Who Wear Wigs on Abbott Elementary?

On Abbott Elementary, wigs are not just for decoration — they’re part of the show’s visual language and character-crafting. The show employs a robust wig department (led by head hairstylist Moira Frazier) that maintains over 100 wigs ready for use. As Frazier explained: the wigs are often pre-styled a day ahead so the on-set time can be used to perfect detail.

With that background, let’s look at the main characters who regularly wear wigs (or hairpieces) and how those choices affect the show.

1.Characters Who Wear Wigs on Abbott Elementary

Source:TheWrap

Janine Teagues (played by Quinta Brunson)

Although Janine’s curls look natural on screen, she often wears full lace wigs. Frazier mentions that Janine has two custom-made full lace wigs. Behind the scenes, Brunson’s natural hair is braided into cornrows, and a wig cap is used; the wig is then secured (with lace and adhesives) for filming. The hair department uses wig glue alternatives and water to remove the wigs to protect natural hair. 

Janine’s hairstyle is also used to signal internal shifts: for example, changing her hair part in season 2 reflects her emotional journey post-breakup. Fans have even noticed wig pins pop out in certain scenes (e.g. when she’s unwell), which some say might be intentional to hint at disarray or stress. So, Janine is one of the primary characters who uses wigs consistently.

Source:Glamour

Barbara Howard (played by Sheryl Lee Ralph)

Barbara’s hairstyle is also a wig. The show’s styling team created a custom wig in a neat pixie cut to match Barbara’s authoritative yet graceful persona. In interviews and videos, Sheryl Lee Ralph has spoken of how the wig helps her fully “step into” the role of Barbara. The wig is integral to her character — it’s been described as “a character in itself.”

The hair department has also accomplished impressive technical feats, such as holding Barbara’s wig in place even when drenched, using pins rather than glue, to keep continuity and realism. Barbara is thus another major character whose wig is an essential part of her identity on screen.

Source:Yahoo

Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James)

Ava is known for her bold, dramatic wig changes. Her wigs are a signature part of her personality (color, length, parting). Frazier says that for Ava, wig styles are used to match her character evolution — for example, during her storyline shift (like becoming more “principal” or when she is fired/re-hired), her wigs also shift in tone (more composed vs more flamboyant). In season 4,

For example, Ava had a deep burgundy ombré wig that signaled maturity, confidence, and a new phase in her character arc. The wig department notes that because the cameras film in high resolution (up to 8K), their wigs must be very fine — undetectable lace, careful construction, quality human hair. Even guest characters in her arcs (such as “Ava 2.0”) receive custom hairline-matched wigs. So Ava is a wig user, and her wig choices are part of her narrative.

Source:Hollywoodreporter

Melissa Schemmenti (played by Lisa Ann Walter)

Melissa’s signature red, voluminous curls are sometimes achieved via extensions and wig techniques. While Frazier mentions that some of her hairstyle is done with natural hair and extensions, wig work does play a role in achieving her consistent, styled look.

The red hair is part of her visual identity. While not always fully a wig, Melissa’s look is often supported by wig-or extension work to maintain volume and color consistency under shooting demands.

2.Why This Matters: Wigs, Character & Storytelling

Source:Allure

Using wigs (and hairpieces) on Abbott Elementary is not just a cosmetic luxury — it helps: Consistency: Across scenes, shooting days, and fragrance, the viewer sees a consistent look.

Flexibility: The wig wardrobe allows nimble changes to reflect character development (new hair part, color, texture) without having to manipulate an actor’s natural hair daily.

Protection: Actors’ real hair is shielded (braided or under caps) so they avoid damage from constant styling or adhesives.

Subtext & Visual Language: Hair becomes part of the storytelling. A new part, a bolder wig, or a fallback “messy” wig can signal an emotional beat or shift.

3.How to Watch Abbott Elementary

Source:ABC

The easiest way to stream Abbott Elementary is via Hulu (in the U.S.), where new episodes drop the day after they air. You can also find it on ABC.com, which sometimes offers recent episodes or promos. For those who prefer a one-stop app, HBO Max carries it as well.

Love watching “live”? You can catch Abbott as it airs on ABC (Wednesday nights, see below). If you don’t have cable, live streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV include ABC in their lineups.

Some fans even use a TV antenna to get ABC over the air—one Reddit comment notes you can “watch Abbott Elementary live every Wednesday for free with a TV antenna.”

4.Best Abbott Elementary Episodes

Source:IndieWire

Picking the “best” episodes is subjective, but fans often cite these standouts:

“Volunteers” (S4E09) — the crossover episode with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

 “Audit” (S4 episode where Ava is fired) — pivotal turning point in Ava’s story arc.

“Class Pet” (S4E03) — light but memorable.

“100th Day of School” (S4E15) — emotional and fun.

5.Abbott Elementary on Reddit And Fans Discussions

Source:Reddit

Reddit hosts a lively Abbott Elementary community. Fans often debate: How viewers watch: A popular thread notes most people watch on Hulu the day after it airs.

Cast rumors: posts exploring “Is Ava gone?” or “Will Janelle James leave?” show up often. Episode reactions: fans post theories, favorite lines, and emotional responses.

If you want to know more, try visiting r/AbbottElementary. Threads there respond in real time to plot twists, casting news, and season announcements.

6.FAQs About Abbott Elementary TV Series

What Time Is Abbott Elementary On Tonight?

It typically airs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT on ABC. For Pacific Time (PT), that’s 5:30 p.m. Episodes stream on Hulu the next day. Always check local listings for schedule changes or holiday breaks.

Is Abbott Elementary a Real School?

No — the school is fictional. Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style comedy, inspired by real issues in public education. The name pays tribute to a real teacher who inspired creator Quinta Brunson.

Is Ava (Janelle James) Leaving the Show?

Despite the storyline where Ava is fired in Season 4, Janelle James is not confirmed to be leaving. Writers and the actress have hinted that Ava will return, so her character isn't gone for good.

Is Janelle James Actually Leaving?

No. There are no credible reports of Janelle James exiting the series. Her character’s arc created buzz, but she remains part of the main cast.

Where Is the Show Filmed?

While set in Philadelphia, the show is mostly filmed on soundstages in Burbank, California. Sets and props are designed to look like a Philly public school.