Unveiling the Secrets of Loni Anderson's Iconic WKRP Wig: A Journey Through the Annals of Television Hair History
Introduction:
Loni Anderson's unforgettable portrayal of Jennifer Marlowe on the beloved 1980s sitcom WKR[P](WKRP in Cincinnati) cemented her status as a television icon. A crucial element of her character's allure was her signature hairstyle—voluminous, lustrous waves that became synonymous with the show. But was it a wig or her natural locks?
Chapter 1: The Mystery Unveiled
To the surprise of many, Loni Anderson's hair on WKR[P] was indeed a wig. According to the actress, she wore a different wig for each episode, meticulously styled to match her character's flamboyant personality.
Chapter 2: Why a Wig?
The decision to use a wig was driven by several factors. For one, Anderson's natural hair was prone to damage from the frequent styling and chemical treatments required for her role. A wig allowed her to maintain her healthy hair while experimenting with different looks.
Chapter 3: The Evolution of the Wig
Over the seven seasons of WKR[P], Anderson's wig evolved to reflect Jennifer Marlowe's character growth. In the early seasons, the wig was more voluminous and glamorous, reflecting her larger-than-life personality. As the show progressed, the wig became more natural and subtle, mirroring her character's newfound maturity.
Chapter 4: Product and Styling Techniques
To achieve Jennifer Marlowe's iconic hairstyle, Anderson used a combination of hairspray, volumizing mousse, and setting lotion. She would often backcomb her hair at the roots to create additional volume.
Chapter 5: Haircare for Wigs
Maintaining a wig required proper care and attention. Anderson's stylist would wash and condition her wigs regularly using products specifically designed for synthetic hair. To keep the wigs looking fresh, they were stored on wig stands and avoided exposure to heat and humidity.
Chapter 6: Hairpiece as Transformation
The wig became an integral part of Jennifer Marlowe's character, serving as a transformative element that allowed Anderson to fully embody her role. It not only concealed her natural hair but also enhanced her character's confidence and charisma.
Chapter 7: The Humor of Wig Mishaps
Despite the meticulous care taken with the wigs, there were occasional mishaps. During one episode, Anderson's wig accidentally fell off during a scene, prompting laughter from the cast and crew.
Chapter 8: The Legacy of the WKR[P] Wig
Jennifer Marlowe's iconic wig has left an enduring legacy in television history. It remains a symbol of the era's glamorous and exaggerated fashion and has inspired countless hair enthusiasts to recreate the look.
Chapter 9: Step-by-Step Recreation
For those who desire to replicate Jennifer Marlowe's hairstyle, here's a step-by-step approach:
- Start with volumizing hairspray and mousse.
- Backcomb the roots for extra volume.
- Create loose curls with a large-barrel curling iron.
- Brush out the curls to soften them.
- Backcomb the hair at the crown for height.
- Spray with hairspray to hold the style in place.
Chapter 10: Conclusion
Loni Anderson's hair on WKR[P] was a combination of craftsmanship and illusion. The use of a wig not only allowed her to protect her natural hair but also enabled her to transform into the unforgettable Jennifer Marlowe. The iconic hairstyle remains a testament to the transformative power of hair and the enduring legacy of one of television's most beloved sitcoms.
| Season |
Wig Volume |
Glamorous Index |
| 1 |
10 |
10 |
| 3 |
8 |
8 |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
Effective Strategies for Maintaining Wigs:
- Use wig-specific products for cleaning and conditioning.
- Store wigs on wig stands to maintain their shape.
- Avoid exposing wigs to excessive heat and humidity.
- Regularly inspect wigs for damage and repairs.
Humorous Wig Mishaps:
- During a live performance, a performer's wig flew off mid-song, landing on the stage. The performer continued to sing, using the wig as a makeshift microphone.
- In a backstage interview, an actress's wig was accidentally caught in a fan, causing it to spin uncontrollably. Despite the laughter from the audience, the actress managed to keep her composure.
- A stage actor's wig fell off during a dramatic monologue, revealing a completely bald head. The audience burst into laughter, while the actor quickly improvised his lines to explain the mishap.
