Introduction

In the Orthodox Jewish community, particularly among married women, sheitels play a crucial role as a form of hair covering, symbolizing modesty and privacy.

These wigs come in various types and styles, reflecting the wearer's personality and preferences. This guide explores everything you need to know about sheitels, from their significance to the controversy surrounding lace front sheitels.

What is a Sheitel and Its Significance?

A sheitel is a wig worn by married Orthodox Jewish women in accordance with Jewish law, which mandates hair covering after marriage. This practice signifies dignity, respect for themselves and their husbands, and a commitment to modesty and privacy.

Modern Orthodox women wear sheitels to uphold Dat Moshe, the law of Moses, maintaining modesty and preserving the sanctity of natural hair as prescribed by Jewish law.

The Role of a Sheitel Macher

A sheitel macher is a specialist in the creation, cutting, washing, and styling of sheitels. Beyond their technical skills, sheitel machers often provide emotional support and advice to their clients, forging a unique bond during the hair-styling process.

10 Sheitel Companies You Should Know

The sheitel market is diverse, offering a variety of wigs, such as European hair, Brazilian hair, lace top, and silk top. Here are ten popular sheitel companies catering to different preferences:

Vivi Platinum Wigs

A Rabbi-certified manufacturer offering a wide range of kosher wigs, band falls, and kippah falls. Their wigs come in various colors, lengths, and styles. Visit their website.

Milano Collection

A leading brand with over 30 years of experience, using 100% natural human hair from Europe and Brazil. They also offer wig accessories like hats, scarves, bands, and clips. Explore their collection.

Freeda Wigs

This family-owned business specializes in European hair wigs with natural-looking colors and textures. They provide custom-made wigs and services like repairs, washes, and cuts. Discover more.

Fortune Wigs

Known for high-quality human hair wigs with various cap constructions, including lace front, skin top, hand-tied, and machine-made options. They also offer synthetic wigs. Check out their website.

Kiki Wigs

Offering fashionable and affordable wigs made from European and Brazilian hair, Kiki Wigs has styles ranging from classic to trendy and colors from natural to vibrant. They also provide children's wigs. Visit their site.

Ouxun Hairs

Ouxun Hairs is a leading manufacturer offering a wide range of high-quality wigs, including human hair and synthetic options. Their collection features lace front wigs, full lace wigs, and custom wigs, available in various colors, lengths, and styles. Known for their comfort and natural appearance, Ouxun Hairs caters to diverse needs with options for fashion, medical use, and personal preference. Learn More Collection.

Shuly Wigs

Creators of luxurious wigs with fine European hair that is hand-selected and hand-crafted. They offer both custom and ready-to-wear wigs. Learn more.

Shevy Wigs

A luxury wig store in Brooklyn serving a global clientele, offering handcrafted wigs made from 100% European human hair. They provide in-person and virtual consultations. Explore their offerings.

Chavie Russell Wigs

Chavie Russell specializes in high-end human hair wig pieces, offering custom wigs for hair loss, alopecia, cancer, and vanity purposes. She provides free personalized consultations. Visit the home page.

Yaffa Wigs

With over 40 years in the industry, Yaffa Wigs uses high-quality European hair for their hand-tied and hand-knotted wigs. They also offer wig maintenance services. Check out their site.

Gali Wigs

Producers of custom-made wigs with fine European hair, Gali Wigs showcases their latest designs and collections online and offers fitting services in their salon. Follow them on Instagram.

The Significance of Hair Covering in Jewish Tradition

Jewish women cover their hair to show reverence before God, identify with the religious Jewish community, and signify their marital status and unavailability to other men. This practice is deeply rooted in tradition and religious significance.

What is a Lace Front Sheitel and Why is it Controversial?

Lace front sheitels feature a thin, transparent lace fabric at the front, creating a natural-looking hairline that blends with the skin. However, their use raises halachic and ethical concerns within the Orthodox Jewish community.

Arguments Against Lace Front Sheitels

Some rabbinical authorities argue that lace front sheitels compromise modesty and privacy, potentially deceiving or tempting others. They emphasize adhering to the traditional spirit of hair covering.

Arguments For Lace Front Sheitels

Other rabbinical authorities permit lace front sheitels, asserting that they fulfill the requirement of hair covering while offering comfort and convenience. They argue that the appearance of the wig is less critical than the hair being covered.

Arguments For Conditional Permission of Lace Front Sheitels

Some authorities allow lace front sheitels in specific circumstances, aiming to balance individual needs and communal norms.

Conclusion

Sheitels are more than just wigs; they represent tradition, modesty, and adherence to Jewish law for many Orthodox Jewish women. Each sheitel is a deeply personal choice, reflecting the wearer's personality and preferences.

The use of lace front sheitels remains controversial within the Orthodox Jewish community, with the final decision dependent on an individual's rabbi, community, and personal beliefs. The key is to balance tradition with respect for each woman's individual needs and circumstances.