What is Jewish wigs?
Jewish wigs, often called “sheitels” in Yiddish, are a unique form of hair covering worn by some married Orthodox Jewish women in keeping with the principle of modesty known as “tznius.”
Unlike standard wigs, these sheitels are carefully crafted and feature a unique head design for comfort and a natural look. They often require a mesh base for breathability and clips to hold them in place securely.
The hair is typically unprocessed, high-quality virgin, giving a realistic look. Because of this, Jewish wigs are more expensive than regular wigs due to their superior materials and artistry.
Over time, “Jewish wigs” have become synonymous with luxury in the wig industry, says Findingdream’s Tony, and the term has evolved into a standard of quality. So when someone mentions a Jewish woman’s wig today, it often implies a wig of the highest quality, regardless of the cultural background of the wearer.
Why do Jewish women wear wigs?
In Orthodox Judaism, women traditionally cover their hair in public after marriage. They wear scarves or wigs, known in Yiddish as “Sheitel,” which signal to others that they are married and follow traditional etiquette.
Women cover their hair because they are married, and their husbands protect them. It is a symbol of ownership. The wig indicates that they are Orthodox Jews, a cultural identity and a religious practice.
Most people would agree that women’s hair is inherently sensual. Healthy, shiny, and silky hair is easily associated with sexuality. The phrase “running your fingers through your hair” also expresses a similar feeling, referring to the indefinable appeal of hair.
Jewish wigs Types
Silk Top Wigs The silk top wig is a traditional choice for Jewish women. Consisting of a silk base cap and strands of hair. The silk base comprises three layers, with the hair tied into a middle layer of lace. The knots are hidden under the silk top layer, creating a natural look resembling a woman’s scalp. Making a silk top wig takes longer than other methods, contributing to its higher price.
Another factor that affects the price is the quality of the hair used. The hair for these wigs is sourced from young women and is usually healthy. Unprocessed, and free of any dye or perm. This virgin hair is considered the best material for making sheitel wigs.
Lace top wigs
The lace top wig is an evolution of the traditional silk top wig, using lace instead of silk to suit better the needs of a broader population, especially white women suffering from hair loss. Which require wigs to protect their hair.
Recognizing the high quality of Jewish wigs but noting the limitations of the silk top for hair wearers, wig designers have switched to using HD lace on the front of the wig. This change makes the wig more adaptable and visually appealing to people with receding hairlines.
Lace top wigs are lighter than their silk top counterparts and offer superior breathability, making them more comfortable. This feature is essential for people suffering from scalp sensitivity due to hair loss.
As a result, after their introduction to the market, lace top wigs quickly gained popularity among those suffering from hair loss and are prized for their increased comfort and natural look. This adaptation shows how wig design can evolve to meet the specific needs of changed user groups while maintaining the high standards set by traditional designs.
So Jewish wigs can be found today in two groups of women: one for Jewish women and one for women suffering from hair loss. But the suitable types need to be chosen.