The History of Wigs

Looking good is a priority for most people and hair isa curly, red wig, and in France, kings Louis XIII and Louis
an important part of a person’s appearance. XIV were responsible for introducing wigs as a part of
Having great hair can often take the emphasis off badmen’s fashion as early as the 1620s and 
features and draw attention to better features.  Butonwards.
what happens if you lose your hair? This is somethingWhen King Charles II was exiled from France, and
that could happen to anyone.then restored to the throne in England in 1660, he
There are many reasons for hair loss and wigs canintroduced long wigs that were to be worn by men.  
be a great solution to permanent or temporary hairLong hair was in fashion among men since the 1620s.
problems. For people that have lost their hair due toAny man that lacked the long hair could purchase long
health issues and cancer treatment, the lack ofwigs in order to be part of the trend and styles that
confidence caused by the hair loss could affect theirwere current at the time.
overall disposition and recovery time.Long wigs also started to be worn as a part of
Throughout history there have been many accountsprofessional costumes. The clerics of the church in
wherewigs have been worn. The ancient EgyptiansEngland and Ireland wore long wigs at ceremonies.
wore them on in order to be protected from the heatThis was also adopted in legal systems, where judges
of the sun. Wigs were also popular among otherand officials were obligated to wear them.
ancient European civilizations such as the ancientThis tradition is still kept in some legal systems around
Romans and Greeks.  Eastern civilizations also usedthe world today. On the other hand, in France and the
wigs in theatre and cultural performances.United States, long wigs haven’t been worn as a
After the Roman Empire fell, the use of wigs wassymbol of social status since the early 19th century.
restricted for about a thousand years, until the 16thToday they are worn for convenience by a lot of
century. Wigs were worn again because of the hairpeople since it is a lot easier to put on an already
loss that was common then or in order to boost astyled wig when there is not enough time to style your
person’s appearance. They also solved a hygienicown hair.
problem caused by head lice, which were highlyMen also wear them because of the loss of hair that
attracted to natural hair. Shaving the head and wearingcan be sometimes demoralizing. Other current uses
a wig more hygienic in olden times.can be found among celebrities like Cher, Raquel
The 17th century was the time where wigs wereWelch and lots of other movie stars, who prefer short
introduced as a symbol of social status. Royalor long wigs as part of their lives. Halloween is also a
patronage played an important role in the revival oftime of the year when lots of disguises include wigs of
wig-wearing. In England, Queen Elisabeth I often woremany colors and of different lengths.