The Real Reason Haley Hotchner Had To Wear A Wig In Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds is a CBS procedural crime series that found success right from the start. The show has amassed over 300 episodes and is known for its long-serving cast comprised of Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Jennifer Jareau (A.J. Cook), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), and Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore). Fans of the show are likely rejoicing since season 16 is on the way, so if you've never watched an episode in your life, you might want to do some catching up.

Even if you're the most die-hard fan of Criminal Minds, though, there may be a few details you missed along the way or some things you didn't know about the show. Those could make the series worth re-watching, too. Specifically, there's a story behind why Aaron Hotchner's ex-wife Haley (Meredith Monroe) had to wear a wig in season 5, and it might not be for the reason you thought.

Haley Hotchner is in a total of 16 episodes, but she certainly leaves a mark in the episode "100." Criminal Minds fans will recall "100" being one of the most iconic and heart-wrenching episodes of the entire show. During season 5, the BAU team is investigating serial killer George Foyet (C. Thomas Howell), also known as "The Reaper." As Foyet continues to evade the BAU team, he zeroes in on Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner as being the primary threat. Foyet wants to hit Hotch where it hurts, so he threatens Hotch's ex-wife Haley and his son Jack (Cade Owens). 

Hotch puts Haley and Jack in witness protection, where Haley dons a dark bobbed wig in order to remain disguised. But the wig is actually serving double duty in this instance, according to Screen Rant. Actress Meredith Monroe had to dye her hair for a role in Californication, which meant finding an excuse for her head to be covered up. The Criminal Minds crew worked around it with the wig, apparently lucking into a situation where it also fit with the story at the same time.