Wigs!

Here you will discover honest, accurate and helpful information about synthetic and natural human hair wigs as well as crucial facts when considering a hair wig.

All About Wigs

A Wig is known as a "head of hair" usually manufactured from human hair, various grades of wool, bird feathers, horsehair or synthetic man-made fibres which are worn on ones head either as a fashion statement or for aesthetic value and personal expression.

So here is a quick and helpful guide highlighting the main points you should read about when considering wigs:

The History Of Wigs

Many ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Assyrians wore wigs to protect their shaved, hairless heads from the harsh effects of the sun. But today, wigs are predominantly worn and used today by the Western world. Areas such as the Far East they have rarely used Wigs except in the their traditional celebrations and in the theatre. A few of the East Asian entertainers such as Japanese Geisha and Korean Kisaeng wore wigs mainly as part of their traditional dress. After the Collapse disintegration of the mighty Roman Empire, the wearing of wigs almost disappeared and did not surface again until the early 16th century. This was mainly because of offsetting of hair loss or the desire to improve an individual’s personal appearance.

Early Wigs Worn By Men

As far back as the invention of the wig men usually were the main users. It afforded them an air of prominence, class and significant social rank. And a wigmaker was considered a prestige trade among the nation. The earliest known guide attributed to wigmakers was in France in the start of the year 1665. It wasn't long before other publications also sprang-up throughout Europe. A Wigmaker was held in high esteem and considered a skilled professional. In the early 17th century wigs were incredibly precise in every detail. Some wigs even covered the complete back and shoulders of the wearer and flowed down the entire chest. However, they were extremely bulky, uncomfortable to wear and weighed a considerable amount. In addition, these types and styles of wigs were super expensive to manufacture and were only considered for the rich and famous.

Wigs For The Military

There are many publications and museums throughout the world that display the many various and unusual wigs worn by the armies of the great nations of the time. European armies wore fashionable uniforms more or less unlike the civilian fashions of their time, only with militarized adornment such as medals, military buttons, etc. To enhance to look of the military uniform, records show that officers mainly were the ones that wore wigs which more really suited to ball rooms of Europe than its military battlefields. There are books which show elaborate drawings of officers wearing full-bottomed natural hair wigs in the late part of the 17th Century. However, in the early 18th Century the civilian change to shorter, powdered styles with pigtails were adopted by the military and worn by officers of a high rank. The almost outrageous over-sized, upper-class court-styles of the late part of the 18th Century however, were not part of any military uniform during that time period. This was due to the fact that they were completely impractical to withstand the rigours of military life and so much simpler wigs were adopted and worn.

Today's Modern Wigs

When we look at most Commonwealth nations especially England we note that special wigs worn by solicitors, barristers and judges. Also, there are some parliamentary and municipal officials who also wear wigs as a symbol of the office of government in which they serve. It is interesting to note that the original idea of wearing a legal wig was said to allow one a form of anonymity and personal safety (e.g. personal disguise). Even in these modern times in places like Hong Kong we can see barristers and court judges wearing wigs as an official part of court attire. However, in 2007 a committee of judges in the state of New South Wales Australia unanimously voted to cease wearing wigs in the Court of Appeal. Also, New Zealand lawyers and judges have followed suit and have ceased wearing wigs. Nevertheless, wigs are still worn on special ceremonial occasions such as openings of Parliament or the appoinment of a newly qualified barrister to the state bar.

Wigs Worn By Celebrities

Today there are a growing number of movie stars, television personalities and celebrities who have popularized the wearing of wigs. many famous stars including Dolly Parton and Raquel Welch have worn wigs. The renowned singer and actor Cher has also worn all kinds and styles of wigs during her long-time career. Today there isn't one predominate style and colour of wigs because you will see every kind of wig from curly to straight, blonde to black and short too long. Wigs are also worn for fun such as part of fancy dress costume. Usually in instances like this wigs can be of totally outlandish colour or manufactured from tinsel. You will see this quite a lot at parties, special celebration events, and the like.

The Modern Manufacture Of Wigs

There are two main methods of attaching both synthetic and natural hair to wigs. The first (and the oldest) method is to carefully weave the ends of the root of the hair onto a warp of 3 silk threads to form a type of fringe or bang called a "weft". These wefts are then commercially sewn into what is called the "foundation" which is manufactured of net or other types of material. The wefts are sometimes made using a special sewing machine that dramatically reduces the amount of time and labour normally involved. However as far back as the early 19th century another method was introduced. A small hook like needle called a "ventilating needle" was used to knot a few strands of hair at a time directly to a special foundation material. This newer and later method creates a lighter and far more natural looking wig. Custom made wigs and wigs worn in films and the theatre are almost always made this way. Nevertheless, it is possible to combine the two methods, using weft for the main part of the wig and ventilating hair at the edges (and, partings) to give a wig a finer finish.

A Wigs Foundation

In most cases, a wigs foundation is manufactured of net or other materials of different sizes and textures of mesh. The wigs edges and other places might be carefully trimmed and reinforced with a narrow ribbon referred to as "galloon". Oftentimes flesh coloured silk (or synthetic material) is applied where it will be visible through the hair at crown and partings. Small synthetic like bones or elastic is inserted to ensure the wig fits more securely. Wigs worn in the theatre generally have a more fine, flesh coloured net referred to as "hair lace". These are usually referred to as "lace front wigs".

Preparation Of The Hair

When it comes to natural hair (either human or animal) it is carefully sorted so that the direction of natural hair growth is maintained. Due to the scale-like structure of the hair shaft, even if just few hairs get turned the wrong way, they'll ride backwards against their counterparts which will result in unsightly tangles and matting. When it comes to highest quality hair it must never be bleached or colored. It's always carefully sorted to insure the direction is right and correct. However, for cheaper wigs, this labour intensive sorting technique is completely eliminated by processing the hair. It involves a special treatment with a strong base solution that partially dissolves the cortex which in turn leaves the strands completely smooth. It's then commercially bleached and dyed to a specific shade of colour. This also involves adopting a synthetic resin finish which then partially restores the original strength and shine of the hair.

Adding Hair & Styling

Weft structured wigs either synthetic or natural can have the wefts sewn directly to the foundation by hand. Usually, while it's still on the block it's sewn into a base by skilled machine operators. Hand knotted wigs on the other hand have the hair knotted to the foundation at just a few strands at a time. The with the hair folded over the operators finger, he or she pulls a loop of hair underneath the mesh, moving the hook forward so that it catches both sides of the loop. The ends are then pulled carefully through the loop and the knot is tightened as a "single knot" or another loop is pulled though the first to form a "double knot". Typically, a skilled wigmaker will take into consideration the number of hair strands used and the direction of each knot to allow the most natural effect possible. Once this is completed the hair on the prepared wig is the desired same length. The wig must then be professionally styled into the desired form in much the same way as a regular hair stylist.