Unraveling the Mystery: Loni Anderson's Hair on WKRP - Wig or Real?

Loni Anderson's iconic role as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati left an unforgettable mark on television history. Yet, beyond her charming personality and captivating performance, there lies an enduring question: was her signature hairstyle on the show a wig or her natural locks?

A Wig or a Work of Art?

Throughout the show's seven-season run, Anderson's voluminous, feathered hair became synonymous with the character of Jennifer Marlowe. Speculation about its authenticity has persisted for decades, with fans and critics alike eager to know the truth.

The Case for a Wig

• Consistency: Anderson's hair remained remarkably unaltered throughout the show, even as fashion trends changed.
• Volume: The sheer volume and fullness of her hairstyle made it unlikely that it was her own natural hair.
• Maintenance: Maintaining such an elaborate coiffure would have been time-consuming and difficult to achieve without the use of extensions or a wig.

The Case for Real Hair

• Matching Eyebrows: Anderson's eyebrows were consistently dark brown, matching the color of her hair, suggesting that it may have been her natural shade.
• Close-Ups: In certain close-up shots, it appears as though Anderson's scalp is visible beneath her hair, indicating that it could be real.
• Personal Testimony: Anderson herself has never explicitly stated whether or not her hair on WKRP was a wig. However, she has hinted that it was her own natural hair, saying in a 2017 interview, "I had long, thick hair then."

Unmasking the Truth

Despite the ongoing debate, the definitive answer to the question remains elusive. In a 1982 interview with People magazine, Anderson claimed that her hair was real but had been altered with extensions to create the desired fullness. This statement suggests a compromise between the two sides of the argument.

The Psychology of Hair

Beyond the physical mystery, Loni Anderson's hair on WKRP also holds psychological significance. Her voluminous mane became a symbol of confidence and glamour, embodying the transition from the hippie era to the more polished 1980s. It also represented the evolving role of women in the workplace, as Jennifer Marlowe was one of the few female characters on television at the time to hold a high-profile position.

Lessons from the Hair Debate

The mystery surrounding Loni Anderson's hair on WKRP serves as a reminder of the following lessons:

• The power of illusion: Hair can be a transformative tool, altering our appearance and even our self-perception.
• The importance of authenticity: Whether a wig or real, Anderson's hair reflected her own personality and style.
• The endurance of mystery: Sometimes, the unanswered questions are the ones that keep us intrigued and engaged.

Humorous Hair Tales

To add a touch of levity to the debate, here are three humorous stories about hair:

The Hairraising Mishap:

A woman decided to dye her hair at home, only to accidentally use bleach instead. The result? A head of hair resembling a poodle's tail.

The Shampoo Sting:

During a shampoo commercial shoot, the actress accidentally squirted shampoo directly into her eye. The ensuing commentary on "the blinding power of clean" went viral.

The Hairy Encounter:

A man found a hair in his soup, only to realize it was his own. He had been using the same comb for both his hair and his mustache, resulting in an unexpected culinary surprise.

Useful Tables

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create Loni Anderson's WKRP Hair

1. Start with a base: Begin with natural hair that is shoulder-length or longer.
2. Add volume: Use mousse or hairspray at the roots to create fullness.
3. Create layers: Cut the hair into layers, graduating from shorter at the crown to longer at the ends.
4. Feather the ends: Use a razor comb or scissors to gently feather the ends of the hair.
5. Style with a round brush: Blow-dry the hair using a round brush to create volume and curl.
6. Set the style: Use hairspray or gel to hold the style in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Was Loni Anderson's hair on WKRP really a wig?
   No definitive answer has been given, but the evidence suggests a compromise between real hair and extensions.
2. Why was Loni Anderson's hair so iconic?
   Her voluminous, feathered hair became a symbol of confidence and glamour in the 1980s.
3. What are the psychological implications of hair?
   Hair can represent identity, confidence, and even status.
4. Can you recreate Loni Anderson's WKRP hair?
   Yes, follow the step-by-step guide above to achieve a similar look.
5. How often should you trim your hair?
   Every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends.
6. What should you look for in a shampoo and conditioner?
   Choose products designed for your hair type and that address your specific hair concerns.