The Evolution of the Wig

When you think of today's wigs, what comes to mind? Perhaps wigs used to cover hair loss, wigs for fancy dress, or even wigs worn by judges. But what were wigs used for in the past, and how did they look? How did wigs even come about? Let's explore the evolution of wigs and their rich and interesting history.

The Original Wigs

Wigs are believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt as a way to hide hair loss and display a person's status. Sometimes, people would shave their heads completely and wear wigs to prevent lice or keep their heads cool. Ancient Egyptian wigs were generally made from human hair, vegetable fibers, or sheep's wool, depending on the person's social status. The more elaborate and stylish the wig, the more powerful the person wearing it.

The Return of the Wig

Although many other cultures wore wigs throughout ancient times, it wasn't until the 16th century that hairpieces, or periwigs as they were known, made a significant comeback. Louis XIII experienced hair loss and bald patches, leading him to wear wigs to disguise this. Soon, wigs became a fashion symbol, and wig makers started appearing all over Europe. Again, the more elaborate and over-the-top the wig, the higher the person's social status. Both men and women wore long, curly wigs covered in powder and perfume. Queen Elizabeth I was thought to have over 100 wigs in her collection; the fancier and more powdered, the better.

Toupees

Once the trend of big and bold hair died down, toupees began to emerge as a fashion statement. People sought ways to cover hair loss without resorting to a full-blown wig. From around 1730, many people wore toupees, smaller hairpieces that blended with a person's real hair. People continued to powder their fake hair until a hair powder tax was imposed in 1795, ending the trend of powdered wigs.

Modern Day

By the 19th century, wigs were phased out as fashionable items, with more people focusing on making the most of their natural hair. Many men wore their hair short and used comb-overs to disguise hair loss. Today, wigs are often worn for fun purposes, such as dressing up, celebrity fashion statements, or fashion catwalks. With recent innovations like Total Cover Plus, people can now combat hair loss with natural-looking solutions. Wigs have undergone a significant transformation since Ancient Egyptian times, gradually being replaced by more modern alternatives. If you want to cover hair loss by recreating nature through technology, get in touch with Total Cover Plus. No more powdered wigs or toupees in sight!