18th Century Wigs: A Hair-Raising History

18th Century Wig History

The 18th century was a time of great excess and extravagance, and wigs were no exception. Wigs were worn by both men and women, and they were often elaborate and expensive. The most popular wigs were made from human hair, but they were also made from horsehair, goat hair, and even sheep wool.

Wigs were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but they did not become popular until the 18th century. At first, wigs were only worn by the wealthy, but they eventually became more common among all social classes.

There were many different styles of wigs in the 18th century. Some of the most popular styles included the full-bottomed wig, the periwig, and the bag wig.

• Full-bottomed wigs were large and elaborate, and they were often worn by men of high social status. These wigs were made from long human hair, and they were often curled and powdered.
• Periwigs were smaller and less elaborate than full-bottomed wigs, and they were often worn by men of lower social status. These wigs were made from shorter human hair, and they were often not curled or powdered.
• Bag wigs were worn by both men and women, and they were made from a net bag that was filled with human hair. These wigs were often tied back with a ribbon, and they were often decorated with flowers or other ornaments.

Wigs were an important part of 18th century fashion, and they were often used to make a statement about a person's social status or wealth. Wigs were also used to cover up baldness or other hair loss.

Why Wigs Were So Popular in the 18th Century

There were many reasons why wigs were so popular in the 18th century.

• Fashion: Wigs were considered to be fashionable, and they were often worn to make a statement about a person's style.
• Social status: Wigs were also used to indicate a person's social status. The more elaborate a wig was, the higher the person's social status.
• Hygiene: Wigs were also used to cover up baldness or other hair loss. In the 18th century, there were no effective treatments for hair loss, so wigs were often the only way to cover up this condition.

The Decline of Wigs

Wigs began to decline in popularity in the late 18th century. This was due to several factors, including the rise of the French Revolution and the popularity of the new, more natural hairstyles.

The French Revolution was a time of great social upheaval, and it led to a change in fashion. The new, more natural hairstyles were considered to be more revolutionary and egalitarian, and they were not compatible with wigs.

The popularity of the new, more natural hairstyles also led to the decline of wigs. These hairstyles were easier to care for than wigs, and they did not require the use of expensive hair products.

Wigs in the 21st Century

Wigs are still worn today, but they are not as common as they were in the 18th century. Wigs are often worn for theatrical productions, costume parties, and other special occasions. They are also worn by people who have hair loss or other hair problems.

The Future of Wigs

It is difficult to say what the future holds for wigs. However, it is clear that wigs will continue to be used for theatrical productions, costume parties, and other special occasions. They may also continue to be used by people who have hair loss or other hair problems.

6-8 FAQs

What were wigs made of in the 18th century?

Wigs were made from a variety of materials in the 18th century, including human hair, horsehair, goat hair, and sheep wool.

What were the different styles of wigs in the 18th century?

The different styles of wigs in the 18th century included the full-bottomed wig, the periwig, and the bag wig.

Why were wigs so popular in the 18th century?

Wigs were popular in the 18th century for a variety of reasons, including fashion, social status, and hygiene.

When did wigs start to decline in popularity?

Wigs began to decline in popularity in the late 18th century, due to the rise of the French Revolution and the popularity of the new, more natural hairstyles.

Are wigs still worn today?

Wigs are still worn today, but they are not as common as they were in the 18th century. Wigs are often worn for theatrical productions, costume parties, and other special occasions. They are also worn by people who have hair loss or other hair problems.

What is the future of wigs?

It is difficult to say what the future holds for wigs. However, it is clear that wigs will continue to be used for theatrical productions, costume parties, and other special occasions. They may also continue to be used by people who have hair loss or other hair problems.