William Shatner’s Hair Story: Before and After Star Trek: The Original Series

Many fans of Star Trek: The Original Series have long wondered if William Shatner had already begun losing his hair before the show's debut or if it was a result of the filming process. In this article, we delve into the fascinating hair story of Mr. Spock's commanding officer, exploring both the before and after phases of his journey with hair loss.

Before Star Trek: The Original Series

William Shatner's hair loss journey dates back well before he became a household name. Fans of his earlier work in TV and films from the early 1960s often noticed the thinning hairline that had started to appear.

Noticing the Thin Hairline

From black and white shows of the early 1960s to the renowned Star Trek: The Original Series, William Shatner's hairline was a noticeable feature. Many viewers first noticed the slight signs of hair loss during the tense scenes of Obsession in the original series, where his toupee briefly became detached in the back as he fell to the ground. This was a common occurrence, as Shatner often had to temporarily remove his toupee to avoid damage during action scenes.

Working with Toupees

To maintain his appearance as Captain James T. Kirk, Shatner often wore toupees on set. However, this did not make his hair loss any less noticeable. During the filming of the original series, he had to frequently enlist the help of hair professionals to design and adjust his toupees to fit his changing head shape.

Lost Hair, Loss of Toupee

Before all of the toupees could be properly fitted and utilized, some of them would inevitably go missing. This happened during the filming of the original series, leading to instances where a toupee was simply not available. Consequently, Shatner's contract specifically stated that no photographs were to be taken of him without a toupee, underscoring the importance of his appearance for the show.

A Persistent Problem

Shatner's hair loss was a persistent problem both during and after the filming of Star Trek: The Original Series. Even after the show's conclusion, his hairline continued to thin, leading to further reliance on toupees and hairpieces for public appearances.

Second Opinions

Despite his efforts, the thinning and eventually missing hair never ceased. This became particularly evident in the infamous The Motion Picture, where Shatner's hair became even more noticeable with a more reddish color in the back. This added a layer of authenticity to the role, even if it did not match his age clearly.

Post-Star Trek: The Original Series

Shatner's hair story did not end with the conclusion of Star Trek: The Original Series. His hair loss continued, leading to the use of more toupees in subsequent films and TV appearances. Shatner never fully addressed his hair issues publicly, maintaining a silent and guarded stance regarding the matter.

Inevitable Recognition

Initially in his 20s, Shatner's hair was already beginning to thin, and by the time he appeared in The Motion Picture, the changes were more apparent to the audience. His reliance on toupees continued through various projects and into his later career, becoming a characteristic of his on-screen appearance.

Conclusion

William Shatner's hair story is a testament to the complexity of his on-screen persona. Although his hair loss and dependence on toupees were common, what truly mattered was his performance and the impact he had on the world of Star Trek. His legacy as Captain Kirk remains iconic, regardless of the means through which his appearance was maintained.