Some things never change: obsession with our hair seems to be part of our hard wiring. Even hair extensions are nothing new! Ancient Egyptians associated healthy, luxurious hair with youth, sexuality and sex appeal, according to Judith Illes, author of Beauty Secrets of Ancient Egypt. But, then, like now, not everyone had the hair they wished for.
So wigs and hair extensions became extremely popular in ancient Egypt. Sometimes wigs were placed over one’s own natural hair: statuary and paintings alike often show a glimpse of the real hair sticking out from underneath the false. Extensions sometimes were a blend of vegetable fibers and human hair. But the goal was always the same: a full head of beautiful, long hair.
Wig-making was already a profession in ancient Egypt. And wigs were considered necessary not only for this life, but also for the afterlife. They were buried in tombs, some of which contained specialized wig chests. Quite a few wigs have actually survived all these years, in particular from the New Kingdom.
Brought to you by Ultima Organic Protein Hair
August 17, 2009
Fashion and How-To, Hair Extension Facts and Fashion, Hair Extension History