The History of Wigs

Did you know March 10th is International Wig Day? It's the perfect day to flaunt your favorite wig with all the confidence in the world! But where did wigs originate, and how did they become so popular today? I did a little research and found a historical timeline for wigs dating back to around 2700 BC in ancient Egypt. Keep reading to discover how historical traditions brought us to where we are with wigs today.

Ancient Egyptians placed great importance on their appearance. It played a significant role in determining one's status and position in society. Given the hot climate and concerns about lice, both men and women often shaved their heads. However, they still preferred the look of hair, which led to the invention of the first known wigs. These wigs were crafted from various materials, with more luxurious versions made from linen, animal hair, and human hair. For those who were poor, vegetable fibers were used to create more affordable options. The wigs were often beautifully decorated with braids, gold, and other ornaments. The complexity and elaborateness of a wig directly reflected the wearer's social rank, with more intricate designs indicating higher status.

Wigs continued to be a popular trend and expanded their use from Egypt to other countries and cultures. We now jump to Europe in the 16th century, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. During this time, lice and diseases like syphilis were an issue, resulting in heads being shaved and wigs taking their place. Wigs were also highly popular among both women and men in royal patronage. Queen Elizabeth I had her iconic tight red curly wig, while King Louis XVI wore a long black wig with cascading curls. Did you know Queen Elizabeth I owned over 80 wigs? At this time, wigs were typically made out of human, horse, or goat hair. Just like in Ancient Egypt, wigs were worn by higher social classes, and the more elaborate the wig, the higher the wearer's rank.

Europeans brought the wig fad over to America as colonies were established in the New England area and by the 18th century. Unlike the previous fashion in Europe, the majority of wig wearers were noble men and women typically did not wear wigs. When looking at photos of politicians from the 18th century, such as the founding fathers, they all had similar white wigs on. These wigs are called “Powdered Wigs”. Did you know, George Washington, however, never wore a wig? To achieve the look of a wig, his biological hair was powdered with the same powder that was used on wigs at the time, hence the term “Powdered Wigs”. The powder that was used was made up of flour, chalk, clay, and essences such as lavender or cinnamon. The powder was used to not only whiten the wigs as they faded, but also masked any unpleasant odors.

Powdered wigs gradually fell out of fashion after the British "Hair Powder Tax" during the French Revolution in the late 1700s. However, they resurfaced in mainstream culture in the early 20th century, this time more commonly worn by women than men. Women across all social statuses used wigs and hairpins to create the illusion of fuller hair and perfect curls. Wigs became especially popular in theater and film, often showcasing the famous chic 1920s bob. The use of hair extensions also gained popularity. Many women would incorporate artificial hair with their own using hairpins. Some would even collect stray hairs from their hairbrush and incorporate them into their hairstyles to achieve the desired look.

By the mid-20th century, wigs had become the norm for women in Hollywood. Beauty icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and later Donna Summer and Raquel Welch wore wigs as part of their regular looks. Women enjoyed the option and flexibility to change their hairstyle without long term commitment, and wigs were used by women both with and without hair loss. As wig manufacturing techniques advanced, synthetic wigs became more natural-looking while remaining durable which made them a great option for many women.

Wigs continue to be popular and versatile accessories in today's world. They offer a natural look for both women and men, serving not only fashion purposes but also helping those experiencing hair loss. While it's less common to see politicians wearing wigs nowadays, some courts around the world still uphold the tradition. In the entertainment industry, celebrities often use wigs for fashion statements and various roles. The art and technique of wig making has reached impressive heights and continues to evolve, creating increasingly natural looking and feeling hairpieces. Modern wigs are comfortable, breathable, and lifelike, making them a practical choice for many, not just celebrities!

Wigs have come a long way since Ancient Egypt! Personally, I am very grateful that we no longer use goat hair to make wigs or use powder to cover up odors, and instead use wig shampoo and conditioner. Whether you are using wigs for fun or for everyday wear, it's wonderful to know that there are many modern and natural options available for everyone.

Love,
McKenna💗

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