In the recent buzz surrounding Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, many fans are asking: Was Lyle Menendez really bald and did he wear a wig? With the release of the show, the Menendez brothers’ case has captivated audiences once more, leading to renewed interest in the details surrounding their trial, including Lyle’s hair—or lack thereof.
Here are all the answers to fans’ questions about Lyle Menendez’s real-life appearance.
Was Monsters’ Lyle Menendez really bald?
Lyle Menendez was not completely bald, but did experience hair thinning.
The speculation around Menendez’s hair has become a hot topic as viewers noticed the noticeably different appearance of his character in the show. In Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, he experiences premature hair thinning, which leads him to rely on a toupée to maintain a fuller look. According to Robert Rand’s book, “The Menendez Brothers,” the real Lyle Menendez’s hair started to thin on top before he went to Princeton University. (via Today)
Did Lyle Menendez wear a wig?
Yes, Lyle Menendez did get a wig since before his parents’ murder and wore one throughout the court proceedings.
Lyle Menendez got the wig as a teenager in 1987 before attending university, upon his father’s insistence. He even had to shave off the crown of his head to get fitted for it. The wig required a high-strength glue for application and a special solvent for removal. Furthermore, Menendez allegedly had an altercation with his mother just five days before the murder.
Per Rand’s book, it ended in Menendez’s mother ripping the toupée off his head, allegedly becoming a major catalyst for the murder. Albeit, his choice to cover his thinning hair eventually became more than a personal decision. As per Vanity Fair, Menendez even experimented with his hairpieces, including ones with a permanent wave, sun streaks, and highlights.
However, Lyle Menendez was not allowed to wear the wig in prison due to restrictions on the usage of adhesives. Thus, he would only wear it during his courtroom appearances during the trial. Menendez’s toupée likely played a subtle yet significant role in shaping the narrative around him during the trial. Moreover, even the courtroom visitors would be curious about the same.
As the Netflix show illustrates, appearances can often alter public perception, adding layers to the Menendez brothers’ already complex story. While Lyle Menendez was really not bald completely in real life, he did indeed wear a wig. This seemingly minor detail adds an intriguing aspect to the Menendez saga that continues to captivate audiences even decades later.