Sheitels

A sheitel (Yiddish: wig) is a wig worn by married Jewish women to cover their hair in public as part of traditional modesty norms in many Orthodox communities. The practice is based on rabbinic interpretations that a woman's hair is considered erva (private) after marriage. Attitudes and customs vary, and many unmarried or non-Orthodox Jewish women do not wear a sheitel.

Sheitels can be made from real human hair or synthetic fibers and come in a range of styles and prices. Common features include lace-front construction for a natural-looking hairline, monofilament tops, and varied partings to mimic real hair. They can be styled with heat or carefully treated; some are designed to resemble natural hair textures and colors. The look ranges from conservative to fashion-forward; choices depend on personal taste, community norms, and family guidance.

In many communities, the decision to wear a sheitel, and what kind, is guided by rabbinic authorities and communal standards. Some authorities permit wearing a sheitel as an accepted covered-hair option, while others encourage traditional head-covering like scarves or hats or impose conditions on the wig’s appearance. In practice, the acceptability of certain styles, such as highly realistic or long wigs, can be a topic of discussion within communities.

Economically, sheitels can be a significant purchase, with price varying by length, material, and workmanship. They require regular maintenance, washing, and careful storage. Wig shops and specialists service Orthodox, Hasidic, and other Jewish communities, and online sales are common, reflecting a global market.