Wigs have been popular since ancient times, but today’s wigs have come a long way since their earlier models. Women and some men, who wear wigs now aren’t necessarily doing so to hide hair loss. More people, especially celebrities and frequent travelers have jumped on the wig craze in the last several years and wear natural hair wigs and extensions in order to get the exact hairstyle they want without ever having to wait for a cut to grow out or use harsh chemicals to achieve a wide range of popular colors. Their open honesty regarding the fact that they do wear wigs has broken the old stigma about artificial hair being something to hide.
Let’s Talk About The Wigs History and how it became a Trend
A Quick History about Wigs
Ancient Egyptians wore wigs as a status symbol of sorts. The best wigs were made of human hair and were worn by royalty and those with wealth and prestige in their communities. The everyday common citizen would wear wigs crafted from wool or palm trees, and these were obviously not very attractive or comfortable to wear.
An Overview About Early Wig Styles & Fashion
Originally, wigs were worn to show the wearer’s status, and they served to keep lice and other vermin from taking hold. These items were also used as a type of protection from the sun’s harsh rays. Until about the 1500s, wigs were used more as a foundation layer for elaborate headdresses.
By the end of that century, hairstyles were over-the-top with ridiculously high headwear that helped spur wig use as these hairstyles needed a full head of thick hair. The hair would first be prepped with sticky gum then powdered. The wigs tended to be styled in ringlets or similar curls, usually of false materials.
The elite French nobility wore complete heads of false hair, termed perruque. This title was shortened to other words like periwig, and by 1675, this fashion headpiece was simply called a wig.
How Wigs Have Changed Through the Centuries
Wigs back in the day were obvious and didn’t fool anybody as to their falseness. These days, wigs are often custom made of real human hair. Wig makers are true artisans who carefully and painstakingly sew strands of hair to a lace material that rests on the hairline or as a full under cap that is breathable and more comfortable to wear.
Wigs from 1920’s Era & Beyond
The 1920’s brought fashionable hair back into vogue. The Roaring Twenties featured women wearing slim evening wear and wore their hair styled in a natural bob style. Only older women of that time period wore wigs. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, wigs were either a full cap of artificial hair or a simple hair fall that was worn like a headband.
Cultural Attitudes Regarding Wigs Today
In the past, women who were of African American descent tended to favor wigs for many years here in the United States. Hairstylists often doubled as wig makers or just styled and cared for wigs. Many women who wear wigs take them to their hairdresser for advice on how to wash a wig so that the wig lasts longer.
Lately, celebrities have become enamored with wigs of every sort. As women of color were wearing intricate weaves, braids and other styles, the quality of wigs became so much better and more natural-looking. Singers, actresses, and other public celebrities of every race and background make wearing wigs more of a fashion statement meant to be fun and transforming.
Wigs today are also very natural and believable. They can be dyed a rainbow of colors. Natural human hair wigs can be custom-made, and these hair accessories should be washed gently, conditioned, and dried/stored on wig stands.
Benefits of Wearing Wigs
Allow us to share with you some cool benefits of wearing wigs:
Get Any Style
If you’re someone who doesn’t have the time or the knowledge to make different hairstyles, then wigs are something for you. You can wear a wig of different hairstyles and colors. This will be a great way to check which hairstyle suits you best.
Protect Your Hair
Do you already have damaged hair? Or are you afraid of damaging them? If you fall into this category, then wigs can serve as a godsend. With wigs, you won’t have to use heating appliances on your hair to create hairstyles you adore. Simply don on a wig that has that style, and you’re good to go for the day.
Save Time
Styling your hair can take up valuable time, primarily if you’re used to doing heavy makeup every morning. Why not save yourself time and get a couple of wigs that complement your face and skin tone and live a more productive life? Nevertheless, with wigs, you won’t have to worry about washing out the gel, mouse, or other products from your hair at the end of the day.
Enhance Your Appearance
Do you suffer from alopecia? Or are you a patient undergoing chemotherapy? If you have a disease that has resulted in your losing most or all of your hair, then a wig will come in hand by helping to improve your appearance. Donning a wig in such situations can help to build your self-esteem and confidence, so you’re ready to face the world every single day.
Have Fun
If you aren’t a big fan of wearing wigs in your day to day life, there can still be a need to have wigs. For example, what would you do at a Halloween party if you were a witch with purple hair? You wouldn’t dye your hair for a one-day event, would you? In such situations, a wig would come in hand. Have fun, and include wigs in fun parties.
Long Shelf Life
Unlike makeup products that need to be thrown out before expiration, wigs don’t work that way. If you take proper care of a wig, then it should last you for about a year or even a couple of years. It’s important to know that human hair wigs will last you longer than synthetic wigs. Nevertheless, proper care and maintenance are needed to keep any product running longer.
