Do you find yourself struggling to keep cool as the summer temperatures heat up? While covering your hair is a beautiful mitzvah, the summer heat can sometimes make this practice challenging. To avoid discomfort and overheating, below are several tips and tricks to help you stay cool and comfortable while maintaining your preferred style and religious guidelines. Hair coverings have revolutionized so much over the past few years, it seems like every few months a new product comes onto the market. And thankfully, these new products are made lighter, thinner and more comfortable than ever before.

Choosing the Right Cap, Density and Style

Make sure the actual material used for making the cap is lightweight and breathable. Also, wigs made with lower hair density/thinner wigs, meaning less hair on the cap, will feel lighter on the head, and keep you cooler than wigs with thicker density. If your wig is too heavy, consider thinning it for the summer. There are 3 ways to thin out the density on a wig: removing thickness with thinning sheers, removing wefts from the wig, or plucking the hair out. Depending on the wig, a skilled wig stylist will advise which technique will be best for your wig. Lace-top wigs not only offer a more natural look, but are actually lighter on the head and provide your scalp with ventilation, which reduces sweating. Shorter hair is now trending and actually helps to reduce the weight of the wig, which will keep you cooler all summer long. If you don’t want to cut your wig shorter, or add layers to your style, cutting in invisible layers will not change the style of the hair cut, but will give your wig a lighter feel.

Another type of cap to consider is a partial cap, also known as a topper or kippah fall. A partial cap can be made as large or as small as you would like. Kippah falls of all types and sizes have literally transformed hair covering. A kippah fall is a hair piece that is worn over one’s hair when down; if made large enough, your hair can be pinned under the cap, thus covering all of your hair. Clients who try them on are totally amazed at how lightweight, comfortable and natural they appear. One of the best features of a kippah fall is that it can be worn in a pony or bun/updo, keeping your hair off your neck. The lightest and most comfortable version of the kippah fall is currently made with lace. Since these pieces are so comfortable and natural looking they have become my best seller and sell out very quickly. If you are considering one for the summer be sure to book your appointments now.

Prepping Your Scalp/Hair Before Putting on Your Wig

Choose a breathable wig cap/liner, such as silk, that is moisture-wicking, to keep your scalp dry and comfortable. A wig cap liner made from bamboo is especially effective at wicking away sweat. Keep your scalp clean and hydrated. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner and consider a lightweight scalp oil or serum to prevent dryness and itching. Cooling sprays can be used before putting on your wig to refresh and calm the skin.

Proper Wig Maintenance And Styling

Washing your wig more frequently in the summer months will be needed to remove sweat, oils and product buildup. Keep an anti-humidity spray nearby and use when needed to prevent frizz. Dry shampoos can also help in between washes to prevent the hair from looking oily. If your wig is feeling too long and heavy, but you’re not ready to cut it, style it in a messy bun, ponytail or braid to keep the hair off your neck and shoulders.

Allow Your Scalp To Breathe

Whenever possible, remove your headcovering to allow your scalp to breathe and prevent overheating.

Staying Hydrated and Managing the Heat

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you’re feeling overheated, a quick tip is to run cold water over your wrists, as the blood vessels there are close to the surface, and it can help cool you down quickly. Minimize direct sun exposure and take breaks in the shade. Stay in cool environments whenever possible.

Sari Friedbauer is the owner of Sari’s Wigs, located in Teaneck, New Jersey. Sari is a licensed cosmetologist and certified wig maker. Sari is available for consults and can be reached via text at 201-694-5319.