As someone who has dealt with alopecia for over four years, I’ve had many experiences with alopecia struggles during hot weather. After sweating in full-bodied wigs and feeling limited in summer activities, I’ve collated multiple tips and tricks along the way to ease the summer struggles which alopecia may bring.

Summer Activities

Swimming

Swimming at home or abroad is a great way to cool off in the heat, however alopecia can bring its challenges to this summer activity.

One example of this is wearing wigs, which shouldn’t be exposed to chlorine or other pool chemicals. Like many others with complete hair loss, I was afraid to show myself in public without covering my head, and therefore at this time, “being brave” and being told to “just do it” was not a helpful solution. Instead, I would wear styled turbans in the water so that my head was covered, whilst still allowing me to dive and swim underwater.

Another issue I combatted was swimming with makeup that masked my hair loss, such as eyebrows, which would wash off in the water. Currently, I use the Molain 4D Waterproof Hair-Like Eyebrow Tattoo Stickers which I have personally tested in the ocean and chlorinated pools.

Additionally, these particular waterproof, temporary tattoo eyebrows have been recommended by multiple girls on the Alopecia UK Youth Voice Board for their natural look, whilst still remaining cheap and easy to apply.

Theme Parks

Whether it be a school trip or a family day out, summer is the prime time to attend the best theme parks the UK has to offer. When I had extensive hair loss, like many others I was not yet confident to go out in public without a wig. This became a challenge when I was fifteen years old, and my school held a trip to Thorpe Park; home to some of the most intense rollercoasters. Between the plummeting drops and vertical loops, I was unable to shake the thought that my wig would come off on a rollercoaster. 

Instead of fearfully excluding myself from my friends who were facing the largest rides at the park, I decided that morning to simply add extra wig tape and conquered my fear. After a day of riding Saw, Stealth and Nemesis Inferno with no wig dilemmas, Walkers Wig Tape didn’t let me down, and alopecia did not limit my summer fun.

Managing the Heat

Whilst I found that wearing a wig during summer isn’t as unpleasant as it sounds, when on holiday in Mexico, I occasionally found it too hot to wear my wig. This created a mental challenge, as at this point I hadn’t left my house without a wig in years.

I spoke to my family about this struggle, and they gave me the reassuring advice that everybody was too busy enjoying their holiday to care whether or not Ella Kahan-Taylor was wearing a wig. It even sounded ridiculous to think that anybody would give my appearance a second thought, in the same way I wouldn’t judge anyone else.

By day two of the holiday, I was walking along the beach without my wig, and decided to put it on in the evening to feel “dressed up”. I was no longer struggling in the heat, but more importantly I felt confident, comfortable and liberated in my choice.

Alopecia definitely presents some challenges during summer, especially when it comes to wigs. However, I hope this guide has provided solutions for some summer struggles you may encounter along your journey.