Why were powdered wigs so popular during the 18th century?
filed in One Bytes on Nov.24, 2009
Since people usually associate beauty with youth, one has to wonder why powdered wigs were so popular during the 18th century. I understand that long hair on men was the norm, but why would they want to wear long wigs that were white rather than brown, black, or blond?
November 24th, 2009 on 7:19 pm
It is quite wrong to suggest that white wigs were a throwback to judges. Rather, judges and lawyers wigs are a left over from the 18th century when wigs were popular. Actually, those wigs, although white, are not powdered, but made of white horsehair. The white wig descended from the natural coloured, fullbottomed, wigs of the Restoration period of the 17th century – look at pictures, for example, of King Charles II. Why they turned to white in the 18th century, I don’t know. They also became shorter with time, not covering the ears. Perhaps it was just one of those fashion things – why is one colour in one season and out another?
November 24th, 2009 on 7:19 pm
To show power and prestige. It’s a class thing…
November 24th, 2009 on 7:19 pm
The association was not with beauty, but with wisdom, stability, and prudence, all aspects valued by the upper classes and associated with age. It is no coincidence that powdered wigs went out with the arrival of the Enlightenment, along with reverence for the upper classes, the elderly, and the way things used to be.
November 24th, 2009 on 7:19 pm
The powder was because people very seldom bathed in those days, and stunk very badly!
The white wigs were a throwback to the judges and lawyers who wore wigs to make themselves look older and wiser. In ancient Rome woman senators used to wear fake male beards to make themselves look more authoritative! Can you imagine Hillary?
November 24th, 2009 on 7:19 pm
Class and distinction. Wigs were expensive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_hair