Hair Extensions - a history

Women have been using hair extensions and adornments to improve their appearance since the Egyptian times. Cleopatra was known to wear wigs and other hair adornments, which were not only for cosmetic vanity, but also to avoid infection and head lice.

This trend continued up until 1800 when fake hair and extensions were frowned upon and essentially outlawed. However, this did not stay the case for long and during the early 1880's, more than 150,000kgs of fake human hair were sold in France.

During the pre and post-war years, fake hair and hair extensions slipped out of fashion and although they remained on the periphery of society, they never reached the heights of the late 1800's.

However, once Asian countries learned how to process and create hair extensions and wigs, the history of hair extensions changed forever. Made out of human hair, the adornments were coated in beeswax or plant resin to adhere to the scalp.

Traditionally, hair extensions were only worn by the very wealthy who could not only afford the cost but also be able to sit still for around 15 hours. They eventually became more popular when others realised what was possible when extensions were applied in a glamorous way.

In the 1970's, celebrities began to set the trend again and the glam-rock era brought with it a new fascination with wigs, fake hair and extensions.

Other celebrities then followed suit and hair extensions became even more popular thanks to cult icons like Debbie Harry and Bonnie Tyler. Even during the 1990s, fake hair and hair extensions were glamorised and artists like the Spice Girls were avid users of such pieces. This led to a younger market purchasing hair extensions and wigs and this market is one of the reasons why hair products are so popular today.

If you would like to join these illustrious names in history and adorn your hair with a high quality wig or hair extension, talk to the experts at Extend Your Hair. Contact us today to discuss your requirements, or alternatively feel free to browse all of our products on our website.