The History of the Wig

The Sun King, Louis XIV (left)

Wigs have been present since Ancient times, especially in Egypt, when Egyptians shaved their heads and donned wigs, rather than keep their hair clean from lice and sweat. In Greece and Rome, the human hair wig was used by many men and women who wanted to look younger, but the bald often painted their scalps. European hair wigs are best known, and they came into dominance during the Early Modern period.

Louis XIII donned a wig to disguise his baldness. Similarly the Sun King, Louis XIV started losing his hair in his mid 30’s, and began wearing elaborate wigs. His court began to wear wigs to honor him, and in his old age, wigs became all the rage. The Sun King wore an enormous curled wig as looking older became fashionable.

A human hair wig was expensive and considered an investment. Combing one’s wig in public was permissible, especially when conversation languished. Human hair wigs became so popular that the flour needed for making bread was instead being used as powder by the landed aristocrats, and riots resulted. After Louis XIV’s death in 1715, the wig’s popularity declined. By the 1760’s more men were wearing their own hair, but more conservative men continued to wear wigs.

Today, wigs retain popularity among many women, and some men. Though not as grand or elaborate, the human hair wig will likely always remain as a cultural product of humanity’s obsession with hair.

Wigging Out

I do a lot of acting in my spare time, because it’s my passion. Now, I’m too old to get into the business – all those girlish dreams died off years ago. But when I’m acting a part for a show, I often wear a human hair wig to make me look younger. Ponytail wigs are especially great for generating a younger look.

Sometimes, I’ll even wear my human hair wig out on the town. It’s like I’m playing a part, except that I get to choose how to act, and I don’t have to worry about memorizing any lines. I look good for my age, it’s just that I’ve got some gray hair, and I don’t really like dying it – I figure if it’s natural, let it be! But every now and then, if I’m going to a dinner party, putting on ponytail wigs really gets me excited.

If you ever feel like you could use a change, but you aren’t sure whether you want to cut your hair or dye it a certain color, I would recommend buying a wig. It doesn’t have to be an expensive human hair wig, it can be something simple, just to help you get an idea of what it’s like to play a part.

Wig Accessories and Protocol

Wearing wigs can be hard at first. You may find your wig to be itchy and difficult to take care of. But with the Wi Grip Comfort Band, your wig will more easily rest on your head, and you may forget that you’re wearing a wig altogether! Try not to get your wig wet if you forget though. And don’t brush your wig if it does get caught in the rain. Brushing and combing your human hair wig is made easier with a professional brush/ comb set and a professional wig head. And if you want even more wig accessories, a hot air brush can give your wig the precise look you want. If you really want to make your wig unique, you can even take it to your hairdresser to achieve a completely unique style.

You may be asking, “Why do I need a wig head? Why can’t I just use my own hairbrush?” Well, non wig hairbrushes may cause excessive tension, and can damage the wig. Damaging your wig, can eventually ruin your human hair wig. Because you can’t feel the tension as easily as if it were on your own head, it is important to follow wig protocol.

European Hair Wigs Look Great On My Mom

My mom has breast cancer, a pretty sad piece of news we found out just a few months ago. She recently started her chemo, and her hair has begun to fall out. All in all she’s pretty shaken by the whole ordeal.

But I told her about Milano Collection European Hair Wigs. Their wigs are gorgeous cancer wigs and are even covered by our insurance company. Using the finest hair from Europe, these wigs come in all different styles, so my mom doesn’t have to feel like she’s really faking it. She has three European hair wigs, one of which has a ponytail and represents the kind of casual, everyday look she wants, another is long and luscious, just like her hair was before chemo, and the last is a curly hair style. All in all she has as much variety in her wig collection as she used to with her hair before she was diagnosed with cancer.

And it seems like the chemo has her cancer under control so far. Of course it’s still early and there’s a long road ahead, but right now she is happy and confident with her appearance, and as I tell her, staying busy and content is half the battle.