Trend Update: Wiggery
By Dr. Marchette Richardson
Copa Style Magazine
Lifestyle & Fashion Columnist
Trend Update: Wiggery
My journey towards unraveling the conundrum consumers face when purchasing wigs (e.g., units). The most direct way to gain factual knowledge was to take the plunge and buy my own wig. Before making my acquisition, I decided to explore the history of wiggery. Research revealed wigs were created in Egypt around 2700 BCE, worn by the wealthy to protect their heads from the sun. Egyptians made their hairpieces from human hair, plant fibers, horsehair, and wool.
The Roman Empire was the next to indulge in wearing false hair. Romans frowned on baldness, male or female. It was customary to see men, women, and household servants donning hairpieces. Wigs became fashion accessories for the affluent, with some closets containing more than eighty units. No longer were wigs viewed as simple sunbeam protectants. Hair now spoke volumes, telling us stories about the personalities and unique sense of style embodied by those wearing the units. Romans were particular; only acquiring units made from human hair. Plant fibers, and wool became obsolete. Historical records show that wigs fell into abeyance for several centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.
They resurfaced in the mid-2000s, becoming popular on runways worldwide and gaining approval in the United States when celebrities like Beyonce Knowles, Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez began rocking them. Wigs soon gained popularity with beauty pageant contestants, offering them different ways of wearing their hair on stage. In addition, wigs provided solutions to contestants unable to wear extensions or their natural hair due to scalp issues such as alopecia. While competing in the Mrs. Maryland International pageant, my hair fixation was born. Having modeled in New York for an extended period, I understood the significance of well-made garments and body consciousness. I never focused on hair, as clients always provided stylists. Sitting with my pageant sisters, it became clear that gowns, platform shoes, and swimwear were not the only investments these ladies made. I saw long hair, short hair, various textures of hair, and a multitude of styles. As an avid fashion and style enthusiast, it was time for me to dive deeply into the modern-day world of wiggery.
The three most popular wigs on the market are lace frontals, lace closures, and 360 lace wigs. Halo extensions are also hot commodities. Unlike wigs, they do not necessitate the use of a mesh cap. Halos use consumers' natural head shapes as structural guides. Worn like crowns, they are the least time-consuming of the three hair extension options. They can be put in place and removed quickly.
Stylists make Frontal wigs using 13x4 inches of lace attached to a mesh cap. The lace goes from ear to ear, giving more coverage than closures and allowing the wearer to part their hair in various areas. Stylists make closures with 4x4 inches of lace attached to a mesh cap. Closures are placed in the middle of the head or on the side of the head. The last wig I reviewed was a 360, wholly designed with sheer lace around the entire hairline from the beginning to the end. The 360 is the most versatile of the three wigs I reviewed. The wearer can style her hair in high ponytails or creative updos. Units fluctuate in price, ranging from $100 to $5,000 or more. They are created and marketed to give the allusion that the hair is growing naturally from the consumer's scalp, a challenging goal to achieve.
I purchased a human hair lace frontal. Whether buying your unit from a wig store, online, or a stylist, get several recommendations. Ensure you have viewed the vendors' work on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Often merchants advertise human hair wigs, knowing that the units combine human and synthetic hair. Synthetic hair melts when exposed to extended heat styling. Wig density, length, and hair texture will affect your wig's maintenance needs, versatility, and life span. Units are customarily mounted on clients' heads after their natural hair has been braided or pent up and covered with wig caps. Units are secured with glue, sewn onto the wig caps, or held in place with wig grips. Lace fronts can be worn from 4 to 6 weeks. Units sewn need to be removed within two weeks as new growth will cause the unit to shift. Regardless of your wig of choice, you will need to wrap an elastic band (which can be found on Amazon) around the perimeter of your head. Thereby keeping your baby hair and lace in place. Satan bonnets or scarfs should be used to maintain hair before going to sleep. This will help to hold your locks in place and prevent damage and tangles caused by friction.
My journey towards unraveling the conundrum consumers face when purchasing wigs (e.g., units). The most direct way to gain factual knowledge was to take the plunge and buy my own wig. Before making my acquisition, I decided to explore the history of wiggery. Research revealed wigs were created in Egypt around 2700 BCE, worn by the wealthy to protect their heads from the sun. Egyptians made their hairpieces from human hair, plant fibers, horsehair, and wool.
The Roman Empire was the next to indulge in wearing false hair. Romans frowned on baldness, male or female. It was customary to see men, women, and household servants donning hairpieces. Wigs became fashion accessories for the affluent, with some closets containing more than eighty units. No longer were wigs viewed as simple sunbeam protectants. Hair now spoke volumes, telling us stories about the personalities and unique sense of style embodied by those wearing the units. Romans were particular; only acquiring units made from human hair. Plant fibers, and wool became obsolete. Historical records show that wigs fell into abeyance for several centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century.
They resurfaced in the mid-2000s, becoming popular on runways worldwide and gaining approval in the United States when celebrities like Beyonce Knowles, Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez began rocking them. Wigs soon gained popularity with beauty pageant contestants, offering them different ways of wearing their hair on stage. In addition, wigs provided solutions to contestants unable to wear extensions or their natural hair due to scalp issues such as alopecia. While competing in the Mrs. Maryland International pageant, my hair fixation was born. Having modeled in New York for an extended period, I understood the significance of well-made garments and body consciousness. I never focused on hair, as clients always provided stylists. Sitting with my pageant sisters, it became clear that gowns, platform shoes, and swimwear were not the only investments these ladies made. I saw long hair, short hair, various textures of hair, and a multitude of styles. As an avid fashion and style enthusiast, it was time for me to dive deeply into the modern-day world of wiggery.
The three most popular wigs on the market are lace frontals, lace closures, and 360 lace wigs. Halo extensions are also hot commodities. Unlike wigs, they do not necessitate the use of a mesh cap. Halos use consumers' natural head shapes as structural guides. Worn like crowns, they are the least time-consuming of the three hair extension options. They can be put in place and removed quickly.
Stylists make Frontal wigs using 13x4 inches of lace attached to a mesh cap. The lace goes from ear to ear, giving more coverage than closures and allowing the wearer to part their hair in various areas. Stylists make closures with 4x4 inches of lace attached to a mesh cap. Closures are placed in the middle of the head or on the side of the head. The last wig I reviewed was a 360, wholly designed with sheer lace around the entire hairline from the beginning to the end. The 360 is the most versatile of the three wigs I reviewed. The wearer can style her hair in high ponytails or creative updos. Units fluctuate in price, ranging from $100 to $5,000 or more. They are created and marketed to give the allusion that the hair is growing naturally from the consumer's scalp, a challenging goal to achieve.
I purchased a human hair lace frontal. Whether buying your unit from a wig store, online, or a stylist, get several recommendations. Ensure you have viewed the vendors' work on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Often merchants advertise human hair wigs, knowing that the units combine human and synthetic hair. Synthetic hair melts when exposed to extended heat styling. Wig density, length, and hair texture will affect your wig's maintenance needs, versatility, and life span. Units are customarily mounted on clients' heads after their natural hair has been braided or pent up and covered with wig caps. Units are secured with glue, sewn onto the wig caps, or held in place with wig grips. Lace fronts can be worn from 4 to 6 weeks. Units sewn need to be removed within two weeks as new growth will cause the unit to shift. Regardless of your wig of choice, you will need to wrap an elastic band (which can be found on Amazon) around the perimeter of your head. Thereby keeping your baby hair and lace in place. Satan bonnets or scarfs should be used to maintain hair before going to sleep. This will help to hold your locks in place and prevent damage and tangles caused by friction.
~ WIGS ~
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Dr. Marchette Richardson,
Lifestyle & Fashion Columnist
Copa Style Magazine
Lifestyle & Fashion Columnist
Copa Style Magazine
