This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.
How To Travel With Wigs & Toppers: Your Essentials Guide
Travel....Is there anything better than embracing adventure and getting out of our comfort zone? I always feel like I end up learning so much about myself while traveling because I'm being challenged. It gets us out of the monotony of the day-to-day and affords us the opportunity to adapt to new surroundings, experience different cultures, and share memories with friends and loved ones.
The pandemic has altered travel for many of us but as things change and you reach for that suitcase that is likely covered in dust... I thought this Essentials Guide for How To Travel With Your Wig & Topper could be helpful. Especially because when traveling we're working with a limited amount of space. Carry-on luggage must be under 35 pounds and checked bags must weigh under 50 pounds...So efficiency is key!
Here's what we'll cover in this post:
What to expect when going through airport security with your wig/ topper/ extensions
Considerations about how many hair pieces to pack
Methods for packing your wig or topper in your luggage
Wig care while traveling (What items you need to pack to make sure your wig is looking its best.)
How To Travel With Your Wig: Airport Security
If you're new to traveling with wigs and toppers then you may be wondering....Will I have to take off my wig when I go through TSA security?
Keep in mind when heading to the airport that thing like bobby pins, metal clips, ties, wraps, and even bows may cause an alarm during the security check. This may also include clip-on extensions, wigs, toppers, and certain hair styles such as braids or a hair bun (1).
I remember I was scared that the metal clips would set off the alarms and I would be asked to remove it...
In my experience, having been to the airport countless times with my hair topper on...I have never been stopped once about my hair topper/ wig/ extensions. But that's not to say it can't happen. So what to expect if it does....
Things You May Want To Do If Your Head Region Sets Off An Alarm
Communicate to the TSA officer any concerns you may have like...hey just a heads up I'm wearing a hair piece/ wig/ topper/ extensions etc.
If you are stopped by an agent and asked to remove your hair piece for some reason, you can always request a private screening accompanied by the companion of your choice.
If your head region is going to be inspected you can always ask the officer to use a new pair of gloves
How To Travel With Wigs: How Many Should I Pack?
Such a good question. I think it's important to consider the following:
How long you'll be gone for
What the weather will be
How many different styles you're looking to wear
I know I don't have to tell you this... but indulge me as I tell you this anyways... Always check the forecast. You may want to bring a more light weight hair piece that's more breathable if it's going to be super hot and humid... If it's going to rain then consider packing an umbrella/ hair scarves etc. to make sure your hair piece is protected.
If you're going to be in intense weather conditions then maybe consider opting for a synthetic hair piece as these maintain their style better in these types of conditions whereas human hair pieces might be more prone to lose their style in inclement weather.
What about styling your hair piece while you're on the go?
A great option could be this hanging wig stand linked below which will take up very little room in your suitcase, and is completely collapsible.
This would also be great for drying your wigs...To prevent slippage and keep your hair piece secured it comes with two adjustable wig buckles underneath the lower cross bar of the hanging wig stand.
Travel With Your Wig: How To Pack Your Wig
I love traveling with a hair topper because I love knowing my hair is going to look great....I feel like it helps me look my best and takes such little time to style. I'm not having to deal with blow dryers, and curlers and straighteners... Of course you can use these items to touch anything up but for the most part... it's just ready to wear.
What did feel intimidating was when I went to pack my hair pieces. I wanted to make sure they were safe from damage...I've used two methods to pack my hair pieces that we'll review below and I find that both work well.
Method 1: First I always brush out my wig or hair topper. Maybe you're thinking...Duh, Riley. I know. Here's the thing... If you're wondering how to Travel With Your Wig or other hair pieces.. I think it's important to pack your dedicated wig brush like the one linked HERE and below which comes in both a large and small size.
Why is this important? Regular brushes can be too rough... stretching the hair, pulling it, or even puncturing the lace on your wig. This wear and tear can reduce the lifespan of your hair piece. So let's treat our hair pieces right!
What's cool about these looped nylon bristled brushes is that they are designed without a tip of any kind. This makes them perfect to use on your hair pieces...so they do not get caught on tangled hair. No snags! I use them on my extensions too!
After you've brushed your hair piece out....Scrunch up some tissue paper and use this to stuff the wig cap. This will help the cap maintain its shape. Then use a large hairnet to like the one I've linked below to cover the entire wig. Keep in mind hairnets break super easily so I'd pack a few to be on the safe side. I then place this into a bag like the one linked HERE and below.
Once secured inside the hair net, you could also wrap your wig/topper in a silk scarf like the one linked HERE and then place this into a bag. The reason I like the silk scarf option is because I find that other materials like cotton for example can make the hair a bit frizzy when I take them out of the scarf. If you are concerned about moisture then I would suggest a ziploc storage bag.
Method 2: I love these wig travel bags linked HERE and below because I feel like it's my one-stop shop for traveling with hair pieces. These bags are very similar to like a dress or garment bag with their material. The hanger is made of wood/metal with double anti-slip cushions to help protect the hair.
I'll take the middle part of my hair piece and lay it flat and then place my hair piece in between the hanger and then clip it down.
I've also used the hanger for curling my hair extension pieces as well which is super convenient.
I have not noticed any creases once I take my hair topper off of the hanger. I just shake it out and style as desired and I'm good to go!
You may also want to consider something like a wig stand once you've unpacked. The one linked below will lay completely flat in your luggage.
Method 3: Using a wig case like the quilted nylon case I've linked below. This is another option for how to travel with a wig but I have avoided this method because I think these tend to take up too much room in my suitcase. If I were to use this method I'd pack my hair piece the same way as method one by placing the piece in a hair net and stuffing the cap with some tissue paper.
If you're not worried about space then this would be a great option for protecting your hair pieces when you travel.
How To Travel With Your Wig: Shampoos and Conditioners
Obviously you're not washing your hair pieces as often as you're washing your bio hair...But what about for those longer trips? Is it okay to wash your human hair wig with the shampoo and conditioner for your bio hair??
I always, and I mean always, use a dedicated wig shampoo and conditioner. Even for my human hair pieces. This is because natural hair products can be damaging by causing build up of product and even creating tangles.
I would suggest something like the Jon Reneau human hair wig travel kit. All of these items in the kit linked below are less than 3.4 ounces which is perfect for complying with TSA security if you're carrying-on these items.
For synthetic hair pieces try the one below but please note that these synthetic products are not travel size and would need to be transferred into carry-on bottles like the TSA approved sized ones (3 ounce) I have linked below. What's great about these is that they are also leak-proof. Trust that the travel bottles I had originally purchased from CVS leaked everywhere....Never again...
I hope by now you're feeling a little more prepared when it comes to--- How to travel with your wig! Be sure to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post!
Bon Voyage!
References:
1. https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2018/10/09/tsa-travel-tips-hair-products-and-pat-downs-what-know-and-what-expect