In colonial America during the 18th century, wigs were a popular fashion accessory. The full-bottomed peruke, such as the one worn by Louis XIV in the image above with its long flowing curls, was most popular in Europe during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, but the size of wigs shrank during the latter half of the 18th century, as shown below. During the latter part of the 18th century, the Founding Fathers were frequently photographed with shorter wigs. Yark, horse, and goat hair were the most common materials used to make wigs; human hair wigs were by far the most expensive of the materials used.
A regrettable side effect of the disease was patchy hair loss, which was one of the most noticeable symptoms. The fashion trend for men's long flowing hair only served to exacerbate the situation. In the past, hair loss, particularly patchy hair loss, was enough to cause problems for a man's reputation, resulting in public embarrassment and a loss of social standing. As a result, wigs became an instant hit. Powders scented with lavender or orange were applied to the wigs in order to mask any unwanted odors caused by the use of aging animal hair.
The use of wigs did not become widespread until two European kings began to experience hair problems. King Louis XIV of France began experiencing hair loss at the age of seventeen, when he was still a teenager. He hired 48 wigmakers to assist him in concealing his thinning curls.
He began wearing wigs a few years later when his English cousin, King Charles II, noticed that his hair was beginning to gray prematurely. In response, men in both royal courts began to wear wigs to make themselves appear more regal, and the trend eventually spread to the lower classes as well. When wigs were first introduced, they were worn in all areas of life, even by people who did not have hair problems.
Wig fashion reached its zenith in the United States during the 18th century as a result of an attempt to mimic fashion on the other side of the Atlantic. For well over a century before the Founding Fathers donned wigs during their time in the 1770s and 1780s, the wig had been popular in Europe. Initially popular in Europe, Americans adopted the style because they believed it enhanced a person's overall appearance and social standing in the community.
These distinctions were made clear through the use of clothing and wigs. Even the color and style of a wig can convey information about one's social class and social position. Men in professional occupations were more likely to wear gray wigs; men in the trades were more likely to wear brown wigs; and judges and military officers were more likely to wear white wigs.
The wig industry in the United States has exploded in recent years, thanks to high-profile celebrities such as Cardi B, Katy Perry, and the Kardashians, who have made it fashionable to wear wigs. In addition to wearing nearly every length and color of wig available, these high-profile women also inspire social media influencers and millennials all over the country to dress similarly.
Wigs, particularly white wigs, were effective in achieving this goal. Husbands were frequently significantly older than their wives, and they often wore wigs and elaborate clothing to give the impression that they were even more senior. If a man had the financial means, it was not uncommon for him to have a collection of wigs. The wigs were available for evening wear and public appearances, for everyday wear, for business, and for horseback riding in the country and around your residence. Wigs were even created to coordinate with specific outfits. White wigs were traditionally worn on formal occasions, but because they were expensive, many men would simply powder a colored wig white if they did not have access to a white wig.
The wig was regarded as wholly aristocratic and as representing the monarchy in its entirety. The French Revolution signaled the end of wigs as a fashion accessory. In the United States, William Pitt imposed a new tax on hair powder in 1795. As a result, men began to cut their own hair into increasingly short styles. The wearing of wigs was no longer fashionable on either side of the ocean. Hairstyles with short hair became the new fashion.
