History of Wigs & Hairpieces

Wigs have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history.

Wigs and hairpieces are used everyday to alter appearances according to personal preference, to express individuality, to quickly style hair, create a character, to denote a particular rank or profession or to cover hair loss.

Ancient Times

In ancient times, Greeks, Romans and Egyptians wore hairpieces and wigs to denote someone of nobility or rank. Some soldiers had shaved heads and sometimes wore wigs to protect their scalp from the searing effects of the sun.

English Restoration

During the Restoration period many people, both men and women, wore wigs to express rank or wealth, but also to combat unsanitary living conditions.

18th Century

During the 1700s, men powdered their wigs into a white color. Women were not noted to have worn full wigs during this time, but boosted their natural hairstyles with small hairpieces.

Early 20th Century

The advent of shorter styles such as the bob became more popular as women went from the Gibson Girl look--long hair done up into a flowy bun with a few intricate ringlets hanging down--to the Modern Woman look--short, sleek bobbed hair in waves.

End of 20th Century to Today

Wigs are worn commonly for fun, to imitate a particular popular style, for Halloween or when going out to a club.

References

• Women in Wigs: Atelier Bassi - Wigs And Hairfashion Through The Centuries
• e-Wigs.com: The History of Wigs
• Random History: A History of Wigs