A very under-appreciated, at least by those outside the wig wholesale industry, is the sell of fake hair. Very little data is readily available regarding the total annual sales of wigs but there is plenty of evidence of a major market. Retail specialty stores, online discounters, and case lot auction companies all keep an active and profitable industry thriving.

A very under-appreciated, at least by those outside the wig wholesale industry, is the sell of fake hair. Very little data is readily available regarding the total annual sales of wigs but there is plenty of evidence of a major market. Retail specialty stores, online discounters, and case lot auction companies all keep an active and profitable industry thriving.

Wigs have been in use for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians wore the earliest wigs history records but as rule they didn’t wear them for cosmetic reasons. We are told, although I’m not sure how historians would know, that the Egyptians primarily wore wigs to protect their frequently shaved heads.

Presumably, they found it easier to keep their heads clean and lice-free by shaving it and then wearing a wig to protect them from the heat of the desert sun. It makes me wonder why a culture that built the pyramids and invented a battery apparently couldn’t make a hat.

For what may have been similar reasons wigs were overwhelmingly popular, for men and women, during the 17th and 18th centuries. I have heard that a king of France, in order to hide his balding head took to wearing a wig. Sycophantic nobles took the hint and before long the wealthy couldn’t find a wig long enough, piled high enough, or heavy enough to suit them.

In modern times of course the wig has fallen nearly entirely out of use by men but are worn by millions of women at least occasionally. (By the way, when it comes to men’s wigs I should point out I said nearly entirely out of use. Every wig manufacturer makes several men’s lines. They are called toupees.) Many women love to change their look dramatically now and then or radically change their hair color without the commitment to a new hairstyle or dyes. It might be the trip to Vegas or just to the clubs nothing lends an air of mystery like a wig.

Certain celebrities have lent popularity to wigs. Country music star and cultural icon Dolly Parton has long been vocal about her obviously fake hair. Raquel Welch owns her own line of wigs that are very popular. Ms. Welch’s lines are arguably the most popular wigs made.

Of course, many medical procedures including, but not limited to, chemotherapy cause the loss of hair. It is a sad additional burden to an illness sufferer. It is a terrible thing for anyone to have their hair fall out but all the more so for women. Wigs are often treated as merely objects of fun and a little ridiculous but for a chemotherapy patient they can be a connection to a normal life.

Wigs intended as hair replacement are often, but not always marketed especially for medical hair loss customers. It might be desirable to handle these customers with particular delicacy and avoid pushing the glamour of a wig but on the other hand they might appreciate not being singled out for different treatment than any other wig buyer.

Theatricals, both professional and amateur, costume parties, and various forms ‘costume play’ are all excellent markets for the more eccentric or flamboyant wigs. (Costume play is where fans of science fiction, heroic fantasy, or anime dress up as favored characters. It may seem strange but it is big business.) All across the country and every single day small playhouses, high schools, and churches are putting on productions of some kind. They need wigs just as much as they need costume clothing. Halloween and other costume parties are getting more popular all the time and costumes are getting more elaborate. There is an excellent market for costume wigs of all kinds if you promote them carefully.

Now, some practical information about wigs. Wigs are made either of real human hair that has been sold to the wig manufacture or in some cases donated for wigs intended for cancer patients or made from synthetic fibers. As a rule real hair wigs are of higher quality, look better, and cost a lot more than the synthetic ones. Authentic human hair wigs, particularly hand tied ones, can be quite expensive. I’ve seen them going for as much as $600. Most are much less expensive. Synthetic material wigs of medium length, bought in bulk, should probably cost about $25 – 35 each.

When shopping online at wig wholesalers it is very easy to tell what you’re looking at as the industry has a good standardized system of sort wigs by lengths and colors. Sounds obvious but in the world of online shopping the obvious isn’t always followed. Many web wholesale sites allow you find a wig style you like and then search through the remaining inventory by similar style, color, or length. A very handy tool for buyers.

Art Micklewraith is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Top Ten Wholesale. He can be reached at Content and Solutions or by email at artmicklewraith@gmail.com