Throughout history, the wig, a manufactured head covering of real or artificial hair, has come and gone from fashion time after time. Both women and men have worn wigs since the earliest recorded times. In fact, the ancient Egyptians shaved their heads and wore wigs as a way to protect them from the sun. So wigs have actually been around for thousands of years.
Over the centuries, wigs have ranged from the elaborate styles to much smaller variations, including the wearing of hairpieces and false locks and braids. Today, people basically wear their own hair, reserving the use of wigs for the theatre, parties or sometimes-following chemotherapy. However, it is important to note that wearing wigs was not simply a trend in the world of fashion. Wigs often served practical purposes such as a protection against the elements of cold and rain.
As we take a look back in time, we learn that different styles of wigs also have played a significant role in fashion. Depending on the era, wigs frequently were worn to demonstrate wealth or were associated with particular professions. During times of war, wigs even were used to impress the enemy.
Under the reign of French King, Louis XIII, who lost his hair as a young man, the Along wig for men became an essential part of every garment. The more elaborate wigs came from the French, whose customs were especially popular among the fashion conscious. In the decades that followed, the more splendid the era, the more eccentric were many of the hairstyles created. Eventually, with the outbreak of the French Revolution both fashion and wigs lost importance. It was not until after 1820 that wigs again gained popularity in the world of fashion.
The wearing of wigs whether for personal adornment, as a symbol of societal status, profession, or political office, or for religious purposes has come and gone many times throughout the centuries. Prior to the days of synthetic hair production, wigs were mainly made of human or animal hair. When wigs and hairpieces again came in to fashion in the 1960’s, and demand for the product suddenly soared, researchers worked to develop a quality synthetic hair for the wig market.
Today synthetic hair manufacturers and suppliers enjoy a lucrative business in the wig market. Keeping up with new styles and market trends, today’s easy care, lightweight wigs offer consumers the versatility of quick and simple fashion changes.
Many celebrities wear wigs in order to change their hairstyle for performances or for events that they attend. If their hair was cut for a recent movie role they had, they can wear a wig with a long length at the Emmy awards. Some celebrities just enjoy wearing wigs so that they can have different color, lengths and styles of hair at a moment’s notice.
Wigs are not used as a status symbol any longer. They are often used for fun to compliment a costume that they are wearing for a costume party. And, of course, there are some eccentric individuals who enjoy changing their hairstyles on a regular basis and find that wearing wigs is the easiest way to do so.
Of course, there are instances when wigs are worn for more practical purposes even in today’s society. Individuals who sadly experience hair loss from chemotherapy or illness often wear wigs. There are also men and women who wear wigs and related products to conceal boldness or to add volume to thinning hair.
Wigs have been around for centuries. Over the years the trends have changed. One thing is certain; wigs will be around for a long time to come.
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