Do K-pop idols wear wigs?: During a conversation at the Jaejoong series with Kim Jaejoong, second-generation dyad SISTAR9’s Hyolyn and Bora explain why many idols are averse to wigs.
In one of the segments, Hyolyn lamented about how glue-on extensions are irritating. Jaejoong nonchalantly asked her to switch to wigs. To that, Bora quipped that wearing wigs isn’t an easy option for idols as they seem unnatural, and “it shows if you wear one.”
Hyolyn further added that wigs are sometimes bulky, and many times become very noticeable by adding an extra layer to your head, making it seem bigger.
K-pop idols frequently don wigs during events, photoshoots, and performances, as they are a surefire way to change the visual appeal without messing up with the natural hair’s health. Yet many K-pop idols go out of their way to avoid wearing wigs. Why is that?
Do K-pop idols wear wigs?
K-pop idols are eminent for their visually striking features, with each “musical era” marked by a unique stylistic concept, whether in the form of clothing choices or hairstyles. As such, even if not a beloved one, wearing wigs is a common practice in the K-pop industry.
Wigs offer a chance for K-pop idols to transition seamlessly between various styles and looks. In the early days of their career, BLACKPINK members frequently opted for wigs to create unique visual looks for performances and photoshoots. Sandara Park uses wigs to transpose her look without imposing damage onto her real hair.
However, wearing wigs has become controversial. K-pop idols have sometimes been accused of cultural appropriation via their wig choices.
BABYMONSTER’s Chiquita got slammed for “blackfishing” for donning box braids in a music video. Hanni from NewJeans got hate and trolls for her “fake” blonde wig and was compared with other blonde idols.
Many concede that wigs promote unrealistic beauty standards, as fans can have a hard time distinguishing fake hair and real ones. This furthers the culture of the young generation trying to achieve an artificial beauty standard.
Alternative to wigs are hair extensions or dyes, none of which are a healthy option. Korean beauty standards prefer sleek and straight, and hair treatments to conform to these standards can damage hair in the long form.
Dyes are full of harmful chemicals that cause irreversible hair damage, and extensions many times utilize artificial glue and have a high chance of falling off during performances.
Which K-pop idols frequently use wigs?
Even though sometimes donning wigs receives backlash as badly done wigs look fake and unnatural, many kpop idols have pulled off wigs so well that they seem almost natural.
When girl group IVE was gearing up for their comeback with the track “Either Way,” member Wongyoung shocked fans by donning a blonde for the first time in her career. Although it seemed very real, it was later revealed via behind-the-scenes clips that the look was indeed a wig.
What are some iconic wig looks K-pop idols have sported?
BLACKPINK members have some of the most iconic and memorable wig looks of all time. Lisa sported many over-the-top wigs for the “Kill this love” music video.
Jennie donned two new hairstyles for the teaser poster of the music video teaser too, first a blonde hairstyle with long, lengthy waves and second a brown straight one with bangs. Jisoo donned a short and sleek pink bob wig for the DDU-DU DDU-DU music video.
Girl Group MAMAMOO has always been a trendsetter in the industry with its unique stylistic choices. Member Solar sported a half-and-half wig in black and pink for a comeback music video. Later, the idol wore the same hairstyle style but in black and green during a live performance.
Reminiscent of a true 1960s American model, Girl Generation’s Yoona was seen sporting an extremely convincing brown and bushy wig with bangs, with the hair curled softly and gently around her ears and shoulders.
Also Read:
Conclusion
K-pop culture has always been more of a spectacle. Dazzling choreography, catchy tunes, and elaborate costumes attract Koreaboos to this world.
K-pop idols rarely maintain a specific style throughout their musical career, they continuously switch it up and mix things up to follow the latest fashion and to up their overall aesthetic appeal.