When it comes to history, there is always going to be people who dispute any assertions or have their own ideas. Political history is, for example, always going to be subject to the narrative or bias of the researcher and writer, and, as with all historical events, open to question and repudiation.

However, when the subject matter is a little less controversial than politics, and let’s face it what topic isn’t, there is less likely to be any insult or harm caused by the finding and conclusions of the author. Here then we look at a subject matter that shouldn’t give rise to any furore, anger or dissatisfaction, and that is the history of wigs and wig making. What’s true is that the findings are a little more exciting than you perhaps may have first thought, so if that intrigues you to find out more, then read on.

Egyptians

You will of course associate the ancient Egyptians with the Pyramids and the Sphinx, hieroglyphics and Kingdoms. It is probable that you will not have thought of them as being ardent wearers of wigs. Well, let that be your first surprise.

Both male and female members of society used to wear close cropped hair and, even at times, shaven heads. The reason of course is obvious, it was very hot! There was also the less attractive reason of lice. Believed to be prevalent at the time, the shaving of the head rid the person of the worry of head-lice.

A bald head though wasn’t always the best solution under a hot sun, and so to avoid sun stroke wigs were created from human, animal hair and even from vegetable fibres. The quality of the hairpiece reflected the social standing of the person wearing it, and though all shielded the bald head from the sun’s rays, there were clearly class divides. Sometimes, those with a greater social standing would have wigs to wear atop of their own hair, scented with animal fats and other perfumes. The wig became a status symbol and a representation of wealth, it also came to indicate their role in society. Women’s wigs of the time were more flamboyant and extravagant, and indeed the more spectacular wigs were worn by those who moved in the most influential circles.

Following the Egyptians wigs were also worn by the Greeks and Romans with the latter often using the human hair of their very own slaves to create pieces for themselves. To the East, wigs were less common and often just the reserve of the theatres and their respective actors and entertainers in the creation of their characters.

After a quiet period, wigs had a Renaissance during, would you believe it, the Renaissance. Appearance again became an important factor in everyday live, and the use of wigs and hairpieces created opportunities for individuals to once again play with their character and styles.

France

No history of wigs can be complete without deference to the French and most importantly the era of Louis XIII, who was himself bald. He took to hiding his baldness using wigs, the more elaborate the better. In 1673 the first independent wig makers guild was established. The humble wig had been ennobled with the highest of pedigrees – they were fit for a King!

The wig may have been born out of practicality but it soon became something completely different, indeed almost completely impractical. The wig was now not only a status symbol, demonstrating wealth and social status, as it had in Egypt, but it was truly a fashion accessory. They became a must have for every noble house across Europe and for those too who wanted to parade around trying to be a part of the charade. The wigs were extensively powdered and scented and extremely heavy, but then those that wore them did so because of the status they suggested. People believed that they were never not on show!

England

Queen Elizabeth I brought the fashion across the Channel to England, and all soon followed suit. The demand for wigs meant that the number of artisan French bespoke wigmakers simply skyrocketed, and even then they struggled to keep up with demand. However, the problem became that the wig was no longer exclusive, and this meant that more and more people took to wearing them. Even the colonial Americans took to wearing bob wigs at the time of Independence.

Because wigs had been the choice of the aristocrat, as Europe changed politically, so did their popularity. In France, the Revolution pitted the people against the elite, and the people won. The demand for fashion and impact wigs faded from this time forward.

Today

Today fashion is once again turning to the wig. The instant style that can be obtained, without the need for change, means that Hollywood and music stars often don wigs for performances and impact.

In terms of everyday use though, that is reserved for those that have suffered full or partial hair loss whether it be through age or illness. Treatment for conditions such as cancer can bring about hair loss and wigs are used to lessen the emotional turmoil that such loss can bring about.

Over time though, the choices have widened, from material to styles, from colours to dependability, from synthetic wigs to human hair wigs.

Reach Expert Advice!

If you are considering wearing a wig then it is suggested that you obtain expert advice from a professional such as ourselves as we will understand matching your ideas with what’s best for you. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!