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Wigileaks

Instagram takes the credit for popularising this hair accessory.

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Gurnaaz Kaur

Instagram takes the credit for popularising this hair accessory. It has removed  many stigmas that may have previously existed in fashion and beauty, especially for wigs and hairpieces

During a performance at Wireless Festival last month, Cardi B ripped off her wig and threw it amid her fans. Later, the rapper wanted her long black tresses back and went on Instagram to request her wig to be returned. She posted a clip from the festival and expressed her regret by captioning it, “I GOT CARRIED AWAY…I want my wig back.” 

Wigs are among her prized possessions. Last year, she had shared details of how expensive her beauty routine was, which included her hairpieces. She mentioned that a full-lace wig cost her anywhere between $500 and $800. 

Cardi B, however, is not alone in this passion for hair pieces. Many celebrities, international as well as back home, have been experimenting wigs and hair extensions. Businesswoman and socialite Paris Hilton has a collection of more than 800 wigs. Some of these, she confesses, are used when she wants to go undercover. Kylie Jenner is best known for sporting long, dark locks. But she opted for a short, blonde wig, with a fringe on a highly publicised night out. Katy Perry, the Kardashians, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, and our very own Priyanka Chopra — all love to flaunt their wigs and hair extensions. No wonder then that the global wigs and hair extension market is expected to reach $10 billion by 2023.

Hair and now

Wigs have been there forever. Those in the entertainment industry use wigs to portray various characters. Those facing hair loss like to wear these for the sense of normalcy the wigs give about their appearance. These hair pieces are common even among cancer patients Actress Sonali Bendre, who has been battling cancer, recently shared her  pictures on social media sporting smart wig. 

Beyond these needs, what has changed is that wigs are no longer a taboo or cloak to hide baldness. The use of wigs and hair extensions is the ‘in’ thing now. Both women and men are embracing this trend as a style statement, letting their hair down while having some fun. 

“Hair extensions and wigs are becoming an intrinsic part of women’s vanity box now, especially for those who like to keep pace with the latest trends in hairstyling. The trend is fast catching up with millennials. Young girls are trying out wigs in different styles and colours. However, those in the late thirties and early forties aren’t very comfortable with showing it off,” says Richa Agarwal, beauty and hair expert, founder, Cleopatra. “Extensions are the latest fad. Many young women are wearing these as statement pieces. And the best thing about this is that one cannot make out the difference,” says Parveen Kumar, a specialist in makeup and hair at Stylush Salon.

A hit on social media

Much credit goes to Instagram in popularising wigs as part of vanity. It has broken down so many stigmas that may have previously existed in fashion and beauty, especially for wigs. 

Several tutorials are available online, which can guide you about how to secure your wig, take its care, etc. There are various lengths, styles and colours to choose from. “The market is full of synthetic and real hair wigs and extensions. Brides as well as those going in for party makeover   prefer to use the synthetic ones because these are for one-time use and simply adds volume to make the bun look heavy. Models and those in the glamour industry prefer to use natural hairpieces as these last long. Thus one can experiment frequently. Natural extensions can be coloured, restyled and washed — just like human hair. No harm in using chemicals on them or blow drying them. As for artificial ones, these are synthetic, and would burn if chemicals are used,” says Richa.


Costly deal

  • Most hair extensions range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 depending on the length and layers, while wigs from human hair are prized between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000.
  • $10 billion is the expected worth of the global wigs and hair extension market by 2023.

It's a conscious choice

Wigs can be done in any colour, says Parveen, adding, “But women who want to wear orange, purple or pink, mostly go for extensions. Most women are not so open about the whole scalp in these colours. In Bangkok and Korea, people wear patches, extensions, half-head wigs, and what not.”

Perry Patel, a celebrity hairstylist in Mumbai, admires Kangana Ranaut for being experimental with wigs. “She has difficult hair but is open to trying out new and bold looks. I also love Katy Perry and Lady Gaga for trying out  many hairstyles, textures and colours. Even Hema Malini sports a wig with much confidence.” According to Perry, Hema Malini has admitted that even during the 1960s actresses would use wigs to perfect the look of their characters.

Perry is of the opinion that using a wig is more than just a fashion trend. It is a conscious choice to be fashionable without letting your hair take a lot of beating. “I’ve been styling hair of filmstars for the past 35 years. There are a lot of emotions around hair, so one has to be sure of what they are doing to it. Wigs make your life simpler. You can experiment with wigs — try out short hair, change the colour of hair to purple or blue with layers, all of it is there till you like it. And once you get bored with it, get a new hairpiece. None of this would damage your real locks. Isn’t it a great option?”

He says drag queens have made some of the brightest, queer shades a frenzy. “They did it to add tones of feminity to their appearance. Everyone seems to have loved these looks, and are thus following it.”

Closer home, celebrities are keeping themselves relevant in the ever-changing beauty industry. “I’ve styled Kulraj Randhawa, Jaspinder Narula, Jasbir Jassi, Mandira Bedi, Simmi Chahal, Himanshi Khurana, to name a few, and they do use wigs and extensions, whenever needed,” says Rachit Malhotra, celebrity hair expert.

Rachit explains how a trend penetrates. “The hairdos and colour extensions of Lady Gaga and her likes are already a hit at theme parties, card parties, cricket matches, retro parties, etc. Time is not far away when these wigs will prevail among the masses,” says Rachit adding, “Looking good is one reason and saving your original hair from chemicals and regular styling is the second, and more important one.” Perry seconds Rachit. “Vanity is a personal choice, and not restricted to merely stars. Models, singers and stars are promoting new hair trends. Their fans are not behind,” he adds.

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