Israeli wig industry hit on the head by coronavirus
With the coronavirus-induced economic crisis, and with restrictions on mass gatherings, Israeli ultra-Orthodox women have stopped buying new wigs.
"Each year at this time I buy a new wig. It’s my personal treat. I really look forward to it. It makes me feel young and beautiful. Then, on Rosh Hashana [Jewish New Year] I arrive to the synagogue in a new dress and a new, fashionable hairstyle," ultra-Orthodox Esti Goldman said. But this year, she will probably not go to the synagogue, and she is not getting a new wig. "Financially, times are tougher this year. And in any case, the government has restricted the number of people allowed at the synagogues. Even for Rosh Hashana dinner we will be just the nuclear family, without all the cousins, uncles and aunts. So what’s the point of a new wig?" she told Al-Monitor.
The coronavirus-induced economic crisis has hit Israelis from all walks of life; people have less money to spend on luxury items. This includes the ultra-Orthodox. And so, less women have been buying wigs in the last six months. Now that the government has declared a nationwide lockdown through the Jewish High Holidays season, wig shops in Israel fear for the future of their industry.
The wig industry in Israel is different from any other country, as most of the clients are ultra-Orthodox women. Once they marry, they cover their natural hair with a wig wherever they go. It is a religious modesty requirement. In many aspects, the ultra-Orthodox community is considered ultra-conservative, but not in regard to wigs. Indeed, no ultra-Orthodox will wear a pink wig or one with blue stripes, but many of these women are searching for the top fashion trends.
Israeli-American fashion wig stylist Dini Weinberg said, “The wig has the double bonus of covering the hair totally, while, simultaneously, appearing completely natural and, in most cases, more beautiful than the woman’s natural hair."
