Modern Family: The Real Reason Haley Appeared To Wear A Wig

As the eldest Dunphy kid, Haley (Sarah Hyland) has a unique and exciting journey over the course of "Modern Family's" impressive 11-season run. The hilarious series depicts the everyday life of an extended American family that often reflects our own families at home. During Haley's rebellious teenage phases, she experimented with a variety of expressive fashion styles from trendy teen to boho chic, until she becomes a thriving young professional and mother. This also includes several notable hairstyles, like her stylish long hair that sometimes appears to be a wig.

In an interview with People, Hyland revealed why her character changed hairstyles during the later seasons of "Modern Family" and why it looks like Haley is wearing a wig. While showing off her new short haircut, she dived into the details that many have been wondering about as she unveils her health problems during filming. She told People about her experiences with kidney dysplasia and endometriosis, which even informed her acting decisions on "Modern Family." 

People also pointed out that Hyland reflected on her shorter hairstyle with Refinery 29 and noted, "This is just my natural hair," referencing her short, curly locks. However, in "Modern Family," Haley still has her long brown hair, especially in the unforgettable incident when Dylan (Reid Ewing) accidentally lodges a tube of lipstick up her nose.  

Due to her ongoing health problems during the filming process of "Modern Family," Sarah Hyland shared that she often wore hair extensions to combat the effects of her medications. In "Modern Family" Season 10 Episode 7, "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?" viewers may be able to tell. Haley shows off her long hair during a fun day with Dylan until an accident puts her in the emergency room. In the memorable scene, Haley finds out she's pregnant with Dylan's baby, which Alex (Ariel Winter) even predicted in the very first episode. 

Hyland told Refinery 29 about her journey and why she made the decision to use extensions, "With medications and stuff, it can make your hair fall out. So I had extensions put in for Haley to hide any of that loss." It's admirable that Hyland is so open and willing to inform viewers about her personal life which inevitably impacts her character's portrayal. 

The extensions also explain why it may look like Haley is wearing a wig in some of the later episodes of "Modern Family," including her momentous life milestones with her loving husband Dylan. The accessory helps maintain a consistent look for the character and also took some of the stress off of Hyland during a difficult time in her life.