A false fringe of human hair in pin curl ringlet style

A false fringe of human hair in pin curl ringlet style
Early Dynastic Period, 1st Dynasty,
Excavated by Sir Flinders Petrie from the tomb of king Djer (also known as Zer or Sekhty), Tomb O, Umm el-Qa’ab, Abydos, Egypt.

Wigs were composed of various materials such as human hair, wool, plant fibers, and horsehair. The most expensive wigs were made of human hair or black sheep wool, or both. In addition to the hair, false or human, Ancient Egyptians used beeswax and resin to hold the style in place on a mesh cap.

Ancient Egypt was a hot and dry. Hair moisturisers gave protection from the arid climate, and Egyptian women would massage a healthy dose of castor oil and almond oil into their scalp, which they believed also promoted hair growth.

A range of hair accessories have been found in burials including combs, hairpins, mirrors, and hair pieces, and the inclusion of these items amongst tomb goods indicate how important hair and hairstyling was to the ancient Egyptians both in this life and the next.

Predominantly worn by the elite of Egyptian society, wigs served a dual purpose: they signaled high rank in Egypt’s strict social hierarchy and helped protect shaven scalps (a sign of nobility) from the sun. Wigs also helped maintain hygiene levels by reducing the incidence of head lice.

Now residing at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford. 1901.40.56