Michael Jackson's Hair Journey: Natural vs. Wig

Michael Jackson, known for his iconic musical performances and bookmarks, has left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. While he is often associated with his distinctive appearance, one aspect of his life that often sparks curiosity is whether he ever had long hair during his career. This article delves into the intricacies of Michael Jackson's hair journey, exploring the periods when he wore his hair naturally and the times when he relied on wigs to simulate his desired look.

Michael Jackson's Long Hair in the 1980s

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson's style was characterized by numerous fad trends, and his hair was no exception. This decade saw a significant change in the entertainer's hairdo, making him appear more than just the King of Pop. During the mid-1980s, Jackson was photographed with long, flowing hair. This hair style was often seen in promotional material and music videos. Interestingly, some pictures also reveal natural hair and a scar on his head that was left from an unfortunate incident in 1984.

The 1984 Pepsi Commercial Accident and Scar

Michael Jackson was involved in a serious accident during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1984. During the production, he suffered third-degree burns over a significant portion of his scalp. This devastating injury also led to the formation of scar tissue, which impeded hair growth in that area. To combat this, Michael underwent a series of painful procedures involving the placement of devices under his scalp. The intention was to facilitate under-scalp expansion, allowing for the growth of new skin for transplantation. Although the process was not entirely successful, it did help in managing the condition, and Michael had to endure intermittent episodes of severe pain during the treatment process.

Later Years and Wigs

As the years progressed, Michael Jackson faced ongoing challenges due to the effects of the 1984 accident. Despite these difficulties, he continued to captivate audiences with his performances. However, his reliance on wigs became more noticeable as he entered the later stages of his career. Wigs were used to hide the visible scar and achieve the more iconic and uniform look that he was known for. These wigs allowed him to maintain a memorable appearance, even when his natural hair was not sufficient for the desired effect.

Early Photographs of Michael Jackson Five

To fully understand Michael Jackson's hair journey, it's essential to examine early pictures of him during his time in the The Jackson Five. Before his solo career took off, young Michael was often seen with an Afro, a hairstyle that was popular among African American performers of the era. This early image provides a glimpse into the natural hair he had growing up, before the more dramatic changes in his appearance later in life.

Conclusion

Michael Jackson's experience with long hair in the 1980s and beyond is a complex tapestry of both natural and artificially styled appearances. From his early Afro in The Jackson Five to the long hair seen during the iconic era of Thriller, and finally to the wigs that masked the scars from the 1984 accident, Michael's hair journey is a testament to his resilience and determination to maintain his public image. Whether long or short, wavy or straight, Michael's hair was always an integral part of his public persona, from his early days to the iconic Image he left behind.

Keywords: Michael Jackson, long hair, wigs