How to Travel With Your Wig

A wig travels well when it is packed properly. Packed badly, it arrives tangled, flattened and creased at the lace. Here is how to pack a human hair wig, what to bring with you, and how to look after it once you arrive.

Before you pack

1. Wash it a day or two ahead and let it air dry completely. Never pack a damp wig.
2. Detangle it with a wide-tooth comb, from the ends up.
3. Clean the lace. Remove any glue or makeup from the hairline.
4. Secure the hair. Put long hair in one or two loose braids. Put curly and wavy wigs in a hair net.

How to pack a wig

• Cover it. Slip the wig into a silk or satin bonnet or wrap it in a silk scarf to cut down on friction.
• Support the cap. Tuck tissue paper or a soft scarf inside the cap so the cap and lace keep their shape.
• Use a carrier bag for long hair. A zip-up carrier with a hanger keeps long wigs and extensions hanging straight. Lay it flat on top of your clothes.
• Keep it in your carry-on when you can. Checked bags get crushed and delayed.
• Pack it last. Nothing heavy should sit on top of it.

What to bring

• A folding wig stand. It is collapsible and suits wigs up to 14 inches long.
• A carrier bag with a hanger, in black or white, for longer wigs and extensions
• A silk bonnet for packing and for sleeping
• A wig grip band to keep your wig secure without glue
• A wide-tooth comb
• Travel-size shampoo, conditioner and heat protectant
• Lace Paste Remover, if you wear adhesive

Flying with a wig

• You can wear your wig through airport security.
• Metal clips and pins can set off the scanner. If that happens, an officer may need to check your head, and you can ask for a private screening.
• In the United States, liquids in a carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all inside one quart-size bag.
• A glueless wig is the easiest to travel with, because you can take it off and put it back on in minutes.

When you arrive

• Unpack it first. Shake the wig out and put it on your stand, or hang the carrier bag in the closet.
• Smooth out creases. Mist the hair lightly with water and comb it through, or restyle with a heat protectant.
• Expect more frizz in humid weather. A loose braid overnight helps keep it smooth.
• Take it off before you swim. Chlorine and salt water dry out human hair and are hard on the lace.
• Take it off at night and cover it with your bonnet.

Quick packing checklist

• Wig washed, dry and detangled
• Hair braided or in a hair net
• Bonnet or silk scarf
• Tissue paper inside the cap
• Folding stand or carrier bag
• Comb and travel-size products

For storing wigs at home, read How to Store Your Wigs: Short-Term and Long-Term. New to wigs? Start with our beginner's guide to glueless wigs.