Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj get wiggy with it

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj know how to have fun with hair. Not always their own hair, mind you. The two performers often unabashedly wear wigs to take them where the strands they were born with probably would refuse to go. [Updated 8:20 a.m. June 12 to correct spelling of Nicki]

But many other actresses, singers and models wear faux hair too. It may be a more-natural looking full lace-front wig. It may be woven in extensions to create fullness or a special look. Or it may be a clip-on chignon or bang.

Writer Alene Dawson got to thinking about the many uses of wigs and hairpieces when Viola Davis showed up at this year’s Oscars without her usual wig. Her choice to go with natural short hair got lots of attention, and Dawson thought it was time to look at how hairpieces often lend a helping hand to a head of hair in Hollywood and beyond. She explored the world of wigs in our Image section and found there are lots of ways to use faux tresses, whether subtly or way out there.

ALSO:

Seventeen picks pretty amazing finalists in cover contest

Fashion News: Miley Cyrus’ engagement ring is quite a gem

Frugal Fashion: Leighton Meester white-hot at MTV Movie Awards

-- Susan Denley

Nicki Minaj at last year’s Grammy Awards. Credits: Wong Maye-E/Associated Press and Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times