wig by tackling pesky tangles or knots. Place your wig on a wig stand and work a brush or comb through with care.
  • Wash your wig – If sleeping with a wig on is necessary for you, then so is washing it. Sweat and oils will gradually build up on your wig – especially if you sleep in it. This means you must get yourself a good wig shampoo and conditioner to restore a synthetic wig or freshen up a human hair alternative in the long run. Use our guide to determine which wig care products are right for you
  • Experiment with braids – Braiding your wig loosely could help to decrease the number of tangles and knots, especially if your chosen wig style is long. Remember not to braid the strands too tightly, which could cause further damage.
  • Give the wig a break! – All in all, you should only sleep in your wig if necessary and remember to give it a well-earned break! Even with the above solutions, you may find your wig is suffering from frizz, tangles, split ends, and a whole host of other problems. To keep your wig in tip-top condition, avoid sleeping in it whenever you can.

Alternatives to Sleeping in a Wig

Alternatively, if you still want to cover your head but don’t want to wear a wig, you can always wear a piece of headwear, like a hair loss turban, instead. The Chandra Cap by Christine Headwear is perfect for this. It is soft and seamless and will keep you incredibly comfortable at night.

As a winner in both style and comfort, the Chandra Cap is popular amongst our beautiful customers. It comes in two subtle colours and has no irritating seams to ruin the effect. What’s more, this fabulous piece is constructed of 95% Bamboo Viscose, so you can look and feel fabulous whilst doing your bit for the environment.

We know that losing your hair can be incredibly distressing; sometimes, you feel like you have lost your identity. That is why we always try to find the perfect solutions and styles for our community here at Simply Wigs.

We are so excited about the Chandra Cap and hope it will help bring confidence to those who need it at night time. We want to do everything possible to make you feel comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, like yourself. 

If you have any experiences or tips concerning sleeping with a wig on, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Also, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any more queries about sleeping with a wig on! 

Emma

The Author - Emma

Welcome to Simply Wigs, and thank you so much for being here. My name is Emma, and coupled with my husband Stuart, we started this company from our kitchen table in 2002. We began as our family was thrown into the world of hair loss, and we wanted to create a company where support, education, and hair loss options, were available together in one inclusive place. Simply Wigs is now more than just a wig retailer; it represents my mission to provide support, understanding, and high quality wigs to those experiencing hair loss. I have always prioritised creating personal connections with our customers. My vision is to foster a sense of community and trust, ensuring every customer feels valued and understood. This personal touch has been a cornerstone of our Simply Wigs business philosophy and remains integral as our company continues to grow. I hope that Simply Wigs plays a supportive, encouraging and inspiring part of your life, as you navigate the world of hair loss.

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Comments (25)

Hi Lin. Thanks for getting in touch. We do not recommend you wet the wigs in the pool/sea, as the water can damage the fibres. For swimming activities, we would recommend you take a look at the Ada Swim Cap. If you have any further queries, please contact the Customer Service Team on 01484 844557.

We’re glad you found a wig you love! If you contact our customer service team on 01484 844557 they would be happy to help you out with wig caps.

Very Interesting, love the info. Never heard of a sleep wig, or a swim wig, I want both! I’m 70yrs old have worn hair pieces since I was 16, hate my hair. It’s naturally curly and very, very fine. I finally found a wig I just love, it’s Grey 18″ and soft curls all over! but I can only find a lg. Wig cap. Do u have this?

Hi Cheri,

I am so sorry to say that the Night wig has new been discontinued.

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