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International Wig Day – March 10, 2024

International Wig Day is celebrated on March 10 every year. Not only is it an opportunity to not worry about how your hair looks, but it’s also a chance to express yourself. What’s great about International Wig Day is that it serves multiple purposes. First, it’s fun! Who doesn’t want to spend a whole day celebrating wigs for all the color and spice they bring to our lives. Second and more importantly, it aims to raise awareness for hair loss caused by diseases and cancer treatments. The day is an easy way to show your support for the fight against cancer.

History of International Wig Day

Although wigs have been around for millennia, we’ve only been celebrating International Wig Day since 2016. A costume shop in Denmark, temashop.dk, came up with the idea to appreciate wigs for the fun they bring to our lives and to raise awareness around cancer.

Wigs can be traced back to ancient Egypt where people would sometimes shave off their hair and wear wigs to protect their heads from the extreme heat in those regions. They were also worn for important events. The Assyrians, Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans also wore fake hairpieces.
Many of us think that it’s mostly women who wear wigs and that it has been that way for centuries. But like many other accessories – wigs were originally made for everyone. We’ve all seen those luscious white locks of hair aristocratic men wear in period dramas. Those wigs, or perukes, became popular in the United Kingdom, France, and other European countries in the 16th century. Today, men’s wigs are commonly called toupees and they’re worn throughout the world.

Wigs have a long history. But unfortunately, and only recently a kind of stigma has been associated with them. Some people think that wig-wearers are hiding something and can unleash a barrage of unnecessary questions such as “is that your real hair?”

Now’s the time to shrug off any shame in wearing a wig and hold your head up high. People can wear wigs for all kinds of reasons and it’s refreshing to see them becoming more acceptable today. Many actors and social media influencers are also becoming more vocal about wearing wigs leading to a rise in their popularity.

International Wig Day timeline

2700 B.C.
Ancient Egypt

The earliest wigs are made from human hair but alternatives, like palm leaf fiber and wool, are also used.

1600s
A Royal Affair

France’s Louis XIV begins wearing wigs to hide his thinning hair and turns hairpieces into must-haves.

1800s
The Victorian Era

Over-the-top wigs become hugely popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Present Day
Hollywood’s Must-Have

Celebrities like Beyonce, Britney Spears, and Kylie Jenner are often seen showing off their stylish weaves.

International Wig Day FAQs

Does wearing a wig cause hair loss?

As long as you’re wearing the correct fit and taking care of your real hair along with the wig, no. Wigs will not make your hair fall off.

Can you wear a wig every day?

It’s completely fine to wear one every day as long as you’re taking care of your real hair. Remember to shampoo and clean both your real hair and the wig to remove dirt and build-up.

How long does a wig last?

With proper care, wigs worn every day can last around a year, while wigs worn occasionally can last up to three years.

International Wig Day Activities

  1. Wear a wig

    Wear a wig to show your support for those who wear them every day. You could use this as a chance to experiment with different hairstyles.

  2. Share a selfie

    Post pictures of yourself in a wig to amaze your friends and create awareness about the day. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #internationalwigday.

  3. Donate your hair

    You can even donate your hair after a haircut to give it a new life as a wig. Look up organizations near you that accept donations or ask your hairstylist.

5 Facts About Hair That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. More hair than you can count

    An average person has around 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair.

  2. It’s okay if they fall

    Most people lose anywhere between 50 to 150 strands of hair a day.

  3. Hair is always growing

    At different cycles, 90% of your hair is growing, while the rest is resting.

  4. Hair is stronger than you think

    A strand of hair is stronger than the same size copper wire.

  5. Gray hair grows faster

    Gray and white hair are usually stronger and thicker than normal hair. They also grow faster.

Why We Love International Wig Day

  1. They can transform your look

    Wigs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and are incredibly easy to wear. It’s the best way to completely transform your appearance.

  2. Many people rely on them for daily use

    People who have lost their hair or are dealing with thinning hair have been using wigs for centuries. They’re also worn by people who lose their hair from chemotherapy.

  3. You’ll always have a great hair day

    We’ve all had a perfectly normal day ruined by unruly hair that refuses to comply. Wearing a wig for the day gives you an alternative.

International Wig Day dates

YearDateDay
2024March 10Sunday
2025March 10Monday
2026March 10Tuesday
2027March 10Wednesday
2028March 10Friday

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