Animals That Look Like They’re Wearing a Hairpiece

Quick Take

• One animal on this list has a hairstyle so large it literally blocks its own vision. See the vision-blocking crest →
• A tiny monkey made this list because its facial hair reminded people of a real-life emperor, and the resemblance is truly uncanny. Meet the emperor look-alike →
• For at least one bird here, that ridiculous-looking tuft isn't just for show. It's actually the key to finding a mate. See the mate-attracting tuft →
• One animal barely looks like its own species anymore, given that its feathers cover far more than just its head. See the fully feathered bird →

Nature is responsible for some truly unusual hairstyles. While humans might spend far too much time and money fixing their hair, certain animals seem to come by stylish ‘dos naturally. Collectively, they look like they’re sporting built-in wigs, pompadours, mohawks, and toupees. Some use over-the-top hairdos or feather crests to attract mates, while others use their coif for camouflage or communication. No matter the specific look, these festive animals all look like they walked straight out of a salon. Here are eight animals that look like they’re wearing a hairpiece.

1. Tufted Deer

The tufted deer gets its name from the thick tuft of dark hair that sits on top of its head. This shaggy ‘do partially hides the animal’s tiny antlers. This animal genuinely looks like a deer wearing an oversized wig. Combined with its fang-like canine teeth, the hairstyle makes for one of the strangest looks in the deer world. The effect is slightly ridiculous, though cute.

2. Polish Crested Chicken

The Polish crested chicken is famous for the enormous ball of feathers covering its head. In some individuals, the crest grows so large that it can block the bird’s vision, like an emo kid hiding behind thick bangs. The fluffy feathers look like an elaborate powdered wig. Breeders have come up with numerous color varieties, making the hairdos even more over-the-top. These birds look constantly ready to attend a costume party.

3. Golden Pheasant

The golden pheasant has one of the most spectacular feather crests of all the birds. Males have a bright gold crest that swoops backward over the head. It’s so exact that it seems like it was carefully styled by a professional. Their hip hair and vivid red and orange plumage make for a striking bird. During courtship displays, the crest is raised into a glorious fan and becomes even more noticeable. They look like they belong on the cover of an avian fashion magazine.

4. Emperor Tamarin

The emperor tamarin is best known for its white facial hair. This thick, flowing hair makes the tiny monkey look as though it was fitted with a pricey faux mustache. The silky strands certainly seem too perfectly groomed to be natural. Combined with its short and spiky tuft of hair on top of its head, this fashionable monkey has a very memorable appearance. Funny enough, the species was reportedly named for its resemblance to German Emperor Wilhelm II.

5. Crested Auklet

The crested auklet is a seabird with a hip crest of feathers just above the nose that swoop forward. These feathers dramatically arch over the forehead like a bad toupee caught in an untimely breeze. Scientists believe the goofy-looking crest somehow informs mate selection. The larger and more elaborate the feathers, the more attractive the bird may be to females. It is one of the most stylish hairpieces in the avian world.

6. Silkie Chicken

Silkie chickens look as though they are wearing fluffy wigs, but not just on their head. The gorgeous feathers extend from head to toe. Unlike other chickens with neat and orderly feathers, silkie chickens have a perpetually unruly do with a soft, fur-like appearance. Many have rounded crests that could easily be mistaken for puffy toupees. With their wild hairstyle, these birds, hardly resemble chickens at all. They look more like living stuffed animals.

7. Crowned Sifaka

The crowned sifaka is a lemur with a patch of darker fur on top of its head. This contrasting “cap” looks like a tightly fitted toupee. The rest of the body is covered in lighter fur, making the crown stand out even more. Native to Madagascar, these primates leap through forests with incredible agility. Their distinctive head caps make them highly identifiable.

8. Victoria Crowned Pigeon

The Victoria crowned pigeon displays one of the most extravagant feather crests in the animal kingdom. Blue feathers fan out on top of the bird’s head, somewhat reminiscent of lace. The crest looks more like a custom-made wig than anything natural. The overall look is rather elegant. If this were a toupee, it would be the prettiest one we’ve ever seen