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The wigs worn today - associated with positions of power or fancy dress- but the art of wig-making dates back to Egyptian times. They were made from human hair or sheep's wool and consisted of a bulky mass of plaits or braids. Men had shaved heads under their wigs and women wore their hair short. In Roman times, wigs were worn by women as a fashionable accessory. Since blond hair was in vogue then, expensive wigs were made from blond hair obtained from the conquered people in the north.
It was not until the 16th century that wigs became prominent again in historical records. In the second half of the century, both men and women started wearing wigs more and women often dyed their hair red or gold in an effort to imitate the wigs worn by Elizabeth I. She herself is reported to have owned more than 100.
With the Restoration in 1660 and the arrival of Charles II from the French court, the fashion for "periwigs", as they were known, began. By 1665 all fashionable men were wearing wigs in blond, brown or black and heads were shaved to accommodate wigs that were hot and uncomfortable. Long, curly and dressed with perfume and powder, the wigs grew more artificial in appearance until the end of the century, when wig styles for men started following women's hair fashions.
From around 1730 the toupee became fashionable, worn with the wearer's own hair mingled in with the fake hair. Hair powder continued to be used until 1795 when a tax was imposed on it.
By the 19th century men had almost ceased to wear wigs and they began to wear their hair short. Women continued to use hairpieces to accessorise their hairstyles as they still do today.
Nowadays wigs are worn to cover baldness and for fun. They are cheaper then they were in the 1980s and are more commonly used for fashionable purposes. In a recent Vivienne Westwood show, model Honor Fraser caused a stir when she wore a bright blue hairpiece.
Wigs have a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, originating from Egyptian culture. They were crafted from human hair or sheep's wool, initially appearing as bulky masses of braids or plaits. In Roman times, wigs became fashionable accessories, particularly for women, often crafted with blond hair sourced from conquered territories in the north.
The resurgence of wigs in historical records occurred notably in the 16th century. Both men and women embraced wig-wearing, with women even dyeing their hair to mimic the iconic wigs worn by Elizabeth I, who purportedly owned more than a hundred of them.
The pivotal shift towards the widespread adoption of wigs happened during the Restoration in 1660, following Charles II's return from the French court. The term "periwigs" emerged, and fashionable men began sporting wigs of various colors while shaving their heads to accommodate these sometimes uncomfortable accessories. Over time, wig styles grew more elaborate, often powdered and perfumed, resembling artificial hairpieces.
By approximately 1730, the toupee became a fashionable alternative, integrating the wearer's natural hair with synthetic additions. However, the use of hair powder faced a decline after a tax imposition in 1795.
As the 19th century progressed, men gradually abandoned wigs, opting for shorter hairstyles. Meanwhile, women persisted in using hairpieces to complement their looks, a practice that endures to this day.
Presently, wigs serve multiple purposes, from covering baldness to being fashion statements. They've become more accessible since the 1980s, commonly used for both practical and stylish reasons. The contemporary fashion scene, as exemplified by instances like the Vivienne Westwood show featuring model Honor Fraser in a striking bright blue hairpiece, continues to embrace wigs for their fashionable flair.
The concepts woven into the article span various historical and cultural aspects:
- Ancient Origins: The ancient roots of wigs trace back to Egyptian times, initially made from human hair or sheep's wool.
- Roman Influence: Wigs became a fashionable accessory, especially for women, during Roman times, often crafted from blond hair sourced from conquered territories.
- 16th-Century Resurgence: The reemergence of wigs in historical records during the 16th century, notably popularized by men and women imitating Elizabeth I's iconic wig styles.
- 17th-Century Evolution: The Restoration period in 1660 marked a significant shift in wig fashion, with the widespread adoption of wigs by fashionable men and the term "periwigs" being coined.
- Wig Styles: Wigs evolved in appearance, becoming more elaborate, powdered, and perfumed, eventually integrating natural hair with fake hair in the form of toupees by the 18th century.
- Decline of Wig Use: The decline of wig usage among men in the 19th century, transitioning towards shorter hairstyles, while women continued to use hairpieces for styling purposes.
- Contemporary Usage: Present-day applications of wigs, serving purposes like covering baldness and as fashionable accessories, as demonstrated by notable events like the Vivienne Westwood show featuring bold, statement wigs.
These concepts collectively illustrate the historical evolution and cultural significance of wigs, showcasing their multifaceted role from ancient times to contemporary fashion trends.
