Isabella Carter
Wigs were a status symbol in the second half of the 18th century. They were initially used to cover up hair loss but became a symbol of wealth and status. King Louis XIV of France and his cousin, King Charles II of England, wore wigs to hide their hair loss, and this set the trend. The trend trickled down to the merchant class, and by the late 16th century, wigs were being used to combat the extensive hair loss caused by a syphilis outbreak. While it is likely that British colonial governors wore wigs, it is a common misconception that George Washington wore a wig. He was, in fact, a redhead and powdered his hair white, which was considered fashionable at the time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wigs as a status symbol | Wigs were a major status symbol in the 18th century |
| Popularity of wigs | Wigs were popular among the gentry, courtiers, and the merchant class |
| Wig affordability | An everyday wig cost 25 shillings, a week's worth of wages for a common Londoner |
| Wig maintenance | Wigs were easy to maintain, only needing to be sent to a wigmaker for a delousing |
| Wig alternatives | Some people powdered their natural hair or wore fake plaits attached by ribbons |
| Decline in wig popularity | By 1800, short natural hair was in vogue |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Wigs as a status symbol
Wigs were a major status symbol in the second half of the 18th century. Their use became widespread when two kings, Louis XIV of France and his cousin Charles II of England, started wearing them to cover up their hair loss. As courtiers began to adopt the trend, it trickled down to the merchant class as well. Wigs, or perukes, were relatively easy to maintain, only needing to be sent to a wigmaker for delousing. However, they were expensive, costing 25 shillings, equivalent to a week's wages for a common Londoner. This made them unaffordable for the lower classes.
During the Age of Enlightenment, wigs began to be associated with the aristocracy, and the newly emerging bourgeoisie class rejected them as a sign of ignorance and a reminder of the nobility. By the time of the American Revolution, wigs had fallen out of fashion in favour of powdering one's natural hair. This trend was also seen as a status symbol, with white hair considered fashionable and a sign of wealth and knowledge.
While it is often assumed that the Founding Fathers wore wigs, this is partly due to the proliferation of wig-wearing in popular culture. In reality, only five out of the first six presidents wore wigs, while George Washington, who was a redhead, powdered his hair white. Similarly, while British colonial governors likely wore wigs, not all patriots with white hair were wearing wigs, and George Washington did not wear a wig despite misconceptions.
Women also wore wigs, although the trend was more prominent in France, with Marie Antoinette being famous for her wigs, than in the United Kingdom. By 1800, wigs had fallen out of fashion altogether, replaced by short, natural hair.
The Day the US Constitution Was Signed
You may want to see also
Popularity among the Founding Fathers
Wigs became popular in the 18th century after King Louis XIV of France and his cousin, King Charles II of England, started wearing them to hide their hair loss. As courtiers began to wear wigs, the trend trickled down to the merchant class. Wigs, or perukes, were relatively easy to maintain and soon became a status symbol. However, by the time of the American Revolution, wigs had fallen out of fashion, replaced by a trend of powdering one's natural hair.
While it is unclear whether or not every Founding Father who signed the Constitution wore a wig, it is safe to say that wigs were associated with nobility and were particularly popular among the gentry and military officers. Portraits of early American political discussions often feature rooms of men with white hair, commonly assumed to be wigs. However, given the shift in fashion trends, it is likely that not all of these men were wearing wigs.
One notable Founding Father who did not wear a wig was George Washington. He is known to have kept his hair long and tied back in a queue or ponytail, and he powdered his hair white, a common practice at the time. Other Founding Fathers who are known to have worn wigs include John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe.
The popularity of wigs among the Founding Fathers can be attributed to the perception of wigs as a status symbol and a sign of wealth and knowledge. However, as the Age of Enlightenment brought about a new mentality, the extravagant expenditure on fashion and hair was viewed as ignorant by the emerging bourgeois class. This shift in values contributed to the decline in the popularity of wigs, particularly among those who did not want to be associated with the aristocracy.
Ben Franklin's Plea to Sign the Constitution
You may want to see also
King Louis XIV's influence
Wigs were a major status symbol in the second half of the 18th century. They were commonly used to cover up hair loss, but their use did not become widespread until King Louis XIV of France began wearing them to hide his premature hair loss at the early age of 17. Known as the Roi Soleil (Sun King) for his magnificent fashion sense, Louis XIV made wigs an essential accessory at his court for men and women alike. He had about 40 to 48 wigmakers in his retinue, who innovated the craft by knotting strands of hair and interlacing them in intricate patterns with silk threads, creating an effect of flowing tresses.
The king's absolute love for big hair sparked a trend that spread all over 17th-century Europe. Men from kings to commoners followed suit, and wigs became a symbol of wealth and status. An everyday wig cost 25 shillings, a week's worth of wages for a common Londoner. Louis XIV's taste in wigs spread beyond France, reaching royal courts across Europe, and becoming a standard feature of European noble costume.
Louis XIV's cousin, King Charles II of England, also contributed to the popularity of wigs. He began wearing wigs when his hair began to prematurely grey, and when he returned to his throne in England in 1660 after a long exile in France, he brought French fashion with him, including large wigs.
In the American colonies, wigs were also associated with nobility and wealth. Many early American political discussions featured rooms of men with white hair, commonly assumed to be wigs. However, not all of them wore wigs, as by the time of the American Revolution, wigs were falling out of fashion, replaced by a trend for powdering one's natural hair.
The Constitution and Jewish Signatories: Were There Any?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost and maintenance
Wigs, or perukes, were relatively easy to maintain and only needed to be sent to a wigmaker for delousing. However, they were not cheap. An everyday wig for men cost 25 shillings, equivalent to a week's wages for a common Londoner. The high cost of wigs was one of the reasons for their decline in popularity. As a bourgeoise class emerged, extravagant spending on fashion and hair was seen as ignorant.
The wigs were often powdered, especially with scented hair powders, to counter the smell resulting from the wigs being made from goat hair, infrequently washed, and susceptible to head lice. The powder was usually applied to a darker wig, resulting in a greyish white or bluish white colour, while pastel shades were popular for women's wigs.
The cost of maintaining a wig today would depend on several factors, including the quality of the wig, the frequency of use, and the products and services utilised for maintenance. For example, a synthetic wig may be more affordable to purchase but may require more frequent replacement than a human hair wig. Additionally, the use of specialised wig care products and regular visits to a professional wig stylist for washing, styling, and maintenance can add to the overall cost of ownership.
In terms of maintenance routines, it is recommended to wash wigs every 10 to 14 days, depending on usage and exposure to products such as hairspray. Proper washing techniques involve gently brushing the wig, soaking it in cold water with a mild shampoo, rinsing it thoroughly, blotting excess water with a towel, and then air-drying the wig on a wig stand. It is crucial to avoid brushing a wet wig and to only use wig-specific styling tools and products to prevent damage and extend the wig's lifespan.
Aaron Burr: A Constitutional Conundrum?
You may want to see also
Alternatives to wigs
Wigs were a major status symbol in the second half of the 18th century, with British judges and barristers wearing wigs well into the 21st century, although the practice is now largely ceremonial. However, by 1800, short, natural hair had become the new trend.
In the 18th century, men's wigs became smaller and more formal, with several professions adopting them as part of their official costumes. These included soldiers, who would simply plait or braid their hair if it was long enough, or wear fake plaits attached by ribbons and kept together with grease or tallow. In the case of the British Army, these fake plaits were covered in powdering flour.
By the time of the American Revolution, wigs were replaced by a trend of powdering one's natural hair. This was done to make it resemble a wig. Women in the 18th century did not wear wigs but wore coiffures supplemented by artificial hair or hair from other sources. Powdered wigs and natural hair with supplemental hairpieces became essential for full-dress occasions.
The trend of wearing wigs was short-lived, as they quickly fell out of fashion due to their cost and association with the aristocracy. The Age of Enlightenment brought a new mentality, where educated men became more concerned with the plight of the common man, and the display of extravagant expenditure on fashion and hair was perceived as ignorant.
Muslims and the US Constitution: A Founding Signature?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, not everyone who signed the Constitution wore a wig. While wigs were fashionable, George Washington, for example, kept his hair long and tied back in a queue or ponytail, and powdered it to give it a white colour.
Wigs were commonly used to cover up hair loss, but their use did not become widespread until King Louis XIV of France and his cousin, King Charles II of England, started wearing them due to hair loss. As wigs became more popular, they became a status symbol.
Yes, wigs were expensive. An everyday wig cost 25 shillings, a week's worth of wages for a common Londoner.
No, women also wore wigs, although the proliferation of wig-wearing was not as far-reaching in the United Kingdom as it was in France.
