Wigs can be worn in bed, but most haircare specialists and manufacturers recommend removing a wig at night. Sleeping in a wig can disturb your rest, and wearing the hairpiece in bed can cause damage.
While more cost-effective, synthetic wigs are the least sleep-friendly option. The man-made fibers can be damaged or broken overnight, requiring significant repairs and attention in the morning.
While more expensive and heavier on the head, wigs constructed from human hair are easier to sleep in. If you regularly wash and condition them, they’ll react like organic hair.
If you plan to install a wig to keep your hairpiece on 24/7, get the wig sewn into any natural hair.
This will hold the wig in place overnight more effectively than adhesives like glue or tape. It’ll also remove the risks associated with solvents, including allergic reactions and blocked pores.
Wrap your wig with silk or satin if you want to wear it in bed because this reduces the risk of damaging the fibers. Exchanging cotton for silk or satin pillows will also protect your wig and make it likelier that you’ll sleep soundly while wearing a headpiece.
Do You Have to Take Your Wig Off Every Night?
Most wigs are intended for daytime use, so it’s recommended that they be removed at night. This allows natural hair to breathe and protects the wig from damage, prolonging the use of the hairpiece.
When removing your wig at night before bed, don’t just leave it loose on a dresser. Get a Styrofoam mannequin head to store your wig and maintain its natural shape, or get a wig stand.
Mannequin heads are the best choice, as these mimic the natural shape and size of a human head.
Some people prefer wig stands because they take up less space and are more portable than mannequin heads, which is ideal if you regularly apply and remove your wig.
Whether you remove a wig at night is a personal choice. Some people feel self-conscious without a wig, and if anxiety keeps you awake when you remove your hairpiece, you’re better off leaving it on.
If you don’t remove your wig at night, prepare for additional time spent styling in the morning.
You should also consider getting multiple wigs and alternating which hairpiece you wear in bed to avoid finding yourself with an unexpectedly unusable accessory.
Can I Sleep in a Wig?
You can sleep in a wig if you take steps to protect it, but most experts don’t recommend it. Sleeping in a wig increases the risk of damage to your headpiece and may disturb your sleep.
If you plan to buy a wig you intend to sleep in, ensure the hairpiece doesn’t itch and isn’t too tight, especially at the front of the hairline.
Don’t use a wig with a bulky crown because this will make it difficult to get comfortable while sleeping.
Sleeping in a wig means you’ll likely wake up with tangles and knots in the hair. While wigs can be brushed and teased to remove unwelcome kinks, it’ll be time-consuming.
Wigs can also move while you sleep. If you share a bed with a partner that you would prefer not to see you without a wig, this can lead to social embarrassment.
A moving wig may also become irritating if it regularly interrupts your sleep.
Consider the friction your wig will encounter between pillow fibers overnight. If your wig experiences too much damage, it may become unusable, as tangles and mats will become harder to manage.
Some people won’t countenance sleeping without a wig. The BMJ explains how people with alopecia, in particular, demonstrate significantly higher social confidence when wearing wigs, although anxiety surrounding the wig being noticed and acknowledged was also noted.
Can You Sleep with a Synthetic Wig On?
Synthetic wigs are constructed from manufactured fibers, most commonly acrylic or plastic.
Price points and quality control vary dramatically when shopping for synthetic wigs. Also, cheaper hairpieces are unlikely to survive long if you wear them overnight.
The average lifespan for a synthetic wig is around 6 months, but this will drop if you wear it in bed. However, the lower price means you could purchase several wigs.
The fibers of a synthetic wig are likelier to snap, split, and break if worn in bed. This is why these hairpieces don’t last as long when worn overnight.
Synthetic wigs are usually lightweight, so they shouldn’t disturb your sleep by feeling uncomfortable.
The fibers used for synthetic wigs don’t breathe, meaning a lower-end wig may grow hot and itchy overnight. This may disturb your sleep or make it difficult to doze off.
If you need a wig to wear overnight, consider a blended wig that combines synthetic fibers with human hair. These look, feel, and move like organic hair but are almost as lightweight as synthetic wigs.
A blended synthetic wig will cost more than a purely synthetic hairpiece and last twice as long, especially if you aim to sleep in it.
While synthetic wigs will always pose challenges overnight, this will be the best compromise.
Can You Sleep in a Human Hair Wig?
A wig constructed from human hair will likely be considerably more expensive than a synthetic alternative but will cope better with the stressors placed on it during sleep.
Sleeping in a human hair wig is no different from caring for organic hair, although it’ll feel much heavier on your head once applied.
You may need time to adjust to this in bed and may wish to consider softer pillows.
Human hair wigs are easier to brush before bed and can be shaped however desired. These wigs also last much longer than synthetic wigs, so even if you wear your wig to bed, expect it to last for at least a year.
Sleeping in a human hair wig will also need less smoothing and repairing in the morning. A simple brush or comb and a little styling product will do the trick, especially if you regularly wash and condition the hairpiece.
Humidity is a concern for human hair wigs, as sleeping in a humid room may damage them. If you prefer to sleep wearing this headwear, consider getting a dehumidifier for your bedroom.
Can You Sleep with A Glued Wig?
In theory, wig glue is a firm adhesive that keeps a hairpiece in place for weeks. Sleeping with a glued wig can be detrimental for several reasons.
If you remove a wig at night, your natural hair follicles and pores will have the opportunity to breathe. If you leave a glued wig on, permanent damage can be caused.
These hazards become increasingly prominent if you sweat during sleep. Not all wig solvents are created equal, and a substandard glue may become loose or run when it encounters sweat.
Wig glue can also cause an allergic reaction. If you’re sleeping in a glued wig for the first time, you may not realize this until morning. Reactions to wig glue can include skin hives, facial and scalp swelling, and even respiratory concerns.
Even if you don’t have a medical reaction to wig glue, it’s common to find this product itchy. A constant need to scratch your head that refuses to sate can seriously disrupt a good night’s sleep.
Can You Sleep in a Wig Install?
One of the advantages of a wig install is that you can wear them 24/7. The longevity of a wig install depends on various factors, but expect a human hair install to last longer than synthetic hair.
Wig installs are the best hairpieces to sleep in but consider your options carefully to enjoy the best night of rest and lifespan for your wig. As discussed, glue is not ideal. Adhesive tape will not last long if you sleep in your wig and will quickly see the hair become misplaced.
The best way to install a wig that’ll be worn overnight is to sew the hairpiece into your natural hair. This creates an anchor that holds the wig in place. A sewn-in human hair wig install may last as long as 3 months and will not need to be removed throughout this time.
If this is your approach, treat your wig installation like organic hair. This involves washing and conditioning your wig at least once a week and allowing it to dry before sleeping.
Ensure you sleep at a cool temperature if you have a wig installed. Sweating around the head can lead to mold growth, which will be unpleasant and may cause an itchy, flaky scalp that keeps you awake at night.
Should I Brush My Wig Before Bed?
Wigs should be treated like organic hair, especially if constructed from human hair, so brushing your wig before bed each night is advisable.
Never brush your wig when it is damp. Wait for the wig to dry before treating it (you can apply a hairdryer if using a human hair wig), and use a wide-toothed comb or brush when straightening out the wig fibers.
If you have a synthetic wig, use a specialist wig brush, as a regular comb will damage the wig.
When you compare these products, you’ll observe the differences. Wig combs have wider teeth, while wig brushes have prongs rather than bristles.
To treat your wig overnight, purchase a leave-in conditioner that works while you sleep.
Again, if using a synthetic wig, look for a specialist product designed to service this headwear. Any pharmacy-bought conditioner is acceptable for human hair wigs.
Brush your wig to the condition you need, and decide if you’re prepared to risk sleeping in the headwear. If you get into bed wearing a wig, take additional steps to protect and enhance its longevity.
How Do I Protect My Wig at Night?
If you want to sleep in your wig, there are steps you can take to protect the hair. If you take these precautions, your wig will likely remain pristine for longer.
Always consider wrapping your wig before you get into bed. The theory here is identical to organic hair; covering and protecting the wig reduces the risk of damage and dryness upon waking.
You could use a scarf to wrap your wig while you sleep, but this may make you uncomfortably hot and disturb your sleep. Scarves can also slip out of place, especially if you’re prone to tossing and turning.
An ideal solution is to create a silk, satin, or polyester wrap. These materials will protect and keep your wig in place but will not extract and absorb moisture.
Silk and satin, in particular, will also be considerably lighter and more comfortable.
A more straightforward solution is purchasing a satin-linked Ankara bonnet. They aren’t as aesthetically pleasing, but the elastic in the bonnet will effortlessly hold your wig in place while you sleep.
In addition to applying headwear to protect your wig, consider trading your cotton or wool pillowcases for silk or satin alternatives. As with wrapping your hair, these materials are less likely to suck moisture from your wig, reducing the risk of frizz, tangles, and split ends.
Wigs are primarily designed for wearing during waking hours, but you can sleep in your wig if you take precautions and have no other option.
Protect your hairpiece, and accept that sleeping in this headwear may shorten its lifespan.
