| Sheitels are wigs rabbincally certified for wear by | | | | In order to be considered kosher, Sheitels need to |
| married Jewish women so as to conform with | | | | meet many strict requirements, some of which can |
| religious stipulations for feminine modesty in | | | | be fairly difficult to ascertain, as exemplified in 2005 |
| appearance and behavior. The theory is that this | | | | by the controversy that erupted over rumors |
| most treasured part of a woman, her hair, | | | | concerning human hair from India. The fear was that |
| symbolizing her beauty and sensuality, should be | | | | these hairs had previously been used for the worship |
| reserved for her husband. Most often used by the | | | | of idols. Such associations would render the Sheitels |
| Orthodox and Ultraorthodox, Sheitels are fully | | | | unclean and thus not fit for the observant Orthodox, |
| compliant with all halachic requirements but some | | | | as there is an old dictum that no benefit can come of |
| Hasidic sects actually forbid their wear as they can | | | | anything used in idolatry. |
| give the appearance that the woman's head is | | | | But this issue is a rather old one in many respects, as |
| actually uncovered. Indeed, almost half of the | | | | the matter had been raised fifteen years previously |
| observant married women in Israel do not wear such | | | | in 1990, when it was questioned whether hair shorn |
| wigs because their rabbis have deemed them | | | | during religious ceremonies in India are to be |
| insufficiently modest. Thus they may also wear a | | | | considered materials dedicated to idol worship. A |
| snood, an additional head covering distinct from the | | | | religious inquiry ensued that, after much examination, |
| wig, or some other headgear that totally hides the | | | | found nothing wrong with the situation. The 2005 |
| hair. | | | | case stirred another investigation, which concluded |
| Sheitels can be very expensive, as they are most | | | | that misunderstanding of theory and practice was |
| often 100% human hair wigs. The main types of hair | | | | again behind the concerns. However, on account of all |
| used for Sheitels come from Eastern Europe or Asia. | | | | the consternation raised, most wigmakers now |
| Asian hair is often treated chemically for color and | | | | refrain from using Indian hair, and a lot of the Asian |
| texture, whereas European hair is often left alone, | | | | hair used these days come from China, particularly |
| thus acquiring the label of "virgin" hair. Of the two, | | | | the westernmost parts where it is said that the |
| European hair is by far the more expensive variety, | | | | people are more racially or ethnically closer to |
| though even synthetic hairs can cost a pretty penny | | | | Europeans. |
| as well, depending on several sundry factors. | | | | |
