There are differing opinions regarding this topic. Before you heap ugly “blessings” on women who cover their hair with human hair sheitels:
First of all, there are two topics.
- a woman’s requirement to cover her hair, because sa’ar b’isha erva, and
- peripherally related the issue of tznius in general.
Regarding the first issue:
Some (significant poskim) are of the opinion that as long as the woman’s OWN hair is fully covered, it does not matter with what it is covered. It can be a hat with full coverage, an inverted garbage can, or a wig – even of human hair. Obviously there are those that disagree. There are many teshuvos that deal with this issue.
The following information is taken from an article I read, written by Rabbi Yair Hoffman:
Based on a Rashi in Bechoros, wearing hair that comes from another woman is referred to as “Peah Nochris”, and in other places, Rashi and Meiri clearly explain a gemora on this topic, stating that the wig was worn for reasons of beauty: so she would appear to have more hair.
The Rema permits saying the shema in front of a woman wearing a human hair wig, and the Mishna Berura explains that it is because a wig is not s’ar b’isha erva. Most Ashkenazic poskim follow this opinion, (Igros Moshe Even HaEzer Vol. II #12.)
Although Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer V EH 5:4), and Rav Chaim Palaji (Ruach Chaim EH 21) follow a stringent view, forbidding the wearing of wigs for Sefardic women, the Kaf haChaim (OC 75:19), Mishpetai Uziel (EH Mahadurah Tanina #74), and Yaskil Avdi (Vol. VII EH #16), all prominent Sefardi Poskim also permit the wig.
There is further discussion among poskim regarding the use of a woman’s own hair for a wig! (permitted by some noteworthy poskim).
Therefore your statement that if the sheitel is so lifelike…… it [is] like the wife is not even covering her hair, is not necessarily true, and instead of inspiring people to increase their level of yiras shomayim, it can Chas V’sholom cause them to develop negativity and resistance to keeping mitzvos.
Regarding the second issue;
A woman of virtue is one who conducts herself with Tznius. That means she limits her outer appearance, in order to enhance her essence, which is the Real self. Another factor that must be taken in to consideration, is that a man has many restrictions on deliberately looking at a woman who is not his wife. There are specific parts of the body which are called erva, and a man may not see those parts of a woman if they are uncovered.
Furthermore, a Jewish man may not deliberately “gaze” at a woman, and this is a severe mandate. A woman must be conscious and respectful of this, and has a responsibility to assist men in this area, due to the concept of “lifnei iver lo siten michshol”. Do not put a stumbling block in front of one who is blind. Therefore clothing or behavior of any type, that is alluring, attention getting, or otherwise provocative is indeed forbidden, despite what is covered. If a woman walks or talks in a provocative way, she is held accountable, regardless of what is covered. If a wig is PROVOCATIVE, it is assur, despite what it is made of!
Even among communities that follow the poskim who allow sheitels that look like hair; different communities do have different standards of what is considered acceptable:
A wig that which is fine in one community, is considered long in another. Regardless, most women know, or can easily be made aware, of what is considered pretty vs. what is provocative.. Provocation is NEVER acceptable.
There is a difference between attractive vs. attracting.