Frank Sinatra’s Toupee: Did the Legend Wear A Wig?

Frank Sinatra, an iconic figure in the world of music and entertainment, left an indelible mark on the industry with his smooth voice and charismatic presence. But a long-standing rumor has persisted about the state of his hair. Did Frank Sinatra actually wear a toupee? Just find answer in this post.

Who is Frank Sinatra?

Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. He was born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, and died on May 14, 1998.

Sinatra’s career spanned over six decades, and he achieved success in both the music and film industries. He is known for his smooth vocals, impeccable phrasing, and charismatic stage presence. Sinatra’s signature songs include “My Way,” “New York, New York,” and “Fly Me to the Moon.”

He was also a member of the famous Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and others. Sinatra’s contributions to music and entertainment earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his life.

Did Frank Sinatra Wear A Toupee?

Yes, Frank Sinatra did wear a toupee or hairpiece throughout his life. It was widely acknowledged and agreed upon that he used a hairpiece, as he was cautious about being photographed without a hat or wig.

Furthermore, those who were familiar with Sinatra confirmed that his hairpieces experienced a decline in quality towards the end of his life. Jerry Roman, the individual responsible for Sinatra’s hair in The Manchurian Candidate, mentioned that while Sinatra initially had perfect hairpieces, he eventually opted for a synthetic piece that appeared unnatural in his last five years.

Why Did Frank Sinatra Wear A Toupee?

Frank Sinatra’s decision to wear a toupee can be attributed to various factors that converged in his 40s.

As his career started to decline, the stress he faced became overwhelming. From struggling to secure prestigious concert gigs to downsizing to smaller nightclubs, Sinatra’s musical journey took a downward turn.

Additionally, his personal life was in disarray, marked by a tumultuous relationship with actress Ava Gardner. Their frequent arguments and breakups added to the already mounting pressure Sinatra was experiencing. The dwindling box office appeal led MGM to drop his contract, and Columbia, his record label, soon followed suit.

His attempts at launching new radio and television series proved unsuccessful, leaving him in a state of financial strain. The media also contributed to his growing stress, linking him to alleged mob connections, while conservative commentators criticized his liberal politics.

Amidst all these challenges, Sinatra’s voice began to falter, instilling fear within him. It was against this backdrop of intense stress that Sinatra’s hair started thinning, prompting him to turn to a hairpiece for a sense of confidence and to mask the physical effects of the strain he was enduring.

How Much Did Frank Sinatra Spend On Hairpieces?

He hired a woman to carry around his wigs for him

One peculiar aspect of his lifestyle was his memorable decision to hire a woman to be responsible for his extensive collection of wigs. With an impressive array of hairpieces housed in his mansion, he felt the need for constant access to them even when away from home. Thus, he enlisted the services of a woman named Helen Turpin, who diligently carried around roughly 30 of his beloved wigs in a discreet bag.

This inconspicuous little gray-haired lady became an integral part of his performances, trailing closely behind him, ensuring that his hair was always perfect no matter the occasion. From movie sets, concerts, to even nightclubs, Turpin faithfully accompanied him, maintaining the impeccable appearance of his mesmerizing hairpieces.

He spent $20,000 a year on a professional hairpiece carrier

Frank Sinatra had a passion for maintaining his perfect appearance. With reports suggesting that he paid Helen Turpin $400 weekly for her services, the sum may not seem substantial at first. However, when considering the timeline of their association in 1965, the value of $20,000 in that era is estimated to be a remarkable $180,000 in today’s inflation-adjusted terms.

What truly makes this expenditure awe-inspiring is the realization of Turpin’s role and the exceptional remuneration she received for it.

How Many Wigs Did Frank Sinatra Have In His Life?

It is estimated that Sinatra had around 60 wigs carefully stored in his home. This fascination with hairpieces adds another layer to the multifaceted personality of Frank Sinatra.

What Year Did Frank Sinatra Start Wearing A Toupee?

Frank Sinatra began wearing a toupee in approximately 1950. Recognizing that his visible balding could potentially hinder his prospects for a career rebound, especially considering the rarity of bald sex symbols in the industry, Sinatra decided to start donning a hairpiece during this period.

Other Celebrities Who Wear Wigs

It is not uncommon for celebrities to wear wigs or hairpieces to enhance their appearances. Frank Sinatra was not alone in this practice. Some notable celebrities who have been known to wear wigs include Ted Danson, John Wayne, and Dean Martin. These individuals, like Sinatra, opted for hairpieces to maintain their desired looks.

Also Read: Who Wears A Wig On Fox News?

Where to Buy Frank Sinatra’s Toupee?

For those who admire Frank Sinatra’s style and are considering purchasing a toupee, the Rehairsystem toupee store offers an opportunity to own a hairpiece inspired by the legendary singer. With its range of customized options and high-quality craftsmanship, our toupee store can provide a toupee reminiscent of Sinatra’s iconic hair.

We offer exceptional craftsmanship, using only the finest materials to create natural-looking hairpieces. With their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, our toupee store ensures that the essence of Sinatra’s style is captured in every toupee we create.

Conclusion

While Frank Sinatra’s toupee may have been a well-kept secret during his lifetime, the truth behind his iconic hairstyle is now revealed. Whether it was to maintain his image or to compensate for natural hair loss, Sinatra’s use of toupees did not diminish his talent or his status as a music legend. Today, we can appreciate the dedication he had to his appearance and the lasting impact he made on the world of entertainment.