As fashion and culture have evolved over time, hair extensions now play a major role in most hairstyles.So let’s go back and take a look at the history of hair extensions, the types of extensions that were used in ancient times, from sheep’s wool, to real hair extensions and everything in between.

Ancient Egypt

Studies have found that hair extensions date back to around 3400 BC in Egypt.

For ancient Egyptians, appearance was very important and indicated a person’s status in society. They considered thicker hair ideal, so hair extensions were heavily used to enhance one's appearance. Wigs were used mostly for special occasions, such as ceremonies or banquets. During this time, wigs were made from human hair, vegetable fibers, or sheep’s wool and were either braided into the hair or attached using beeswax.

Europe and America, 18th Century
The extensions among European and American women developed in 18th century and gave way to powdered wigs. These white powdered wigs, called Perukes, were highly fashionable amongst women and men alike. During this time, Perukes were not only made with human hair but were also made out of horsehair, yah, coy, goat and sheep hair. The advent of hair extensions in this time has a somewhat murky history.

Some historians believe it was due to the impending symptoms from King Louis XIV of France and the effects that Syphilis had on his hair. In order to conceal the fact that he had Syphilis, he hired 48 wigmakers to continuously create new wigs for him to choose from to save his image. He wore them everyday and it eventually became a fashion trend.Even after King Louis XIV died, people kept wearing wigs due to their practicality.

19th Century
By the 19th century, Victorian women wore big voluminous hair, often curling the front hair that covered the forehead. This hairstyle is known as the “Pompadour” hairstyle. It was sought out to give it a look of elegance. In order to achieve this look, women needed hair extensions for a fuller effect and then combed over in order to give it that big fluffy mass. They styled the hair in order to accentuate the eyes and neckline. During that time, small round faces were part of the beauty requirements, therefore women would pull their hair forward, covering their forehead and tried to give the appearance of a round face as much as possible. These wigs and hair extensions were often worn very high and upward from the face and over the forehead.. Because of this, long hair became very popular and the demand for long hair extensions was high.

20th Century Hair Extensions

In the 1950s, Christina Jenkins from Ohio patented a new hair weaving technique that is still used to this day. Rather than clipping into the hair or gluing with beeswax like before, she sewed the hair into a weft, making her hair look more natural. By the 1960s, big hair was in style. One popular hairstyle was called the Beehive, and it continues to be popular today. Look at Amy Winehouse, she made her beehive a trademark look, she once said the bigger her beehive was, the better she felt about herself.

Present Day
Hair extensions and their evolution have come along way and it seems like it is here to stay.

Today, the options for hair extensions are endless and affordable. It is an easy way to enhance your look and give it a more natural and healthy appearance.