Ancient Egyptian Wigs

Ancient Egyptian wigs were primarily reserved for the upper class and were wildly popular among the Egyptians. Everyone wanted to wear wigs and if you did not have one it was assumed you could not afford it. Ancient Egyptian wigs served practical reasons such as protection from the harsh sun. Both genders usually kept their natural hair short so as to make room for their false hair. The most expensive types of wigs were ones made of real human hair. Wigs that were made of human hair started out a 120,000 strands of hairs that were then grouped into 300 small locks. Second tier wigs were made of plant fiber or sheep wool. The hairs went through resin and beeswax before being looped and held in place with beeswax. Hair colors came in black, brown and blonde. Women wore their wigs pleated or curled and were adorned with all sorts of jewels and fancy hair pieces. Ornaments included normal hair accessories we would see today: golden strands, tassels, ribbons or flowers. Hair was held in place with hair pins and clasps.

Wigs for men were somewhat shorter and mostly decorated and adorned in the same way as women. False beards were symbols of the gods and were primarily worn by pharaohs and religious figures during special ceremonies of religious significance. False beards were pleated and knotted and affixed around the ears. False beards held such important significance that the beautiful Queen Nephertiti staked her claim as pharaoh by dressing as a man including the wearing of the false beard. Ancient Egyptian wigs were no different than other wigs worn throughout the ancient world, being symbols of wealth, pomp and extravagance.