Wigs for Italian-Americans
Just a short drive away from Rosalind Stella’s, in South Philly, many of our Italian-American friends live in in one of the largest communities of its kind in the country. This area is home to the Italian Market, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (the first Italian Catholic parish in the US), and a large number of dark and fair-haired Italians.
Yes, dark and fair haired Italians!
Although here at Rosalind Stella’s Wig Boutique, we sell wigs suited to a number of the different ethnic groups that make up our city, we just smile when we hear someone talk about the “Italian look.” Although the people of Italy are associated with an olive complexion, dark eyes, and very dark, thick hair, the truth is that there have been a wide variety of “Italian looks” from the beginning.
As far back as ancient Rome, “Flavius,” which means “golden or yellow-haired” was a well-known name for the inhabitants of the Mediterranean peninsula. Emperor Nero was described by the historian Suetonius as having “light blond” hair and “blue” eyes. And even a number of the Roman gods were portrayed as fair-headed, including Apollo, Bacchus, Diana, Jupiter, Mercury, Minerva, and Venus.
Today, according to some estimates, nearly 15-20% of people from Northern and Central Italy are blond.
However, it is true that dark hair characterizes the majority of the population, especially in the south. According to some estimates, almost 98% of Southern Italians in certain regions (such as Sardinia), are brunettes. All shades of are found, but dark brown is stereotypical due to its prevalence. Curly hair a is common, although not exclusive, texture.
Finding The Right Wig
If you’re Italian by birth, marriage, or adoption, congratulations! You’re part of a wonderful culture with beautiful hair (no matter what shade it might be). However finding the right wig will not be as easy for you as picking the “Italian” hair off the shelf. Because of the wide variety of hair colors and styles associated with your ethnicity, you need to consider what works best for you individually.
One of the best ways to start is by examining your current hair color and style. For the most natural look, we advise staying within 1-2 shades of your natural color. If you’re blond, that dark Southern Italian look may make you look pale and unhealthy. Likewise, if you’re naturally dark, blond hair may look unnatural next to your skin tone.
You should also consider how you generally style your hair. If you have curly hair, but straighten it daily, you may want to consider a straight wig, since the heat of a straightener can destroy some synthetic wigs and can shorten the life span of human-hair and heat-resistant synthetic hairpieces.
Another option is to purchase two wigs – one straight and one curly – since having a spare wig is highly recommended for those times when your primary hairpiece is being washed, dried, or repaired. This also allows you to change looks, just as you would with your natural hair.
Of course the best way to find the right wig is to multiple styles on personally. At Rosalind Stella’s, we carry blond and brunette, straight and curly wigs, for a hairstyle that looks as distinctly Italian as you do. Come visit us at our Bustleton Avenue location or contact us for more information.
Call us at (215) 725-3930.
Rosalind Stella’s Wig Boutique is proud to serve the people of Philadelphia, including South Philadelphia, Center City, Northeast Philadelphia, and Main Line, as well as Jenkintown, Abington, Cheltenham, and the surrounding communities.
.