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Wigs and the Olympics

Wigs and the Olympics

Imagine the lifestyle of an olympian, now imagine the lifestyle of an olympian who wears wig. The Tokyo 2021 Olympics came to a close August 8th, an event filled with athletes sporting a wig, especially Black women in the track and field category. Who says wigs and the Olympics don't go together?
Regular wig wearers can't help but wonder how Olympians maintain their wigs at the Olympics under such intense physical conditions that inevitably affect the wig's wearability.
Many people won't even go the gym while wearing a wig, but thankfully there's more open dialogue about wearing a wig to the gym (see our blog here). So how much more is the fear of sweating out a wig as a professionally trained athlete on the world games? What do we know about wigs and the Olympics?
With increased sweat and extreme weather conditions, a wig at the Olympics can lead to common wig woes like lifting and sliding- especially without the Wig Fix! Olympic competitors should treat wearing like going to the gym x 100 and ensure their wig stays put while competing for that coveted gold medal.
What we know about wigs in the Olympics
Most Olympians who wear wigs will sport a low ponytail and a headband to keep a secured hairstyle while running. Absorbing sweat quickly with a headband prevents extra buildup around the hairline, which may be met with glue, a velvet headband, or some other bacteria-prone wig installing products. We must get the Wig Fix to these athletes soon! Our mission at The Renatural is to keep both your wig and hair underneath as healthy as possible as a wig wearer. Wigs at the Olympics should involve increased breathability and a simple installation process. That leaves more time to focus on the competition and provides more comfort to the body at such a high-stress time.
What we don't know about wigs and the Olympics
What we don't know about wigs at the Olympic is the upkeep. Are athletes allowed access to their hair stylists for some wig TLC? Are Olympic athletes taking off their wigs at night and allowing their scalp to breathe? Do they let their wigs air dry from all the sweat? Are there additional wigs?
With tight schedules, racing, recovering and redoing it, the Olympics is a busy place for both athletes and their wigs. 
We don't know the day to day wig care of an athlete competing at the Olympics, but we encourage all athletes to wash their hair anywhere from 1-3 times a week to avoid buildup that will stunt hair growth.
The games may be over but the wig slay is still in order! Congrats to all the Olympians who competed and placed.
Secure the win, secure the wig!
Wigs and the Olympics
       Image | Keni Harrison via Instagram
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Find Your Cap Size
Setup
01 Circumference
02 Front to Nape
03 Ear to Ear
Your Size
Setup

Before you start

What you need

Get this right
from the start

Most fit problems trace back to how the measurement was taken, not the number itself.

A soft fabric measuring tape — metal tapes give inaccurate readings.
With or without wig cap? If you plan to wear one, measure with it on.
Snug, not tight. The tape should sit firmly but not indent your skin.
A mirror or a friend. A second set of hands improves accuracy.
Circumference

Step 01 · Primary measurement

The anchor

Circumference

Place the tape around your head at the hairline — approximately ¼ inch above your eyebrows and ears. Bring it around the back at the base of your skull. Keep the tape parallel to the floor the entire way around.

Why it mattersThis is the primary anchor. When you're between sizes, circumference is always the tiebreaker.
Common mistakeTipping the tape up at the back. Keep it level all the way around.
Enter your circumference
inches

This number takes precedence

Front to Nape

Step 02 · Secondary measurement

Nape comfort

Front to Nape

Start at your natural hairline at the center of your forehead. Run the tape back over the crown to the nape of your neck where your hairline ends. Let the tape follow the curve of your head.

Why it mattersDetermines nape comfort over a full day. If slightly short, you'll feel it by afternoon.
Common mistakeStarting from the scalp instead of the hairline. Always begin at the hairline.
Enter your front to nape
inches

Affects nape comfort over long wear

Ear to Ear

Step 03 · Secondary measurement

Front stability

Ear to Ear

Begin at the top of one ear where it starts to curve. Bring the tape up and over the crown to the same point on the opposite ear. The tape runs across the top of your head, not around it.

Why it mattersControls whether the front stays in place. If too small, the wig will gradually ride back over the course of the day.
Common mistakeStarting at the earlobe instead of the top curve. This adds length unnecessarily.
Enter your ear to ear
inches

Determines front stability and placement

Your recommended cap

Retake measurements

Understanding your size

Your cap has a range

The adjustable back strap gives you roughly half an inch of flexibility in each direction.
If you're between sizes, sizing up always works — a slightly larger cap adjusted with the strap fits better than a slightly small one.
A full day of wear tells you more than 10 minutes. Nape comfort reveals itself over hours.

On comfort and security

A well-fitting wig should feel comfortable — not tight, not grippy.

"Comfortable is correct.
Tight is not security."

The Renatural
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