Why did people wear powdered wigs? - Stephanie Honchell Smith

Summary

In 1624, King Louis XIII of France initiated a 150-year fashion trend by wearing a wig to conceal his baldness, a symbol of power and nobility. Wigs, with roots in ancient civilizations, gained popularity in the 1500s and became a status symbol in Louis XIV's reign. The French luxury industry's growth and colonial wealth led to the spread of wig-wearing across Europe. However, by the late 1700s, societal shifts and practical concerns led to a decline in wigs' popularity, marking the end of a flamboyant era.

Takeaways

• 👑 In 1624, King Louis XIII of France started a fashion trend by wearing a wig to hide his baldness, which later became a symbol of power and nobility.
• 🎭 Wigs have been used for various reasons throughout history, including for hygiene, theater, and to appear younger.
• 📜 Ancient Egyptians and Romans were among the early adopters of wigs, with the latter known for their ornate women's wigs.
• ⚜️ The Catholic Church discouraged wig-wearing during the Middle Ages, advocating for humility and austerity.
• 🇬🇧 Queen Elizabeth I of England owned over 80 red wigs, using them to enhance her appearance as she aged.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 Louis XIII's son, Louis XIV, amplified the wig trend, with his court and the aristocracy following suit.
• 💊 The popularity of wigs might have been influenced by the use of mercury for treating syphilis, which caused hair loss.
• 👔 Wigs were seen as convenient, eliminating the need for daily hair maintenance.
• 👕 Under Louis XIV, France's luxury industry flourished, influencing fashion trends across Europe, including the style of wigs.
• 👛 Wigs were made from human hair, wool, or horsehair, and were cleaned with perfumed powders, contributing to the origin of the term 'powder room'.
• 🏰 By the mid-1700s, men's wigs became simpler, while women's wigs reached new heights, sometimes adorned with various accessories and powders.
• 🎭 Caricaturists and the realities of hot climates in colonies like Maryland mocked the wig trend, highlighting its impracticality.
• 🗿 The French Revolution and England's 'powder tax' in 1795 led to a decline in wig-wearing, as they became symbols of aristocratic excess.

Q & A

Why did King Louis XIII of France start wearing wigs?

King Louis XIII of France started wearing wigs in 1624 due to his concern over his balding, as hair at the time symbolized power and nobility.

How far back do wigs date in history?

Wigs date back at least to ancient Egypt, where hairdressers crafted them into intricate styles.

What was the Catholic Church's stance on wig-wearing during the Middle Ages?

The Catholic Church discouraged wig-wearing during the Middle Ages, emphasizing humility and austerity.

Why did wigs become more acceptable in the 1500s?

Wigs became more acceptable in the 1500s as rules relaxed, and they were seen as fashionable accessories, especially among royalty like Queen Elizabeth I of England.

What was the impact of King Louis XIII's wig on the fashion trend?

King Louis XIII's decision to wear a full wig initiated a 150-year fashion craze, influencing members of his court and aristocrats across Europe to follow suit.

Why did the popularity of wigs grow rapidly in the mid-1600s?

The popularity of wigs grew rapidly in the mid-1600s due to concerns over hair loss caused by mercury treatments and the convenience of not needing daily hair cleaning and styling.

How did Louis XIV contribute to the wig trend?

Louis XIV amplified the wig trend by investing in France's luxury industry, formalizing seasonal releases, enforcing a dress code at court, and banning imports that could have been made in France or its colonies.

What materials were commonly used to make wigs during the wig craze?

Wigs were generally made from human hair, possibly sourced from poor women, or from cheaper materials like wool or horsehair.

What was the process of cleaning and maintaining wigs during the period of their popularity?

To clean and maintain wigs, people used perfumed powders made of flour, chalk, and aromatics. This process was messy and often required entire rooms designated for the task, leading to the origin of the term 'powder room'.

How did the style of wigs evolve from the mid-1600s to the mid-1700s?

Men's wigs became simpler with curls around the face and a ponytail in back, while women's wigs grew taller, sometimes reaching a meter, and were adorned with various accoutrements and lighter colored powders.

What factors contributed to the decline of the wig fashion trend?

The decline of the wig trend was influenced by a backlash against aristocratic decadence, practical issues like the heat in European colonies, and economic factors such as the French Revolution and England's 'powder tax'.