Derby City is home to a many functional artists — from Tiffany Woodard’s whimsical fascinators to John King’s bourbon barrel furniture — and now the city can add wig maker extraordinaire Ethel Loveless to the list.
Loveless has been a burlesque performer since she was 18 and has made a name for themself as the orange-clad, show-stopping performer. She’s graced the cover of Queer Kentucky Magazine and was the long-time host of Titty Taco Tuesday at the former downtown Limbo bar — but now she’s shifted her focus to a staple costume piece, wigs.
Loveless started getting into wig styling during COVID in tandem with going to hair school (she now works at Maeda Salon in Shelby Park).
“I felt very compelled to make that my career. I’ve always had a triangle of things going on: wigs, hair salon, burlesque. I always put burlesque first, but now I’ve shifted to burlesque not being at the focal point,” she said.
She makes wigs on commission in a corner studio of what would normally be a dining room in her Highlands home that she shares with drag performer Stevie Dicks, who also has a costume studio in the same space.
Her wigs range from $150 to $450 and she creates them using upcycled hair pieces. Her work includes wigs inspired by Endora from “Bewitched,” stacked beehives with bubble bangs, a neon green bride of Frankenstein hairdo, and everything in between — and we mean everything. Check out this corn glamour wig.
While burlesque has taken a passenger seat in Loveless’ life, she still performs and hosts shows. Follow her on Instagram to see where she might pop up next wearing one of her bold and beautiful creations.
