Celebrity Wig Secrets: Stars Who Rocked Wigs and Why They Wear Them

The former “No Doubt” frontwoman and The Voice coach consistently dazzles whenever she appears on television. While focusing on new music, one of her standout looks over the past few years has been her collection of blonde wigs.

Fans who have followed her since her early days know her as a brunette, but Gwen has never been shy about experimenting with different styles and wigs. She’s openly discussed the use of wigs, admitting that it has been years since she last wore her natural hair.

Reality TV personality and cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner is no stranger to being in the spotlight for her ever-changing look. Fans eagerly anticipate her next move, whether it’s a new lip trend, a bold outfit, or a sizzling Instagram photo.

When Kylie was building her business, she gained the attention of younger fans by experimenting with vibrant, eye-catching wigs. From red and green to yellow, her wigs helped her stand out wherever she went.

Cardi B’s journey from strip clubs to global stardom has been nothing short of inspiring. After the success of her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow,” she began making bold red-carpet statements with her colorful wigs.

Cardi’s collection of wigs is as varied as her personality, with hues ranging from pink to yellow, red, and black. Although she boasts a stunning natural mane, the wigs allow her to match her vibrant style and switch up her look with ease.

Laverne Cox has openly shared that her style inspiration for public appearances comes from the multifaceted Beyoncé. It’s clear why, as Beyoncé’s flawless style never disappoints—and Laverne loves to channel this, including with her hair choices.

Often seen sporting long, blonde-highlighted extensions reminiscent of Beyoncé’s own look, Laverne embraces versatility with her hair, frequently opting for wigs to protect her natural locks and showcase different styles.

As an icon who juggles the pressures of traveling, performing, and recording music, Beyoncé has established herself as a living legend in the entertainment world. These days, she’s enjoying the fruits of her hard work.

Though her natural hair is undeniably stunning, she’s been known to wear wigs, likely as a way to protect her curls and maintain her signature look. Beyoncé isn’t afraid to throw on a wig for her public appearances or performances when she wants a new, dramatic style.

Wendy Williams rose to fame as a radio host before transitioning to TV with her daytime talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. Constantly on camera, Wendy often switched up her look, making wigs a natural part of her routine.

Though she enjoys experimenting with different colors, Wendy has been known to toss her wig into the audience, creating a fun, interactive moment. Despite her love for wigs, she always sticks to her signature style.

Known for her bold fashion choices and attention-grabbing outfits, Lady Gaga has always known how to captivate an audience. What many don’t realize, however, is that she’s naturally a brunette.

On the red carpet and during performances, Lady Gaga regularly sports blonde, white, and black wigs to complement her dramatic style. While her natural hair isn’t particularly long, the wigs help her express the bold, larger-than-life persona she’s famous for.

Tyra Banks is a groundbreaking figure in the world of fashion and beauty. As a talk show host and model, she became a household name by consistently meeting the beauty standards of the industry.

Throughout her career, Tyra has often worn wigs for photo shoots and shows. While her natural black hair is beautiful, she loves to experiment with different styles to express herself in creative ways.

Adele, the British singing sensation, is best known for her powerful voice and heartfelt songs. Over the years, her appearance has evolved, but her natural hair has always remained a key part of her stage presence.

However, Adele has admitted to using wigs on occasion, particularly for the volume they provide and for the convenience they offer during red-carpet events. She’s even given some of her favorite wigs names because of how much she loves them!

Blac Chyna is a social media influencer who has become famous for a variety of reasons, but her ever-changing wigs often steal the spotlight. In 2023, she opted for a more natural look by ditching her fillers, and we may start to see more of her natural hair as a result.

Known for sporting wigs in shades like pink, black, and blonde, Blac Chyna embraced this bold fashion choice during her reality show with ex-husband Rob Kardashian. Despite her preference for wigs, her natural black hair is stunning and long.

Dolly Parton, a country music legend, has been known for her iconic blonde wig since the beginning of her career. Although she’s never hidden the fact that her signature style involves wigs, many fans may not realize that this isn’t her natural hair.

In a candid interview with Jimmy Fallon, Dolly explained her commitment to authenticity, which includes being honest about her use of wigs. No matter the style, Dolly always looks fabulous, and we can only hope to look half as good as she does at 70!

Emily Ratajkowski, also known as EmRata, is a top model celebrated for gracing magazine covers and captivating social media followers, amassing millions in the process. She regularly experiments with various looks, and she’s always keen to share her beauty routines and secrets for achieving her head-turning style.

She once humorously wrote, “another day, another wig,” showcasing how she embraces different wigs as part of her ever-changing style. It’s no surprise her fans love the idea of her switching up her look this way—after all, if we had the funds, we’d likely do the same! Whether she’s sporting a brown or blonde wig, Emily always looks flawless.

Known for her captivating portrayal of Olivia Pope on the hit TV series Scandal, Kerry Washington is a highly respected actress with a well-earned reputation in Hollywood. Whether on screen, at a red carpet event, or casually posting on Instagram, it’s common to see Kerry wearing a black wig.

Throughout Scandal, Kerry wore various wigs as part of her character’s style or for the sake of efficiency on set. Her character’s wigs were always bold and dramatic. More recently, on Little Fires Everywhere, she embraced her natural hair, as it fit the role’s narrative better.

Rihanna, a multi-talented musician and entrepreneur behind the Fenty beauty line, has been an influential figure in both music and fashion. During her peak music career, Rihanna was frequently seen rocking various wigs, including the unforgettable red wig phase.

Despite styling her hair in countless colors and lengths over the years due to her career, Rihanna now prioritizes hair care. Thanks to the use of wigs and weaves, her natural hair is growing healthily. Now that she’s a mother, her fans get to see more of her natural hair, which we absolutely adore!

Salma Hayek, known for her stunning beauty, is naturally a brunette. However, the actress is often seen sporting blonde, brown, or even vibrant pink wigs when promoting movies or attending special events.

The main reason for her wig choices is to avoid damaging her natural hair with the constant dyeing needed to achieve different looks. Regardless of the color or style, it’s evident that Salma can effortlessly pull off any look and still radiate beauty.

Like many men, Kevin Costner experienced hair thinning as he entered adulthood. This reality led him to seek alternatives for his thinning hair.

For more than 30 years, Kevin was not only a leading man in Hollywood for his acting talent but also for his good looks. After finding a solution to his hair loss, Kevin has confidently worn various colored toupees to create the illusion of a full head of hair.

Ashley Benson, who starred in Pretty Little Liars, has always been open about her experiences in the public eye. During her time on the show, Ashley frequently experimented with different hairstyles for her character.

Her hair often varied between episodes, leading fans to speculate about the use of wigs. After bleaching her hair repeatedly, which caused damage, Ashley decided that wearing wigs was a better option than further harming her natural hair.

Ariana Grande, a pop icon and former child star, has been in the public eye for over ten years. Throughout her career, she’s spent much of her time either working on TV shows or touring for her music, requiring frequent hairstyling.

Due to the constant styling, Ariana’s hair sometimes faces damage, prompting her to wear wigs, especially her signature high ponytail. While she is often seen with her iconic black curls, she also occasionally switches to wigs or clip-ins.

Not every hairstyle suits everyone, and some people, like Selma Blair, prefer to try out bold styles without committing long-term. When Selma contemplated a dramatic haircut like bangs, she opted to test the look with a wig instead of taking the plunge with her natural hair.

She pulled off the look flawlessly, and her jet-black hair perfectly complements her complexion, making it a great fit for red carpet events. Selma’s decision to play it safe with wigs instead of waiting for a haircut to grow out after a mistake is one we can all learn from.

Nicki Minaj, the reigning queen of rap, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her chart-topping tracks and larger-than-life persona. While her music videos are known for their bold fashion, her wigs also play a key role in her signature look.

During many of her performances, Nicki often dons a show-stopping pink wig. Although she’s also stunning in her natural hair, wearing wigs allows her to maintain her rap persona while also protecting her real hair.

Keira Knightley is celebrated for her exceptional acting skills and charming personality, but fans have also noticed an increasing use of wigs in her public appearances. This shift is largely due to years of hair damage.

Having had to dye and style her hair frequently for various roles, especially in period dramas, Keira has opted for wigs in recent years to prevent further damage to her natural hair, even choosing them for some of her movie roles.

Comedian and actress Sherri Shepherd is stepping into the spotlight as she takes over Wendy Williams’ talk show. Known for her straight hair, Sherri enjoys switching things up from time to time.

A long-time lover of wigs, Sherri launched her own wig line to share her passion with others. She has credited wigs with helping her avoid the damaging effects of Hollywood’s intense styling, allowing her to preserve her natural hair.

Taraji is no stranger to changing up her appearance, especially since her career as an actress often demands it. This frequent transformation is part of the job, and she enjoys it. It allows her to step into different roles, making her performances more dynamic and engaging.

Taraji has openly discussed her commitment to taking better care of her natural hair. Given Hollywood’s challenges with stylists not always being equipped to manage Black hair, her decision to speak out is not only brave but necessary.

Katie Holmes is one of Hollywood’s most renowned stars. What makes her stand out is her remarkable ability to effortlessly switch between long and short hairstyles. While this is often due to her wearing wigs, she manages to make it look so natural that it’s hard to tell.

From sporting an Anna Wintour-inspired bob to flaunting long, flowing locks, Katie continually demonstrates her fearless approach to hair transformations. Even though her color remains consistent, the only clue to her wigs might be the speed at which she returns to her signature long, natural hair.

Gabrielle Union has faced several challenges in her life, but she now seems to have found happiness with her family, including her husband, basketball star Dwayne Wade, and their children. Over the years, Gabrielle has sported numerous unforgettable looks for magazines and films.

However, did you know that many of these iconic looks weren’t her real hair? Although Gabrielle has become known for her signature look of sleek, black shoulder-length hair, her natural hair is actually short and curly. Recently, she has embraced her natural texture more, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!

Yara Shahidi, star of Grown-ish, has been a prominent figure in the public eye for years. As a child actor on the long-running series Black-ish, her hair was often manipulated, something that can lead to damage.

Yara is renowned for her long, curly natural hair, but maintaining that look takes effort. She’s never been shy about admitting that she relies on wigs for certain styles. Yet, no matter the hairstyle, she manages to look stunning in whatever she chooses.

Fans of the comedy series Modern Family adore Sarah Hyland and her portrayal of the lovable but sometimes misguided “Haley Dunphy.” In real life, Sarah is very different, particularly in how she manages her health and appearance.

She has been open about her battle with kidney dysplasia, a condition that led to numerous hospital stays and hair loss. As a result, Sarah often wore wigs during her time on the show or for her promotional appearances.

Ashanti, like Pharrell Williams, is another celebrity who seems to defy aging. When she’s not performing her chart-topping hits, the artist is often enjoying what looks like a perpetual vacation, and we can’t help but feel envious of her lifestyle!

She frequently wears long, wavy black or blonde wigs when out in public. Despite some media backlash for choosing the “wrong” wigs a couple of times, Ashanti continues to rock every look she chooses and always looks stunning.

Singer and songwriter SZA recently shot to global fame with her album SOS, which has garnered widespread acclaim for its powerful tracks. Though glimpses of her natural hair have appeared, SZA typically opts for wigs.

For SZA, wigs are a practical choice, helping her craft the perfect look for performances and interviews, particularly with her latest hit album. Her style is distinct, and her fans eagerly anticipate her next hair transformation.

Pop sensation Halsey has continuously wowed fans with a series of unforgettable looks throughout her music career, each more iconic than the last. Whether it’s a short wig or a dramatic haircut, she always nails her style.

Halsey loves to experiment with both long and short wigs, depending on the mood she wants to evoke for the day. She once wore a striking red wig, channeling the real-life version of “Ariel” from The Little Mermaid, and looked stunning.

Daniel Craig, the iconic “007” actor, has been in the spotlight for many years. Unfortunately, he’s admitted to struggling with balding, which is why he’s always been so determined to maintain the same hairstyle he’s known for.

In an effort to keep his thinning hair under wraps, Daniel has developed unique techniques for styling his hair and even invested in custom hairpieces. It takes a great deal of confidence for a man to openly acknowledge this struggle while still maintaining his polished appearance.

Kris Jenner, the influential businesswoman and momager of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, has made a name for herself not just in business but also as a style icon. It’s clear that her daughters took some of their style inspiration from her.

While fans are accustomed to seeing Kris with her signature short hairstyle, she’s not afraid to switch things up. On several occasions, she has been spotted sporting shoulder-length blonde wigs, leaving us curious to see what her next hair experiment will be.

Charlie Sheen, a Hollywood legend, is one of the few male celebrities rumored to wear a wig. Although he’s denied these claims, there have been occasional photos snapped by paparazzi that seem to confirm the rumors.

We’re not here to judge since hair loss is a common struggle, even for those outside the limelight. It’s clear that celebrities, who are often expected to look flawless, deal with the same challenges as everyone else.

Music legend Tina Turner has faced numerous obstacles in her career, but nothing has stopped her from becoming a global icon. She’s easily recognized on stage, thanks in part to her signature blonde wig.

Tina, known for her hit song What’s Love Got To Do With It, is frequently seen wearing a blonde wig. In fact, it’s almost impossible to find a photo of her without it. But wigs give her the freedom to reinvent her look as often as she likes, a luxury she fully embraces.

John Travolta is another well-known male action star often seen sporting a wig. Over the years, there have been many occasions when he wore one for high-profile red-carpet events or while filming movies and TV shows. Regardless of the wig, he consistently looks great.

Although he has never openly admitted to using a toupee, some fans believe he does when attending red-carpet functions. Fortunately, his charm and undeniable good looks ensure that this speculation doesn’t detract from his appeal!

Al Pacino is forever associated with his legendary role in Scarface, which catapulted him into stardom as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors. However, like many, time has taken its toll on his hair since his peak years in the industry. This is quite natural.

To maintain a youthful appearance, Al Pacino has resorted to using wigs and hair-thickening products. Based on his recent roles, these measures have worked wonders for him, allowing him to maintain his distinguished look.

Megan Thee Stallion has solidified herself as one of the top rappers of this generation, with her dancing skills, vibrant personality, and incredible fashion sense to match. She often wears wigs, which she pulls off effortlessly.

While we recently got to see her gorgeous natural black hair, Megan has previously graced the stage with various wigs, including black, blonde, and pink. She’s proven she can confidently rock any look that comes her way.

Kacey Musgraves is a remarkable country music star, celebrated for her outstanding voice and undeniable talent, earning her four Grammy Awards in 2018. Beyond her musical success, Kacey is also known for her radiant hair.

Her long, glossy dark locks have sparked debate and admiration. In 2019, people speculated about whether her hair was real. Additionally, she turned heads when she wore a stunning pastel pink wig for a magazine cover shoot, proving her versatility.

Amber Rose rose to fame through her appearances in music videos and high-profile relationships during the late 2000s. Throughout her career, she was known for her signature short buzz cut, often bleached blonde.

However, Amber reinvented herself a few years ago by embracing wigs, which she explained were a way to let her natural hair grow out. Despite this change, she still prefers blonde shades for her hair color, maintaining her signature style.

Katy Perry is one pop star who’s always kept her fans guessing with her ever-changing hairstyles. From pixie cuts to a blonde bob and bangs, she’s never been shy about experimenting with her look. Which of her iconic styles did you love the most?

Katy, like several other celebrities, has openly admitted to wearing wigs. In fact, she once even revealed her natural hair to an audience by removing a wig during a performance. While she has recently been seen sporting long, dark locs, her hair transformation adventures are far from over!