Who Wears Wigs on The Gilded Age TV Show?

HBO’s The Gilded Age (2022–present), created by Julian Fellowes, transports viewers back to 1880s New York City through stunning visuals, fashion, and—most strikingly—its elaborate hairstyles. From Bertha Russell’s voluminous updos to Agnes van Rhijn’s polished chignons, wigs play a crucial role in defining character and status. But who in the show actually wears wigs, and how do they reflect the real fashion trends of the Gilded Age? Let’s explore the hair secrets behind this lavish period drama.

1.The Role of Wigs in the Series

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The late 19th century was an era of extravagant beauty standards, where women’s hairstyles were as much a status symbol as their gowns. Wealthy women often relied on postiches (false hairpieces, curls, and braids) to create the illusion of thick, luxurious locks. The Gilded Age mirrors this trend,using wigs to:

Differentiate social classes – New-money characters like Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) sport bolder, more intricate styles, while old-money figures like Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) favor restrained elegance.

Enhance historical authenticity – The show’s hairstylists meticulously recreate 1880s updos, which often required padding, rats (hair cushions), and extensions.

Reflect character arcs – As Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) navigates high society, her hairstyles subtly shift from simple to more refined.

2.Who Wear A Wig In The Gilded Age

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1. Bertha Russell – The Bold Newcomer 

As the ambitious wife of railroad tycoon George Russell, Bertha’s hair is as much a weapon as her social maneuvering. Her high, tightly coiled updos—often adorned with jewels—signal her determination to conquer New York’s elite. Given the era’s beauty standards, it’s likely that actress Carrie Coon wears a combination of wigs and hairpieces to achieve these gravity-defying styles.

Source:TV Insider

2. Agnes van Rhijn – The Old-Money Matriarch

Christine Baranski’s Agnes embodies traditional aristocracy with her neat, sculpted chignons. Unlike Bertha’s flamboyance, Agnes’s hair is controlled and polished, possibly using discreet hair additions rather than full wigs. This aligns with real-life Gilded Age women, who prized "natural" elegance—even when enhanced with hidden postiches.

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3. Marian Brook – The Transitional Heroine

Marian’s journey from rural Pennsylvania to New York high society is mirrored in her evolving hairstyles. Early on, her hair is softer and less structured, but as she assimilates, her updos become more refined. This progression likely involves clip-in extensions or braided additions rather than full wigs.

Source:Glamour

4. Peggy Scott – Breaking Conventions

Denée Benton’s Peggy, a Black writer navigating elite white society, wears natural, period-appropriate styles—likely her own hair or lightweight wigs. This choice reflects both historical accuracy and the character’s rejection of excessive ornamentation.

3.Behind the Scenes: Wig Craftsmanship

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The show’s hairstyling team, led by department head Jerry DeCarlo, has revealed some fascinating details: Custom wigs are handmade for principal actors, using a mix of human and synthetic hair for durability under studio lights.

Historical research guides each design, with inspiration from 1880s fashion plates and portraits. Time-consuming process- Some styles take over two hours to assemble, particularly for scenes requiring intricate accessories like feathers or tiaras. 

Interestingly, Christine Baranski (Agnes) has joked about the weight of her wigs, comparing them to wearing a "small animal" on her head—a testament to the era’s commitment to grandeur.

4.Historical Accuracy vs. Creative License

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Wigs and hairpieces were indeed a historical necessity among 19th‑century elite, especially during formal events . The Gilded Age draws on realistic sources—museum portraits, Harper’s Bazaar plates, and periodicals—for reference.

Still, the stylists softened curls and eliminated authentic frizz, aiming for a romantic yet polished look that pleases modern viewers. This balance of authenticity with aesthetic appeal ensures the show feels both time‑period‑rich and visually engaging.

5.Viewer & Fan Perspectives

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Reddit threads highlight fans recognizing the wig strategy, with one comment noting, “I’m constantly chasing after wigs”—hinting at how integral and noticeable they are to the final visual style. While some purists critique the lack of authentic frizz, many appreciate the romantic and visually polished incarnation of the period.

6.Why Wigs Matter: Storytelling & Practicality

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Class symbolism: Wigs differentiate social strata visually—structured vs. relaxed, immaculate vs. everyday.

Continuity & efficiency: Hairpieces lock down looks and allow actors to restart scenes with consistency and speed.

COVID-era filming: Minimizing repeated styling under safety protocols was essential—wigs helped maintain appearances off-camera.

7.Final Thoughts

In The Gilded Age, wigs are far more than hair—they’re visual storytellers. They establish class boundaries, individual identity, and cinematic consistency, all while balancing period authenticity with aesthetic appeal. From full lace wigs for socialites to discreet pieces for supporting cast, every hairstyle carries intention.

The next time you admire Agnes’s regal poise or Ada’s cascading curls, you're not just seeing hair—you’re witnessing deliberate craftsmanship, historical resonance, and narrative nuance.

8.Faqs About The Gilded Age Series And History

1. When is Season 3 of The Gilded Age releasing? 

Season 3 of The Gilded Age premieres: June 22, 2025 (U.S. on HBO/Max) June 23, 2025 (UK on Sky) 110. The season will consist of 8 episodes, released weekly until August 10, 2025.

2. Where is The Gilded Age filmed?

The show is primarily filmed: On soundstages in Maspeth, New York (for interior scenes). Real-life mansions and historic estates in the New York area, including locations like Old Westbury Gardens (which inspired the show’s setting).

3. Who coined the term "Gilded Age"?

The term was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their 1873 satirical novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. It critiqued the era’s superficial glitter masking corruption and inequality.

4. Notable families of New York City’s Gilded Age

Prominent families included: The Astors and Vanderbilts (new money vs. old money). The Phipps family (linked to industrialist Henry Phipps Jr. and the Carnegie empire). Livingstons and Mills (old-money dynasties tied to politics and banking).

5. Inventions from the Gilded Age

Key innovations: Electric light bulb (Thomas Edison, 1879). Telephone (Alexander Graham Bell, 1876). Elevator safety brake (Elisha Otis, 1850s). Kodak camera (George Eastman, 1888). Airplane (Wright brothers, 1903).

6. Three factors that transformed industry during the Gilded Age

Technological advancements: Steam engines, steel production (Bessemer process), and railroads. Corporate monopolies: Rise of tycoons like Rockefeller (oil) and Carnegie (steel). Labor and urbanization: Mass migration to cities for factory work, despite poor conditions.

7. Presidents of the Gilded Age (1870s–1900)

Key presidents included: Ulysses S. Grant (1869–1877). Rutherford B. Hayes (1877–1881). Grover Cleveland (non-consecutive terms). William McKinley (elected 1896, assassinated 1901).

8. Why did Mark Twain call it the "Gilded Age"?

Twain used "gilded" to highlight the era’s surface prosperity (e.g., industrialization, wealth) hiding deep corruption, poverty, and social strife.

9. What most influenced American society during the Gilded Age?

Industrial capitalism: Wealth gaps and labor movements (e.g., Triangle Shirtwaist Fire). Immigration and urbanization: Rapid city growth and ethnic tensions. Cultural shifts: Rise of philanthropy (Carnegie libraries) and consumer culture.

10. How did the Gilded Age end?

The era faded by the early 1900s due to: Progressive Era reforms (anti-trust laws, labor rights). Economic panics (e.g., 1893 depression). Shift toward regulation (e.g., Pure Food and Drug Act, 1906).

11. What came after the Gilded Age? The Progressive Era (1890s–1920s): Focused on social justice, government regulation, and addressing inequalities.