International Wig Day is celebrated on March 10th and it was initiated by Temashop, a costume shop in Denmark.
Wigs are indispensable for people suffering from diseases that cause hair loss. But they are also worn for fun or for roles.
Actors have used wigs throughout history as part of their costumes. Some say that this accessory helped them better adopt the attitude required for the role.
In some communities, International Wig Day is celebrated for fun. Others prefer to donate their hair to help cancer patients have access to free, suitable wigs.
Did you know…?
– Wigs became a status symbol in 17th-century Europe?
In the 1600s, European nobility adopted wigs to cover hair loss caused by diseases such as syphilis. King Louis XIV of France popularized wigs, making them a symbol of state. In fact, he wore enormous wigs. The bigger they were, the more he liked them. This trend spread throughout Europe, with wigs becoming essential for the elite.
– Are there unique wig traditions in certain cultures? In Japan, traditional kabuki actors wear elaborate wigs called “katsura”. These represent different characters and social statuses, enhancing the storytelling. Creating a katsura requires meticulous skill to ensure authenticity.
– The most unusual materials used to make wigs throughout history have been horsehair, goathair, and even plant fibers. In Ancient Egypt, wigs combined human hair with palm leaf fibers to withstand the hot climate.
– How do performers use wigs in drag? They help them create diverse characters and allow performers to embody different characters, adding a touch of boldness to their performances.
– For nearly 140 years, from 1660 to the late 1700s, wigs were all the rage. Also known as perukes or periwigs, they were introduced to England when Charles II was restored to the throne. From his time in French exile, he adopted the fashion of Louis XIII and XIV – long, shoulder-length wigs.
– Over the next century, the shape of wigs changed according to different fashions, with a gradual trend towards shorter wigs, such as those worn by a lawyer today? The exception was, of course, the 1770s, which was the heyday of ladies wearing high, crazy, and impractical wigs.
– While wigs were in fashion, did a whole new vocabulary emerge to describe the different types? For example, the queer flash was an old wig that had seen better days. The rum flash was a long-haired wig, and the voluminous wigs worn by clergymen were known as… cauliflower.
– In the 18th century, wig-making was a very profitable profession. It was even more highly regarded than a simple hairdresser.
– In England, judges and lawyers still traditionally wear powdered wigs to court? This custom, dating back to the 17th century, adds an air of authority and continuity, symbolizing the seriousness of the law. In 1765, wig makers petitioned King George III for a law to ensure that certain professions always required the wearing of wigs? The king rejected the petition, but the tradition persisted.
– Wigs were powdered with flour to give them the desired white or blue-gray appearance? By the 1780s, young people began to powder their natural hair and left wigs to the older generation. In 1795, the government taxed hair powder, which led to wigs going out of fashion.
– Did ancient Egyptians wear wigs to protect their shaved heads from the sun, but also to follow fashion? Both men and women wore wigs, often made of human hair or plant fibers, to signify social status.
– Do wigs allow people to experiment with hairstyles without permanent changes?
Celebrities often use wigs to try out new looks. They sometimes influence fashion trends, making wigs a mainstream accessory.
– Are there any myths about wigs that people still believe today? A common myth is that wearing wigs causes hair loss. In reality, properly fitting wigs do not harm natural hair. It is important to allow the scalp to breathe and maintain good hygiene.
– Have perceptions of wigs evolved over the centuries? Once status symbols or necessities, wigs are now fashionable accessories and ways of self-expression. Materials and designs have made them more affordable, leading to their widespread acceptance in different cultures.
– Were wig customs different in ancient civilizations? In ancient Rome, wigs were primarily worn by women to imitate hairstyles from different regions, symbolizing wealth and status. In ancient China, however, wigs were less common, as hair was seen as an integral part of identity and heritage.
– The rarest wigs are those made of natural red hair? Only 1% – 2% of the world’s population has natural red hair.
– Were wigs more popular with men than women? Today, the majority of consumers who buy wigs are women. However, there was a time when men wore wigs more than women. During the reign of Louis XIII, women did not wear wigs much. However, men did wear them at work (judges and high-ranking government officials). Wigs did not become more popular among women until the 1950s.
– Queen Elizabeth I owned 150 wigs?
– The second film, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, had a huge amount of costumes. But did you know that it also had the most wigs ever created for a single film?
– The most expensive wig ever sold at auction was the one that belonged to the famous painter and filmmaker, Andy Warhol? The wig sold for $10,800.
– Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are just a few celebrities known for wearing wigs in public?
– Does it take several weeks of work to make a quality wig? Making a fabulous wig starts with collecting the hair, then it is sorted according to length. After that, the hair goes through a sanitization process. The manufacturing process continues with sewing the hair. It can take up to two months for the wig to take the desired shape.
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