History of hair wigs – Why it is in trend today?

History of Hair Wigs

History of Hair Wigs: The history of using wigs goes back farther than we may think! Even earlier than 1675. A wig is a short form for ‘periwig’ which first appeared in the English language around 1675, referring to the large, elaborate, powdered wigs that judges and barristers would often wear. The French King Louis XIV started wearing wigs in the 1600’s, and the fashion trickled down. It became a status symbol to wear a big, elaborate wig, as only the upper class could afford them. Ancient wigs of Egypt were not only worn by women in ancient times. Men were also wearing them, especially during festive occasions and celebrations.

Maybe it is quite surprising at the moment that the wigs were much more popular with men than with women. They first experienced a resurgence with certain male monarchs who seemed a little younger. Then after the French Revolution, when hairstyles all around were becoming a bit tamer, women were not allowed to wear wigs, whereas men still did. A part of this was the continued tradition of certain professions wearing wigs.

Further studies show that in ancient Egypt, it was a common act to wear wigs as both women and men had shaved heads and as such, wore them to protect their scalps from the heat of the sun.

Wigs then migrated and were being used by Greek and Roman aristocrats of the renaissance era. It can also be noted that wigs in the Elizabethan era were a prerequisite for noble family regalia and were also used in theatre performances.

Wigs are artificial heads of hair, either cunningly concealing baldness or glaringly obvious fashion items in their own right. Till date, men and women use wigs of various forms for various purposes such as costumes, to hide alopecia, baldness or thinning hair, as a fashion accessory, as a disguise and as a protective style for the hair.

Why it is in trend today?

Wigs are girls’ most valuable friend; they are the best accessory in a girl’s closet as they create variety and provide the luxury of switching things up every now and then. Wigs provide them with the opportunity to change their hairstyles.

A few years ago the idea of wearing a wig, for anyone under the age of 75-years-old, was seen as unstylish, outdated and made mostly for your elderly auntie or an option for chemo patients.

From around 1730 the hair toupee came in fashion, worn with the wearer’s existing hair blended with the artificial hair. Hair powder kept on being utilized until 1795 when an tax was imposed on it.

Nowadays wigs are used to hide baldness and for fashion. Now these are cheaper than they were in the 19th 80s and are more used for style purpose. In a recent Vivienne Westwood Show, a model Honor Fraser caused a sensation when she wore a blue hairpiece.