When we think of Ancient Rome, we often picture powerful emperors, disciplined soldiers, and grand architectural marvels. But the daily lives of Romans were also filled with fascinating customs—some of which may surprise us today. One such curiosity is the Roman penchant for wigs, particularly those of a striking ginger or red hue. Why did Romans, a people known for their dark Mediterranean features, choose to wear ginger wigs? The answer is a blend of fashion, social status, and cultural influence.
The Origins of Roman Wig Wearing
Wigs were not an invention of the Romans. The practice of wearing artificial hair goes back to Ancient Egypt, where wigs were used for both practical and ceremonial reasons. However, wigs took on a new social dimension in Rome, especially during the later Republic and Imperial periods.
Roman society was highly stratified and appearance played a crucial role in signaling one's status and identity. While natural hair color among Romans was typically dark, the desire to stand out or emulate admired foreigners led to the adoption of wigs in various colors—including ginger.
The Allure of the Exotic
One of the main reasons Romans wore ginger wigs was the association of red hair with the exotic and the foreign. After Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul (roughly modern-day France and Belgium), and later the expansion into Britain and Germany, Romans encountered peoples with lighter hair—blondes and redheads—unlike the majority of the Roman populace.
For Roman women in particular, these northern European features became objects of fascination and even envy. Wearing a ginger wig allowed Roman women to emulate the appearance of these “barbarian” captives, who were often brought to Rome as slaves. In fact, many wigs were actually made from the hair of these conquered peoples, adding a literal dimension to the idea of adopting foreign beauty trends.
Fashion and Status Symbol
In Rome, fashion was much more than personal expression—it was a declaration of wealth and social standing. Elaborate hairstyles were all the rage among elite women, and wigs offered a way to achieve intricate looks that natural hair alone couldn't provide. Ginger wigs, being rarer and made from imported hair, were especially prized.
The Roman poet Ovid and the philosopher Seneca both mention the popularity of wigs among Roman women. Seneca, somewhat disapprovingly, noted how women would “buy” hair color from another's head. The more unusual or striking the wig, the higher its status. Ginger wigs, therefore, became a sign of luxury and cosmopolitan taste, in addition to being a fashion statement.
Symbolism and Stereotypes
Red hair in the ancient world carried a variety of symbolic meanings. Among Romans, it could be associated with both positive and negative traits. On one hand, red hair was seen as exotic, alluring, and even magical. On the other, it could be linked to stereotypes about the “wildness” or “otherness” of northern tribes.
For some, wearing a ginger wig was a way to play with these associations—adopting the allure of the foreign without the stigma of being an outsider. It was a form of cultural appropriation that allowed elite Romans to experiment with identity, beauty, and power.
Wigs Beyond Women: Roman Men and Disguise
While wigs were especially popular among women, Roman men also used them, though usually for different reasons. For men, wigs could serve as a way to disguise baldness or aging. The Emperor Otho, for example, was said to have worn a wig to cover his thinning hair—a practice that would become common among later emperors.
However, ginger wigs were less common among men, as red hair was sometimes associated with slaves or foreigners, and Roman men generally preferred to maintain a more traditionally Roman appearance. Still, for actors in Roman theater, wigs of all colors—including ginger—were essential props for portraying different characters.
The Decline of the Wig Trend
Like many fashion crazes, the Roman love affair with ginger wigs eventually faded. As Christianity spread through the Empire, there was a shift toward more modesty and simplicity in dress and personal appearance. Wigs, especially those in flamboyant colors, came to be seen as vain or even immoral.
Yet the legacy of Roman wig-wearing lives on. The fascination with red hair, the use of wigs for fashion and disguise, and the desire to emulate foreign beauty trends are all themes that have recurred throughout history, from the powdered wigs of 18th-century Europe to today's colorful hair extensions.
Conclusion
The Roman obsession with ginger wigs tells us much about their society: their openness to foreign influences, their complex social hierarchies, and their ever-evolving standards of beauty. For the Romans, a ginger wig was not just a fashion accessory—it was a symbol of status, identity, and the allure of the exotic. Next time you see a striking hair color on the street or in a fashion magazine, remember: the Romans were experimenting with bold looks centuries before us.
