Explore the intriguing and extensive history of hair extensions and wigs, recognizing their significance throughout various eras. In ancient times, hair served as a prominent symbol of affluence and aristocracy, underscoring its pivotal role in societal dynamics. Over time, the evolution of hair extensions and wigs has seamlessly integrated into mainstream culture, intertwining with fashion and prevailing trends. Join us on a journey through the captivating chronicles of wigs and hair extensions!

Ancient Egypt: Origins of Hair Extensions and Wigs

The inaugural utilization of hair extensions and wigs dates back to approximately 3400 BC, during the era of Ancient Egypt. In a society where body hair was deemed undesirable, possessing thick hair on the head emerged as a significant indicator of status. Wigs and hair extensions became a hallmark among the elite, donned by both men and women of higher social standing, including politicians, pharaohs, and queens.

One of the most iconic figures from this period is Cleopatra. Her renowned, thick, braided mane is believed to have been achieved through the use of hair extensions and wigs. Archaeological findings reveal evidence of sheep’s wool being intricately braided into the hair to augment thickness, marking the earliest manifestation of what we now recognize as hair extensions.

The tradition of wearing wigs has ancient roots, with the Egyptians being credited for inventing them. Originally crafted for ceremonial purposes, these wigs were meticulously made from a blend of human hair, vegetable fibers, and sheep’s wool, often secured with beeswax.

Fast forward to the 16th century, and wigs found a prominent place in the fashion scene, thanks to Queen Elizabeth I. Renowned for various aspects of her reign, Queen Elizabeth I was particularly notable for her distinctive hairstyles. She popularized the use of height-enhancing hairpieces and wigs, setting a trend during the Elizabethan era. Her tightly curled, red hairpieces, styled in the ‘Roman’ fashion, became iconic.

The genesis of Queen Elizabeth I’s affinity for wigs was attributed to her experience with smallpox, which led to hair loss. Seeking to maintain a youthful appearance, she continued wearing wigs, eventually amassing a collection of over 80 pieces. While courtiers and aristocrats also embraced this trend, it remained beyond the financial reach of most individuals.

Much like the Ancient Egyptian wigs, Elizabethan wigs predominantly featured sheep’s wool in their construction, linking these distant periods through a shared material choice in wig-making.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the world witnessed the emergence of some of the most iconic wigs in history, marking a period when the popularity of wigs soared. Unlike today’s commonplace hair extensions for men, the 17th century saw King Louis XIII of France pioneering the trend as one of the earliest high-profile males to sport a custom-made wig. Initially worn to conceal his baldness, wigs soon evolved into a symbol of status among the affluent.

Image Source: vixenandblush.com

The allure of wigs extended beyond mere concealment, with elaborate designs incorporating pearls and beads becoming commonplace for special events. The transition from the 17th to the 18th century saw the wig trend intensify. King Louis XIV, another French monarch, played a significant role in this evolution by commissioning large and opulent wigs. Numerous portraits from this era depict King Louis XIV adorned with luxurious, long hairpieces.

Image Source: nishhair.com

During this period, wigs were predominantly crafted from human hair, akin to contemporary practices. However, the sourcing of the hair marked a stark contrast, as it often came from impoverished women who grew their hair with the intent to sell it. This dynamic illustrates the intricate relationship between fashion trends and social practices during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The 20th century marked a pivotal shift as hair extensions transitioned from symbols of status and affluence to becoming a mainstream phenomenon. Previously reserved for the elite, these extensions became accessible to a broader spectrum of society.

In the early 20th century, hats and hairpins enjoyed widespread popularity, offering women a versatile canvas for experimenting with various hairstyles. The combination of hats and hairpins allowed women to add volume and curls, creating the illusion of fuller hair. To achieve intricate hairstyles, many women ingeniously collected stray hairs from their brushes—a practice considered one of the earliest forms of human hair extensions during this era. This shift in accessibility and experimentation signaled a democratization of hair enhancements, transforming them from exclusive symbols of wealth to widely adopted fashion statements.

Image source: vixenandblush.com

The 1960s

In the 16th century, the hair extension industry experienced a boom as the Victorian wave bought tall head buns, and elaborative headpieces (Bridgerton fans, you know what we are talking about) in fashion. Queen Elizabeth I herself gained popularity for her dramatic, yet tightly-knit Roman hairstyles made out of wool extensions, a common material used to make hair wigs and later attached using beeswax.  Entering the vibrant era of the 1960s, extravagant hairstyles took center stage.

Image Source: nishhair.com

The iconic beehives, voluminous flowing locks, and bold fringes defined the fashion of the time. Achieving these signature styles often required more than natural thickness, leading to the widespread use of hair extensions and enhancements.

During the vibrant era of the Swinging Sixties, clip-in hair extensions and beehive-style hairpieces surged into popular culture especially for those not naturally endowed with thick hair to provide both volume and the necessary length to emulate the classic 60s look. Hair held immense significance within the ’60s aesthetic, epitomized by style icons like Jackie Kennedy and Brigitte Bardot. Their iconic appearances played a pivotal role in democratizing hair extensions, bringing them to the mainstream and normalizing the concept of hairpieces as everyday accessories. Additionally, specialized beehive hairpieces were in vogue, offering a convenient way to add height and capture the essence of the era’s distinctive styles.

The 80s

During the 1980s, hair extensions became widely accepted. Afro-Caribbean weaves boasted a diverse array of styles, notably the evergreen rasta-style dreadlocks. The era’s stadium rock icons like Def Leppard and TV hits like Dynasty propelled the resurgence of voluminous hairstyles. Notably, it became a norm for celebrities to flaunt synthetic extensions complemented by heavy doses of industrial hairspray before venturing outside.

The 1980s witnessed the continuation of the hair transformation trend, with hair extensions becoming commonplace. Influenced by glam rock and television shows like Dynasty, big hair became a fashion essential. Amidst the prevalence of backcombing and perms, hair extensions emerged as a key tool for crafting attention-grabbing 80s hairstyles.

Synthetic hair extensions gained widespread popularity during this era, providing a versatile and accessible option for those seeking dramatic transformations. Weave-in hair extensions also surged in popularity, offering an expanding array of styles to cater to the diverse fashion preferences of the 80s.

The 90s

During the 90s, colored clip-ins reigned supreme. The hair extensions industry flourished, offering a plethora of choices for individuals of all genders, hair types, colors, and financial means. Whether craving waist-length Rapunzel curls or aiming to spice up a clubbing ensemble with neon streaks, options abounded. However, synthetic hair dominated the market, prone to rapid fraying and tip separation, resulting in an artificial and inexpensive appearance. A prime example? Look no further than Christina Aguilera during her ‘Dirrty’ era.

While the 90s may not have embraced big hair, hair extensions remained a prominent style accessory. The quintessential 90s hairstyle leaned towards poker-straight, long locks, and achieving this look was made easier with the widespread use of clip-in hair extensions. Thanks to innovative techniques, these extensions became more affordable, allowing enthusiasts to effortlessly emulate the hairstyles of iconic 90s figures such as Britney Spears, Tyra Banks, and Naomi Campbell.

Coloured clip-ins gained immense popularity, particularly within the 90s rave scene, offering a vibrant way to introduce flashes of color to one’s hair. However, the increased affordability of hair extensions led to a surge in the use of synthetic materials, which, despite being cost-effective, were prone to fraying and had a limited lifespan.

The 21st Century

The 21st century marked a notable improvement in the quality of hair extensions, with human hair extensions gaining favor among enthusiasts. In the early 2000s, hairstyling trends embraced a playful spirit, featuring chunky highlights, colored streaks, crimped sections, and an array of fun hair accessories. While clip-ins continued to be popular for adding length, colored sections, or volume, other hair extension techniques began to emerge.

Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham, and Nicole Richie contributed to the rising popularity of long hair extensions, often attached using glue. Although this method persists, it is known to cause damage to natural hair. Safer alternatives, such as micro ring attachments, began to gain prominence. During the early 2000s, synthetic materials still dominated the hair extension market, but as the decade progressed into the 2010s and beyond, human hair extensions became increasingly prevalent.

Present Day

In the contemporary era, hair extensions have reached new heights of luxury and natural aesthetics. The availability of 100% human hair extensions has significantly enhanced both the initial appearance and longevity of modern-day extensions, provided they receive proper care. Specialized hair care ranges tailored for individuals with extensions further contribute to their ease of maintenance.

Explore our hair extension aftercare recommendations for optimal results. The diversity in styles, methods, and hair choices has expanded, offering a wide array of options that cater to various budgets. Whether opting for more economical European or Asian hair or indulging in the superior quality of Russian and Slavic hair, the current market accommodates diverse preferences. We exclusively utilize Russian hair, renowned as the highest-quality hair worldwide, and offer virgin Russian hair untarnished by dyes or heat damage.

Regarding attachment methods, the present landscape includes versatile options like clip-ins, tape-ins, micro rings, mini micro rings, and more. Hair extensions serve multiple purposes, allowing individuals to add length, increase volume, or introduce different color dimensions to their hair. Contemporary techniques have overcome previous challenges in achieving a seamless blend, enabling the combination of differently colored strands for a perfect match.

Discover more about our custom color blending process to tailor extensions to your unique preferences. The surge in popularity extends beyond traditional extensions, with bespoke wigs becoming a staple, notably worn by celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian. Wigs prove invaluable for individuals experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, offering a quick and effortless way to change one’s appearance.

Now armed with the rich history of hair extensions, consider scheduling a free consultation appointment to explore the best method for your needs! If you’re contemplating getting hair extensions, thorough research into the origin of the hair is crucial for an informed decision.

Understanding the source of your hair extensions is crucial, as it significantly impacts the outcome of your hair transformation. The distinction between a successful hair enhancement and a potential nightmare hinges on where and how the extensions are obtained.

To provide insight into the global distribution of human hair extensions, the accompanying pie chart delineates the top three regions responsible for exporting these products (Source). Collectively, Asia, Europe, and North America dominate the hair extension market, accounting for over 90% of its share. Consequently, there is a high probability that the hair you acquire originates from one of these regions.

Having established the primary exporting regions, it’s essential to delve deeper into the distinctive qualities commonly associated with hair from each of these areas. Notably, Hong Kong holds the position of the world’s largest exporter of human hair extensions, commanding 51.9% of the market, closely followed by India at 32.5%. This information underscores the likelihood that the extensions you purchase may hail from either of these two countries.

For those specifically seeking Remy Hair, it’s important to note that this type of hair is guaranteed to be of Asian origin. Therefore, armed with this knowledge about the likely sources of your hair, you can make more informed decisions when selecting extensions that align with your preferences and desired outcomes.

Advantage #1 | Cost-effectiveness

One major advantage of opting for Chinese or Indian hair is its affordability, as the cost per ounce is notably lower compared to other hair types.

Drawback #1 | Chemical and Color Processing

Given that a significant proportion of women native to these regions typically have darker hair shades and tones, obtaining blonde or lighter-toned hair extensions implies that the hair has undergone color processing or chemical alterations to achieve the desired lighter color.

The process of coloring and processing extension hair has a detrimental effect on the surrounding hair structures, leading to a subsequent decline in the overall quality of the extensions. For instance, if you’re purchasing hair that has undergone a transformation from dark brown to blonde, it can be guaranteed that the cuticle of the hair is either severely damaged or entirely removed.

As a consequence, while the initially styled extensions may look impressive, they are prone to rapid issues such as matting, tangling, frizziness, dryness, and lifelessness after just a few washes. A comprehensive exploration of this concern is available in an insightful Forbes article.

Drawback #2 | Quality of the Source

Another significant concern when procuring hair from these countries is the potential acquisition of hair from undesirable sources.

Within the realm of hair extension marketing, the term “Standard Hair” (Source) is utilized to describe a type of extension hair that, despite its more favorable designation, is sourced from various origins, amalgamated, processed, and subsequently packaged for sale.

Regrettably, Standard Hair is often gathered from less-than-desirable sources such as hairbrushes, salon floors, drain plugs, and other questionable outlets.

This excerpt from a BBC article uncovers a hidden aspect of the hair extension industry: “There is a whole industry around untangling, sorting, and treating comb waste. While the finished product invariably passes through China on the way to its final destination, it is likely to be a mishmash of hair from many Asian countries. ‘There is no distinction, it all gets mangled up'” (Source).

Shortcoming #3 | Limited Regulation

When acquiring hair from this region, there’s a potential hazard of obtaining counterfeit or mislabeled hair. The Asian Hair Extension Market operates with minimal regulation, heightening the risk of purchasing hair that is misrepresented or of inferior quality, even if it is labeled as a higher-quality product.

Guidelines / Summary

While Asian extension hair is more budget-friendly compared to hair sourced from Europe or North America, the cost savings are accompanied by a substantial compromise in quality.

Lighter hair tones from this region are likely to undergo extensive chemical alterations or coloring processes, resulting in extensions that are dry and damaged.

Standard Hair, a prevalent type from this region, is collected from various sources, detangled, combed, processed, and then repackaged for sale. Unfortunately, this process often involves bathing the hair in acid and coating it with silicone, leading to a significant deterioration in quality.

Hair originating from this part of the world operates in a largely unregulated environment, increasing the possibility of encountering counterfeit or mislabeled products.

Our recommendation is to forego this type of hair altogether and invest the extra money in a higher-quality product. Opting for such a product ensures a more natural look and feel, and it also boasts increased longevity compared to hair imported from Asia.

However, if your natural hair color and texture closely resemble that of Asian-imported hair, careful consideration can be given. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research, ensuring that the selected hair is single donor with the cuticle intact to maintain optimal quality.

Slavic Hair (European)

The Slavic regions of Europe, including Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Russia, and other Eastern European countries, collectively represent the third-largest exporter of extension hair globally.

The popularity of hair from this region is on the rise as more women recognize its superior quality. However, due to its high demand and limited availability, Slavic Hair can be challenging to find. If you come across a salon offering it, be prepared to pay a premium for the highest quality extension hair.

Advantage #1 | The Longest Lasting Hair Available

The durability of extension hair is a significant indicator of its quality. Slavic Hair, with proper care, can last up to 1 year—significantly longer than the average lifespan of Remy Hair from China and India, which typically lasts 3-6 months. Lower-grade hair, often coated in silicone, may only endure for less than a month.

Advantage #2 | Minimally Processed Hair

Slavic Hair is available in a wide range of colors and textures, making it easier to find a match that closely aligns with your natural hair. This versatility allows for minimal processing before incorporating it into your extensions, resulting in healthier and higher-quality extensions compared to hair from other regions.

Advantage #3 | Virgin, Double Drawn, and Hand-Tied Hair Wefts

If you’re fortunate enough to find a salon offering Slavic Hair, you may have access to Virgin Slavic Hair—the absolute best option for your extensions. Virgin Hair is 100% human hair that has never undergone coloring or chemical processing. For further insights into the care and quality of European-sourced hair, refer to an excerpt from a Huffington Post article we found.

“On a recent visit to Ukraine to procure the highly sought-after Slavic Hair, I had the opportunity to witness the meticulous double-drawn process. This method involves the removal of most short hairs, ensuring that the hair appears thick from the roots to the ends. Instead of employing machine-made wefts, the hair is meticulously attached to handmade wefts, a process that demands a full day’s work for one worker to complete just 100 grams of hair. While capsule keratin bonds and tape extensions, which are faster to produce and involve machines, may be utilized, this insight provides a glimpse into the detailed approach that Ukraine applies to their hair production. Notably, they not only uphold strict standards and processes to preserve the raw material, delivering the hair as it was on the head, but they also eliminate any imperfections to enhance its overall appearance.”

Drawback #1 | Higher Price

Quality comes at a price, and as previously mentioned, European hair tends to last 2 to 4 times longer than even the best hair sourced from China and India. The higher cost is justified by the extended lifespan and more natural look and feel.

Drawback #2 | Harder To Find

Due to the escalating demand for Slavic Hair, locating it is becoming increasingly challenging. Many hair extension stylists may simply refer to their hair as “Remy Hair,” which, in reality, signifies cuticle-aligned hair from China or India.

Recommendations / Summary

The advantages of Slavic Extension Hair far surpass the disadvantages. While there may be a slightly higher cost, the superior quality justifies the price difference. Slavic Hair boasts a more natural look and feel and outlasts hair from China and India.

Fortunately, we’ve now struck a perfect equilibrium between opulent human hair extensions and accessible prices. Recent advancements in hair extension technology enable the availability of ‘Virgin hair’ extensions—untreated and uncolored, often boasting better condition than your own natural hair. Tailored haircare lines cater specifically to the needs of extensions and hairpieces, while expertly skilled hairstylists can craft the most intricate and elaborate looks imaginable.

Book Your Hair Extensions Appointment Now!

If you are considering investing in hair extensions and joining the ranks of celebrities and superstars with a long, shining mane of luscious locks then you have come to the right place.

Here at Hera Hair Beauty salons, we have certified, experienced, highly skilled hair extensions specialists ready to expertly guide you through every step of your hair extension journey in Singapore. Discuss the different types and methods of hair extensions that are uniquely tailored to your individual needs.

We pride ourselves on being the best hair extension in Singapore, but don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself!

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or call to book at +6592371254