A sheitel, or Jewish wig, is a wig that many married Jewish women wear to cover their own hair. It is often worn every day and for many hours, so it has to meet higher standards than an ordinary wig: it should sit securely, look completely natural and last a long time.
In this guide we explain what a sheitel is, what sets a good sheitel apart from an ordinary wig and what to look for before you buy. We also show our luxury wig Grace, which has everything we ourselves look for in a sheitel.
What is a sheitel?
The word sheitel comes from Yiddish. In Orthodox Judaism, married women cover their hair for religious reasons, and a wig is one of the most common ways to do so, alongside a scarf, hat or turban. Many choose a wig because it lets them look like themselves in everyday life, at work and on holidays.
A sheitel is therefore not a special kind of hair, but a wig used for a special purpose. That is why the demands on quality, fit and a natural look are extra high.
What makes a good sheitel?
A fit that lasts all day
A sheitel is worn from morning to evening. It should fit snugly around the head, without slipping or pressing. A secure fit also keeps it in place when you move, lean forward or wear a scarf or hat on top.
A natural hairline with lace
What usually gives a wig away is the hairline. With lace at the front, the hair is hand-tied through a fine mesh so it looks as if it grows straight from the head. You can wear the hair back or change the parting without anyone noticing it is a wig.
Double drawn – full all the way
Many sheitels are double drawn. This means the shorter hairs have been sorted out, so the hair is just as thick at the ends as at the roots. The result looks healthy and luxurious, without thin, sparse ends.
Human hair you can style
Human hair moves and catches the light like your own. It can be blow-dried, curled and straightened, and it can be cut and shaped to suit you. With the right care, a human hair sheitel looks as natural after several years as on the first day.
Grace – our luxury wig that works as a sheitel
Grace is one of our most exclusive wigs. It is made in the style of a classic sheitel and has what we consider most important:
- Double drawn with 180% density – full and thick all the way to the ends.
- Half lace (Lace Front Plus) – lace over the front section gives a natural hairline and a free parting.
- An outstanding fit – Grace fits snugly and evenly around the head and sits perfectly from the very first moment.
- 100% human hair in Luxury quality – can be heat styled and lasts for years with the right care.
- Two colours – 1B, a deep natural black, and T4-4/8H, a warm brown with lighter highlights.
Grace costs SEK 16,990. It is a luxury price, but lower than what many others charge for a sheitel of comparable quality. We want it to be fair.
How the length of Grace is measured
Sheitels are often measured differently from ordinary wigs. Grace is bought in as 40 cm, but the length is measured from the top of the head. On the head it therefore looks like about 30 cm and reaches down towards the shoulders and chest. We state this clearly so you know exactly what you are getting.
Kosher and the origin of the hair
For many who wear a sheitel, the origin of the hair matters, and some want a wig with a rabbinical certificate. Grace is not sold as certified kosher, and we never call a wig kosher without a certificate. If you need such a certificate, consult your rabbi before you buy. If you have questions about the hair, we are happy to answer as best we can.
Caring for a human hair sheitel
A sheitel worn every day needs a little care to last:
- Wash it with a mild shampoo and conditioner when it starts to feel heavy or loses its shine.
- Always use heat protection when heat styling.
- Store it on a wig stand so it keeps its shape.
- Brush gently, starting at the ends.
If the wig needs repairing after a while, we repair it for you.
Size and fit
Grace has adjustable straps at the nape, so there is some room to adjust. If you are unsure of your size, read How to measure your head before buying a wig, or contact us with your measurement before you order. To compare different constructions, see Our wig models.
Want to see more options?
Want more colours and lengths to choose from? Compare with Belle Lace Front Plus or see our full range of human hair wigs. If you would like to try the wig in the salon, contact us and we will help you.
See Grace – our luxury human hair wig
Frequently asked questions about sheitels
What does sheitel mean?
Sheitel is Yiddish for wig. The word refers to the wig that many married Jewish women wear to cover their own hair.
Are a Jewish wig and a sheitel the same thing?
Yes. Jewish wig is the English expression and sheitel the traditional word. Both refer to the same type of wig.
What is the difference between a sheitel and an ordinary wig?
It is not a special kind of hair, but the standards are higher. A sheitel is worn every day, so fit, a natural hairline and fullness all the way to the ends are especially important.
Is Grace kosher?
Grace is not sold as certified kosher. If you need a rabbinical certificate, consult your rabbi before you buy.
How long is Grace on the head?
About 30 cm. It is bought in as 40 cm, but the length is measured from the top of the head, and on the head it reaches down towards the shoulders and chest.
What does double drawn mean?
That the shorter hairs have been sorted out, so the hair is just as thick at the ends as at the roots. This gives a full, luxurious result.
Can I wear a scarf or hat on top?
Yes. Grace fits snugly around the head and has adjustable straps at the nape, so it stays secure even with a scarf or hat on top.
Can Grace be styled and coloured?
Yes. Grace is 100% human hair and can be heat styled. Always use heat protection. Colouring should be done by a hairdresser who is used to wigs.
How long does a human hair sheitel last?
With the right care, Grace lasts for several years. If it needs repairing, we repair it for you.
What colours does Grace come in?
In 1B, a deep natural black, and T4-4/8H, a warm brown with lighter highlights.