I confess that I do love the Kardashians! There, I said it.
On an episode last week, Kim got in touch with her playful side by visiting a wig shop in Los Angeles just for the heck of it. Of course, she would spend the rest of the episode sporting a different wig every day to freak her family out. Neon pink, platinum blonde and even a short pixie kept her family wondering if she was totally losing it. I think it’s fabulous to step way outside your comfort zone, and it’s only then that you can truly experience that new side of you that is thrilling, surprising even.
Wigs are not a new thing, but the “one size fits all” model is old. Making headlines nowadays is the playfulness of wigs, and I think it’s beautiful. For sure, it’s for those of us who don’t take ourselves too seriously. Last year my mama stepped out in a short, shag wig when she was diagnosed with cancer and began treatments.
Well, let me tell you, she has not lost a strand of hair due to chemotherapy, and yet that sassy little blonde wig goes everywhere she goes. It’s convenient to just slip it on, fluff the bangs and get on with the day.
“People stop me everywhere and ask who does my hair, because they really like it,” Mama loves to say. Of course, she tells them “moi,” but she leaves out that it was purchased from a catalog, shipped to her home and that it’s, well, very portable.
In the ’60s and ’70s, it was au currant to pin a wig, then called a “fall,” to a beehive or flip. The ’80s were the era of “bigger is better,” so hair extensions were clipped, sewn and glued in for length and volume. Then, the Housewives from Bravo came onto the scene with Kim’s wigs in Atlanta, Gretchen’s blonde extensions in Orange County, and all of a sudden the 21st Century ladies were reclaiming an old favorite.
The changing times have led to new technologies in faux hair. Mama’s wig can be lightly shaken, and the style falls right into place with little effort, which is a good thing. The wigs are lighter, more airy, and they come in an array of styles, colors and textures as unique as the woman wearing them. The maintenance is a cinch. Even extensions are light years ahead of the old ones with modern clip-ins.
So, whether you are my mama keeping up with the local trends or even if you are keeping up with the Kardashians, switch gears and take some faux hair out for a test drive.
Former Columbus resident David Creel has 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. He owns Beautiful With David Salon in Jackson. Contact him at [email protected].
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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