Shower, Swim, or Sweat? What Happens to Hair Tinsel When It Gets Wet!

If you’re wearing hair tinsel, it’s almost impossible to avoid water. Sometimes, it’s because of nature – like when it rains unexpectedly. Other times, it’s from the shower when you’re washing your hair. Sweat from exercise or even water from a swimming pool can also make your tinsel wet. But what happens when the tinsel gets wet? Does it react the same way to all types of water? In this article, we’ll help you answer all these questions so you can keep your hair tinsel looking its best, no matter what.

What Is Hair Tinsel Made Of?

Before discussing how hair tinsel reacts to water, it’s essential to understand what it’s made of. Hair tinsel can be made from different materials, and these materials can affect how it behaves when it gets wet. The two most common hair tinsel materials used for hair tinsel are polyester and silk.

• Polyester Hair Tinsel: This is the most common type of tinsel. Polyester is a synthetic material. It’s lightweight, durable, and resistant to most things, including water. Wet polyester hair tinsel doesn’t lose its shine or shape. It will feel a bit heavier while wet, but once it dries, it looks as shiny and smooth as before.
• Silk Hair Tinsel: Silk is a natural fiber that reacts differently than polyester. When silk tinsel gets wet, it can become softer and more delicate. Silk tends to absorb water, making it feel heavier and lose some of its sparkle while wet. After it dries, silk tinsel might not look as shiny as before, and it can sometimes become a bit limp or tangled.

Understanding these differences can help you know how to take care of your hair tinsel when it gets wet. Whether you have polyester or silk tinsel, both materials handle water in their own way, and knowing that will help you keep your tinsel looking great for as long as possible.

Does Hair Tinsel React to Water?

In most cases, hair tinsel can handle getting wet without any issues. The materials used to make hair tinsel, like polyester, are designed to be durable and resistant to water. The metallic coating on the tinsel won’t wash off or lose its shine when exposed to moisture. So, if you find yourself caught in the rain or need to wash your hair, you don’t have to worry about the tinsel losing its sparkle or color.

When hair tinsel gets wet, it may feel a little heavier because of the added water weight. However, it won’t lose its shape or flexibility. Once the tinsel dries, it will return to its lightweight and shiny appearance, just like before it got wet. The good news is that hair tinsel is built to handle moisture, so it can look great even when damp.

Showering with Hair Tinsel

Showering with hair tinsel is safe as long as it has been properly installed. The key is to be gentle and take a few precautions. When washing your hair, it’s a good idea to use gentle shampoos and conditioners. Harsh products can sometimes cause damage to your tinsel or hair.

While washing, avoid scrubbing your hair roughly. Rubbing too hard can loosen the knots that hold the tinsel in place, which might cause it to fall out earlier than you’d like. Instead, gently run your fingers through your hair to help prevent any tangling. By being gentle, your hair tinsel can stay secure and shiny even after a shower.

Swimming with Hair Tinsel

Swimming is a common way for hair tinsel to get wet, especially if you’re in chlorine or saltwater. While tinsel can handle water, frequent exposure to chlorine or salt water can make it more brittle with time. This can cause the tinsel to break or slip out easily.

If you swim often, one way to protect your tinsel is by wearing a swim cap. This helps reduce the risk of your tinsel getting pulled out during your swim. Another option is to braid your hair before swimming. Braiding your hair helps keep the tinsel secure and prevents it from tangling or coming loose while you’re in the water. These steps can help keep your tinsel looking great, even when enjoying a swim.

Drying Your Hair

After your hair tinsel gets wet, drying it well can help minimize any unwanted effects and keep it looking great. When towel drying your hair, be gentle. Instead of rubbing your hair with the towel, try patting it softly. Rubbing can pull on the tinsel and cause it to loosen or fall out, so it’s best to avoid that.

If you’re blow-drying your hair, ensure you have heat-resistant hair tinsel. Some hair tinsel extensions can handle higher temperatures, up to 400°F. However, you should check the product specifications. Using a heat protectant spray on your hair can also help protect your natural hair and the tinsel from heat damage. Carefully drying your hair can keep the tinsel intact and shiny.

Can Hair Tinsel Get Frizzy or Dull When Wet?

Hair tinsel is made from synthetic materials that do not absorb moisture like natural hair. This helps the tinsel maintain its sleek and shiny appearance, even after being submerged in water. Unlike natural hair, which can become frizzy when wet, hair tinsel usually stays smooth and sparkly.

However, if your natural hair becomes kinky when it gets wet, it can affect how the tinsel looks. While the tinsel strands will still appear smooth, the frizzy hair around it can create a less uniform look. This is something to consider if you want to maintain a polished, smooth appearance.

How to Prolong the Lifespan of Hair Tinsel if You Constantly Come Into Contact with Water

If you regularly come into contact with water, there are a few steps you can take to help your hair tinsel last longer. These tips are specifically focused on protecting your tinsel from the effects of water.

1. Limit Exposure to Chlorine and Saltwater: Both chlorine and salt water can make hair tinsel more brittle over time. If you swim often, try to wear a swim cap. This will keep the tinsel protected from the harsh effects of these waters.
2. Gently Dry After Getting Wet: After your tinsel gets wet, dry it carefully. When towel-drying, gently pat your hair rather than rubbing it. Rubbing can damage the tinsel and cause it to loosen. If you’re blow-drying, ensure the tinsel is heat-resistant and use a heat protectant spray to avoid damage from the heat.
3. Use a Leave-In Conditioner: While hair tinsel doesn’t absorb moisture like natural hair, using a leave-in conditioner on your natural hair can help prevent frizz. This will keep your tinsel smooth and prevent it from looking out of place when your natural hair is wet.
4. Avoid Scrubbing Your Hair Roughly: When washing your hair, avoid scrubbing it too hard, as this can loosen the tinsel and cause it to fall out. Instead, be gentle when cleaning your hair, ensuring the tinsel stays secure.
5. Braid or Secure Your Hair: If you know you’ll be in the water for long, consider braiding your hair. Braiding helps keep the tinsel secure and prevents tangling, which can happen when the tinsel gets wet and moves around.

Conclusion

Most hair tinsel holds up well when wet, and some brands even offer washable hair tinsel. However, if you want to keep your tinsel sparkling and looking fresh for a long time, follow the correct precautions. By taking simple steps like protecting it from harsh water, drying it gently, and securing it properly, you can maintain the shine and beauty of your tinsel, even if you love swimming or spending a lot of time in the water. With proper care, your hair tinsel will stay fabulous and last much longer, so you can enjoy it without worry.