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'.

Outlines

00:00

👑 The Rise of Wig Fashion in the 17th Century

In 1624, King Louis XIII of France, facing baldness, initiated a fashion trend by wearing a full wig, which came to symbolize power and nobility. The use of wigs dates back to ancient Egypt and was adopted for various reasons including hygiene and theater. The Catholic Church discouraged wig-wearing during the Middle Ages, but as rules relaxed in the 1500s, they became more acceptable. Queen Elizabeth I owned numerous wigs to enhance her appearance. Louis XIII's wig sparked a trend among the court and aristocracy, possibly due to concerns over hair loss from mercury treatments. Wigs were seen as convenient, eliminating daily hair maintenance. The trend intensified under Louis XIV, who invested in France's luxury industry, influencing European fashion and leading to a boom in wigmaking. Wigs were made from human hair or cheaper alternatives and were cleaned with perfumed powders, contributing to the origin of the term 'powder room'. By the mid-1700s, men's wigs were simpler, while women's wigs reached great heights, sometimes adorned with various accessories and powders.

05:03

📉 The Decline of Wig Fashion in the 18th Century

By the mid-1700s, although men's wigs remained popular, they became simpler in style. Women's wigs, however, became more elaborate, reaching up to a meter in height and often decorated with various accessories. Despite their popularity, not everyone embraced the wig trend, with caricaturists mocking the extravagant style. In some European colonies, the heat made the heavy powdered wigs uncomfortable. The late 1700s saw a growing backlash against aristocratic excess, and with France facing a bread shortage, the flour used in wig powders became controversial. The French Revolution in 1789 and the subsequent 'powder tax' passed by England's parliament in 1795 led to a decline in wig-wearing, as they became symbols of a bygone era of extravagance.

Keywords

💡Wig

A wig is a head covering made from hair, synthetic hair, or other materials, which is worn over the natural hair or in place of it. In the context of the video, wigs became a symbol of power and nobility during the reign of King Louis XIII of France. The video discusses how wigs were adopted by the monarch and the aristocracy, leading to a fashion craze that lasted for over a century.

💡Louis XIII

Louis XIII was the King of France from 1610 until his death in 1643. The video highlights his decision to wear a wig to conceal his baldness, which inadvertently started a fashion trend among the French court and nobility. His choice to wear a wig is depicted as a significant moment that influenced fashion and the perception of wigs as a status symbol.

💡Mercury

Mercury is a chemical element that was historically used in medicine. In the video, it is mentioned that mercury was prescribed by doctors to treat syphilis and other ailments, which led to hair loss as a side effect. This concern over hair loss might have contributed to the increased popularity of wigs, as they provided a solution to the cosmetic issue caused by the treatment.

💡Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I was the Queen of England from 1558 to 1603. The video notes that she owned over 80 red wigs, which she used to augment her hair and conceal signs of aging. Her use of wigs is an example of how wigs were used for aesthetic purposes and to maintain an image of youth and vitality, even before the trend became widespread in France.

💡Luxury Industry

The luxury industry refers to the production and sale of high-end, exclusive products and services. The video discusses how Louis XIV's government invested in France's luxury industry, which included the wig-making trade. This investment helped to establish French fashion, including wigs, as a leading trend in Europe, influencing the styles and materials used in wigs across the continent.

💡Full-bottom Wig

A full-bottom wig is a style of wig that covers the entire head and typically features a full set of hair at the back, often tied into a queue or ponytail. The video explains that these wigs were in high demand and required a significant amount of hair, sometimes from multiple individuals, to create a single wig. This style became a status symbol among men during the period discussed.

💡Powder Room

The term 'powder room' originally referred to a room designated for cleaning and perfuming wigs. The video describes how wigs were cleaned using perfumed powders, which were made from ingredients like flour, chalk, and aromatics. The process was messy and required a specific space, leading to the adoption of the term 'powder room' for such areas.

💡French Revolution

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political change in France that began in 1789. The video suggests that the Revolution, along with other factors such as a bread shortage and the introduction of a 'powder tax' in England, contributed to the decline in the popularity of wigs. The Revolution symbolized a shift away from aristocratic excess, including the elaborate wigs that were seen as a symbol of that excess.

💡Status Symbol

A status symbol is an item, action, or style that is associated with a particular socio-economic class or level of wealth. In the video, wigs are described as becoming status symbols, particularly during the reign of Louis XIII and XIV, as they were associated with power, nobility, and wealth. The video illustrates how the adoption of wigs by the monarchy and aristocracy influenced their widespread use among the upper classes.

💡Fashion Trend

A fashion trend refers to a popular style or practice in clothing, accessories, or personal appearance that is widely adopted for a period of time. The video details how the use of wigs became a significant fashion trend in 17th and 18th century Europe, particularly in France, and how it influenced the styles, materials, and maintenance practices associated with wigs.

Highlights

In 1624, King Louis XIII of France started a 150-year fashion craze by wearing a full wig to hide his baldness.

Wigs had been used for hygiene, theater, and anti-aging in ancient Egypt and Rome.

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

Queen Elizabeth I owned over 80 red wigs to augment her thinning and graying hair.

Louis XIII's wig-wearing sparked a trend among his court and European aristocrats.

Concerns over hair loss from mercury treatments for syphilis might have contributed to the wig popularity.

Wigs were seen as convenient, eliminating the need for daily hair cleaning and styling.

Under Louis XIV, France's luxury industry promoted the Parisian-style big wigs, influencing European fashion.

Louis XIV's government created specialized guilds and enforced a dress code at court to boost the domestic luxury industry.

Full-bottom men's hairpieces required so much hair that ten heads of hair could go into just one wig.

Wigmakers used human hair, wool, or horsehair to fabricate their wigs.

Wigs were cleaned with perfumed powders of flour, chalk, and aromatics, leading to the term 'powder room'.

By the mid-1700s, men's wigs became simpler, while women's wigs reached up to a meter in height.

Wigmakers constructed elaborate women's wigs using rods, ribbons, and wool stuffing.

Lighter colored wigs with tinted powders became fashionable among the elite.

Caricaturists mocked big wig-wearers, framing them as frivolously flamboyant.

In some European colonies, heavy powdered wigs were a nuisance due to hotter temperatures.

The French Revolution and England's 'powder tax' led to a decline in wig-wearing as a fashion trend.

Transcripts

In 1624, 23-year-old King Louis the XIII of France was in crisis.

He was balding.

What would people say, at a time when a monarch's hair

had come to symbolize his power and nobility?

Louis was not interested in finding out.

Instead, he made a decision that kicked off a 150-year fashion craze:

he wore a particularly full wig.

Long before Louis people adopted wigs for various reasons—

including hygiene, theater, and anti-aging endeavors.

Wigs date at least as far back as ancient Egypt,

where well-regarded hairdressers crafted them into intricate styles.

And under certain ancient Roman dynasties, women's wigs became particularly ornate,

one poet mocking their numerous tiers.

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church discouraged wig-wearing,

emphasizing instead humility and austerity.

So, those who did wig in medieval western Europe

generally wore more natural-looking styles.

But as rules relaxed in the 1500s, wigs became more acceptable accessories.

Queen Elizabeth I of England owned over 80 red wigs,

which she used to augment her hair and conceal it as it thinned and grayed.

One of these wigs even adorned her funeral effigy.

Yet it wasn't until Louis XIII unveiled his magnificent mane

a couple of decades later that big wigs truly began booming.

Members of Louis' court, perhaps eager to gain favor,

bewigged themselves and aristocrats elsewhere soon followed suit.

The fast-growing popularity of wigs might have been accentuated

by concerns over hair loss caused by mercury,

which doctors then prescribed to treat syphilis and other ailments.

But people also heralded wigs as convenient,

since they eliminated the need for daily hair cleaning and styling.

In the mid-1600s, the trend amplified under Louis XIII's son, Louis XIV.

At the time, Europe took its couture cues from Madrid.

But Louis XIV's government changed that

by investing heavily in France's luxury industry.

They created specialized guilds, formalized seasonal releases,

enforced a dress code at court,

and banned imports that could have been made in France or its colonies.

Louis XIV once even ordered his son— yet another Louis—

to burn his coat because it was made of foreign cloth.

Buoyed by its growing colonial empire,

France amassed wealth and influence,

and Parisian-style big wigs soon perched atop many European heads.

These full-bottom men's hairpieces demanded such thick, long locks

that ten heads of hair could go into just one.

Within a century, the number of Parisian wigmakers quadrupled.

Even small villages often boasted at least one wigmaker.

They generally fabricated their merchandise from human hair—

probably sourced from poor women—

or from cheaper materials like wool or horsehair.

To clean their wigs, eliminate odors, and absorb sweat,

people showered them in perfumed powders of flour, chalk, and aromatics

like violet, rose, clove, and lemon.

It was a messy business, with entire rooms designated for the task.

In fact, that's where the term "powder room" is thought to have originated.

By the mid-1700s, men's wigs remained popular but became simpler,

often styled with curls around the face and a ponytail in back.

Women's wigs, however, soared to new heights,

literally towering up to a meter.

Wigmakers often constructed these using rods, ribbons, and wool stuffing.

And once covered with hair,

the wig could be adorned with all manner of accoutrements.

Lighter colored wigs became fashionable and were only enhanced with powders,

sometimes tinted purple, pink, or blue.

But not everyone bought into the trend.

Caricaturists mocked big wig-wearers, framing them as frivolously flamboyant.

And the hotter temperatures in some of Europe's colonies

might have made heavy powdered wigs a nuisance.

In 1740, a visitor in Maryland observed that so few people wore wigs,

he said, "you would imagine they were all sick, or going to bed."

In the late 1700s,

a popular backlash against aristocratic decadence gained steam.

As France faced a bread shortage,

flour-powdered wigs were viewed as particularly problematic.

And in 1789, the French Revolution kicked off.

In 1795, England's parliament passed a "powder tax"

that led many to abandon their big wigs.

And so, they fell out of fashion, left high and powder-dry,

like mere relics of a hair-brained past craze.