Raquel Welch's Love Affair with Wigs

Raquel Welch wearing Brave the Wave from her Signature Collection

Wearing wigs makes life so much easier, says Raquel Welch.

And isnt that the truth!

There's a magic to wigs, a transformative quality that goes beyond mere aesthetics. For Hollywood legend Raquel Welch, wigs have been more than just a prop or an accessory. They've been an integral part of her journey, initially on the silver screen and later in 1997 while she was preforming on Broadway in Victor/Victoria she was approached by the wig company Celebrity Signatures International Incwho saw the potential and approached her to create her very own signature collection of wigs and hair additions.

Was it her celebrity or the popularity of Raquel Welch hairstyles that led Celebrity Signatures International Inc to approach her to consider entering the alternative hair marketplace Probably both.

A Stars Introduction to Wigs

While Raquel Welch had worn wigs on a number of occasions for movie roles, she didnt wear them on an everyday basis outside of the movie set. There are several stories of when she discovered how useful wigs can be to hid a bad hair day. One version takes place early in her big screen career during the 1960s and 1970s. Supposedly after shooting an intense action sequence for the film she was starring in Raquel had to rush off to an important interview where there would be photographers. Her own hair was matted down from wearing a wig all day for the scenes in the movie that were shoot that day. And there was not enough time for her hair to be styled for the interview. Her savvy hair stylist on the set suggested she wear a wig instead.

Although I had worn wigs on movie sets before, she noted, I had never worn them in private life. This moment not only introduced Raquel to the convenience of wigs but also to their transformative power.

Another anecdote about wigs saving Raquel from looking less glamorous than she always seemed to look occurred in 1997. In a 1999 interview she recalled:

It was after a performance of the Broadway show, Victor/Victoria. There were photographers waiting outside the theater and I had a dinner engagement. My hair was matted down from wearing the wig from my performance. I was in a hurry and didnt have time to have my hair done. It seemed feasible to just pop on a stylish wig. /
Raquel Welch

June 1997-NYC Actress Raquel Welch / co-star Michael Nouri taking curtain call bows after, June 26th, opening night performance at the Marquis theatre in the musical "Victor Victoria"Ms. Welch replaced orginal cast star Julie Andrews.
Credit: Ezio Petersen

Probably there were many more occasions where Raquel was relieved to have a stylish wig available to wear whether due to simply a bad hair day, coming off a performance or having to dash off to a an event, dinner or interview without having the time to have her hair stylishly coiffured in which a chic wig saved the day.

Below are images from publicity shots, TV sitcoms, movies, movie premieres, social events, press conferences, and other public events where wigs and extensions were helpful in creating her characters look in a movie or are just a convenient way to look polished or glamorous.

Film: Bandolero 1968 with Raquel Welch, Dean Martin, & Jimmy Stuart
Raquel Welch plays Maria Stone

Raquel Welch in a publicity shot from the 1970s at the height of her status as a sex symbol

Hollywood glamour shot of Raquel Welch 1975 by Richard Avedon

1974 Raquel Welch & Michael York meeting the British Queen mother.
Release of the film: The Four Musketeers

Actress Raquel Welch talks to the press in New York City on Oct. 17, 1975 about serving as chairperson for the American Cancer Society. (AP Photo)

Raquel Welch played an exaggerated version of herself on the season 8 finale of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld in 1997.

Raquel Welch testified before the United States House Government Reform Committee on the Dietary Health and Education Act in Washington, D.C. on March 25, 1999.
Credit: Ron Sachs / CNP/AdMedia

RAQUEL WELCH at the world premiere, in Los Angeles

Raquel filmed several scenes for the first Legally Blonde film, which premiered on July 13, 2001. She played Mrs. Windham-Vandermark, the ex-wife of Hayworth Windham.Although Raquel wasnt in Legally Blonde for long, her characters style, poise, and MILF energy still resonates with fans today.

Raquel Welch at the 2013 Variety & Women In Film Pre-Emmy Event

Raquel Welch in TV sitcom 2017 Date My Dad
Canadian-American comedy-drama television series June 2 to July 28, 2017.
Widower and former pro baseball player Ricky Cooper (Barry Watson) gets back in the dating game with the help of this three daughters and his mother in law (Raquel Welch), whether he likes it or not.

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It's no secret that wigs have been a staple in Hollywood for decades. Today, not only do celebrities & performers in the theater and music wear wigs and extensions all the time- not just for movie roles or special performances, but also business women and others who want to look great without all the bother and fuss that can be involved in styling ones hair as well as those who are undergoing chemotherapy or have sudden hair loss due to such disorders as alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease.

The enormous advances in technology have allowed for countless improvements in the coloring, fibers, construction and wear-ability of wig products. Today they are lighter, more natural looking and more user friendly than ever before. Raquel Welch wigs epitomize these advancements.

Raquel Welch Wigs: A Blend of Hollywood Glamour and Everyday Elegance

A wig-lover herself, Raquel Welch has helped give women the confidence to fearlessly express themselves with her signature collection of wigs over the past 25 years.

I believe that with very little effort we can enhance our look, bring out our best features, become our best selves. So I offer you wigs that fit and flatter. That are stylish enough for the woman who wants to make a statement. Natural enough for the woman who wants to look more polished. As if thats not enough, my wigs actually work a little magic: they have the power to give you a new look and a new outlook. To make your life a little easier. And a lot more beautiful

Raquel Welch

Welch offers these tips and benefits of wearing a wig that celebrities, such as herself, have known for years.

- Experiment: Dont just follow the latest trends or they play it too safe worrying about what others may think or say. Express yourself without the fear of being too outrageous.

- Try a wig or extension before making drastic change to the color of your natural hair or haircut. A wig or extension are a risk-free way to preview a dramatic change in hair length, texture or color.

- Wigs are a quick fix that will allow you to look your best particularly if you are not skilled at styling your own hair, unable to make a last- minute appointment with a good stylist, or simply dont have time to do your hair.

- Eliminate bad hair days: Synthetic or heat friendly synthetic wigs and extensions are the perfect antidote to limpness, greying , frizzies, thinning and other natural hair issues.

- Take a leap and try something new. A simple change can dramatically improve your entire attitude and outlook on life.

Raquel Welch Introducing her Raquel Couture Collection

When you look good, you experience a transformation. You radiate confidence and allow people to discover a new facet of your day-to-day image.

Raquel Welch

A Visionary's Approach: Raquel's Influence on Design and Craftsmanship

While many celebrities lend their names to brands, Raquel Welch's involvement with her wig collection went far beyond mere endorsement. Even before she was named Creative Director, she was deeply involved in the design process, ensuring that each piece reflected her personal touch and met the highest standards of quality. She often emphasized the importance of a wig feeling as good as it looked, understanding the intimate relationship a woman has with her hair.

Compare these two head shots of Raquel Welch Left-circa 1980's / right- circa 2015
It appears her hair style from her big screen days inspired her very popular style from the Signature Collection: Voltage.
Left: Head shot from circa 1989 / Right: Voltage from the RW Signature Collection.

Raquel never took all the credit for the success of her collections.
As the Creative Director of the worlds finest wig company, I have the privilege of working with a brilliant team of designers and stylists to develop my collections.
Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch Introducing her Signature Collection

Drawing from her Hollywood experiences, Raquel introduced styles that mirrored the latest trends while ensuring timeless elegance. She played an integral role in selecting materials, emphasizing comfort, and ensuring the wigs provided a natural look. Her meticulous attention to detail meant that every wig, from the base to the tip, went through rigorous quality checks before reaching the customer. She insisted that any style in her collection be worthy of a leading lady and make customers feel they had just stepped into the spotlight. Her mantra was : Make it nothing but the best. Then make it better.

Raquel Welch modeled many of the styles from HairuWears numerous Raquel Welch Collections.

Fanfare from the Signature Collection

Embrace from the Signature Collection

Crowd Pleaser from the Signature Collection

Always from the Signature Collection

An Ongoing Legacy: The Future of Raquel Welch Wigs

While the brand has achieved unparalleled success, the journey is far from over. As beauty standards evolve and new technologies emerge, Raquel Welch wigs will continue their legacy of innovation, empowerment, and elegance. Upcoming collections promise to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of the industry.

The story of Raquel Welch and her eponymous wig line is one of passion, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Its a story that spans decades, continents, and has touched the lives of millions. And as it continues to unfolds, Raquel Welch wig collections will continue to inspire, empower, and redefine beauty for generations to come.

At ElegantWigs we understand that purchasing a wig is a very personal experience. If you have questions and particularly if you are new to Raquel Welch wigs, dont hesitate to call our customer service team, Michael and Marty.

Sept 2023 HairuWear Raquel Welch Catalogue Cover