Leah Harper embarked on a week-long experiment wearing a different wig each day, from natural to outrageous, to explore the growing trend and diminishing stigma around wigs in fashion. The journey began with a wiglet, moved through glamorous styles, and ended with a pink festival look.
Wig Market Booms as Stigma Fades
According to data insights company Statista, the global wigs and hair extensions market is predicted to reach $13.28bn this year. Melanie Burrell, who opened her wig business Parrucche in Glasgow in 2010, noted that the stigma once associated with wig wearing is quickly diminishing. "I think it's the word – 'wig'!" Burrell said, preferring 'hairpiece'. Wigs have been rebranded as glamorous, fashion-forward and fun, with celebrities leading the way.
Celebrity Wig Culture
Fans have long suspected that Sabrina Carpenter's bouncy blond locks may be a wig. "Will not confirm nor deny. I don't even know what a wig is," the singer told Time magazine, adding "but I also don't know what not a wig is." Cardi B caused confusion in court by wearing a series of wigs. "They're wigs," the rapper replied to a baffled attorney.
Day 1: The Wiglet
Harper eased in with a wiglet or 'topper', an 18-inch straight synthetic hair topper by Peonymebeauty (£29.91) in chocolate brown. The description promised that "no one will find your secret of beautiful straight hair". No one noticed, though it looked preposterous to Harper, thick and swishy like Monica Lewinsky or late 90s Courteney Cox.
Day 2: Retro High Glamour
Inspired by Sabrina Carpenter, Harper opted for a wig called Starlet Style (£295) from Wigs UK, whose sales have increased 10% every year. The curls were relentless, and she felt self-conscious, but the rain had no effect on the synthetic fibres. "There was a time when human hair was the be-all and end-all, but synthetic hair has become hugely popular now because of how well they're made," explained Vicki Barnard, manager at Valentine Wigs. By the end of her meal, her mother had completely forgotten she was wearing a wig.
Day 3: Sleek and Chic
Lisa Marie Smith, a bridal hairstylist with 34,400 Instagram followers, said, "Wigs and toppers are definitely going to be the new normal, in my opinion – I have about 20 wigs now." Harper tried the sleek mono part wig from the Ellen Wille Hairpower collection in metallic blond (£299), reminiscent of former British Vogue deputy editor Sarah Harris's mane. She felt like a celebrity attempting to go incognito.
Day 4: Bright and Buoyant
Harper bought a wavy red wig from Wokestar (£19.84), 26 inches of heat-styleable synthetic hair. The end result was obviously a wig, but a neighbour shouted, "I like your new hair!" Harper yelled back, "It's a wig!" The neighbour responded, "Even better!" However, the hair began to knot and tangle, a risk with cheaper synthetics.
Day 5: Cap Construction Matters
Barnard explained that the cap construction is key: from fully wefted to monofilament to fully hand-tied caps. Harper tried Belle Madame's Chiara wig (£183.54) from Valentine Wigs, a wavy ash blond with a lace front. It felt novel but unbearably hot, and her sunglasses struggled to perch on her head.
Day 6: Going Short
Harper attempted a synthetic blond pixie cut, the Bo Mono (£183.46) from Ellen Wille, hoping to channel Vicky McClure's punky crop but feeling more like Princess Di. She abandoned the wig shortly before leaving the house. Barnard noted that clients include people with cancer, alopecia, trans people, older clients, and those from the fashion industry. "The popularity is really through the roof," she said.
Day 7: Festival Fun
Harper wore a 24-inch heat-styleable synthetic wig from Esmee Wigs (£21.79) in ombre pink to a festival. She posted a picture online that prompted comments like "Your HAIR!" and "pink! Adore!" She decided to invest in several wig stands, turning a once-clandestine hair accessory into mantlepiece decor.
After a week, Harper gained a renewed appreciation for her own hair, but noted that wigs offer limitless style possibilities. She concluded that wearing wigs is more enjoyable when it doesn't feel like a necessity.
