The world has been following trends for over centuries now. As the world acknowledges them as a piece of art and beauty, they get a chance to stay longer in the limelight. However, a few trends end as soon as they begin due to impotent to channel the power and vigor to lead a style mania.
Over the years, trends have been evolving the fashion. In which hair trends have been unfolding day by day. The hair artists are known to coin such styles and flair that the finesse is followed even after several decades. In every era, well-known artists and noble families start a trend that lasts for a century. Among them, powdered wigs have been one of the most popular trends.
What Are Powdered Wigs?
Good and healthy hair was associated with wealth and status during the 17th century in Europe. White hair especially sought great attention in that era. The recognition of the people who had white and healthy hair was aristocracy. It was after a disease named syphilis spread among the young people of Europe. The citizens begin to lose their hair as minors. Their hairline started to become thin, and they had bald patches all over their head. Due to the humiliation and embarrassment of the illness, so they began to cover their heads with wigs. The style was new but didn’t receive much attention.
It was not until the turn of the century that two kings started to lose their hair. To avoid discomfort, they hired wigmakers to make wigs for themselves. So, a new fashion culture was born. Now everyone began to wear wigs to promote their nobility and status. It was so popular that it even had the name “peruke.” The Britishers became so crazy that they even spent approximately $10,500 on wigs. Whether they were courtiers or merchants, every person started following their trend.
But little did they know that wearing wigs would bring discomfort to their lives. A nasty odor began to rise from their heads, consisting of goat and horsehair. Moreover, the consistent use of the wigs began to bring pesticides to life, which was very dangerous. So, to cope with that, they introduced powdered wigs. Yes, you got me right! The powder contains refined starch with lavender, jasmine, roses, and other fragrance as a substitute to avoid pesticides and stink. Then the British netizens wore a wig with comfort and reliability for many years.
Who Wore The Wigs?
All the nobilities of the 17th century onwards wore wigs as a trend to boost their confidence. In men, politicians, generals, merchants, courtiers, and even the locals preferred wearing powdered wigs as an identity of high status and wealth. However, the women didn’t wear wigs. They used to attach some hair extensions to their head and powdered them to give a white wig and a rich look to their hair.
You might have seen the rich nobilities of England and France styling their heads with this ultimate trendy look. If you still want to look at the trend of powdered wigs, then visit a museum that might have some portraits of the politicians of the 17th and 18th centuries.
When Did The Powdered Wigs Trend End?
As rapid this trend grew, it gradually started to lose its fame in the 18th century. The prime reason for it to be out of fashion was politics. In the late 17th century, the rise of the French Revolution began. In this era, powdered wigs were a symbol of nobility and oppression. That reminded the people of the injustice they faced when the law favored aristocrats over the commoners.
A law passed by the government was called The Hair Powder act. The government used the Hair Powder tax to fund Napoleonic wars against France. The law suggested that those who wished to hair powdered wigs would be sentenced to death unless they were members of the royal family, courtiers, servants, etc. Then they must visit a stamp office in their area and pay annually for a certificate of $165. Some people paid their taxes, and the others didn’t. Thus, like other trends, the powdered wig trend started to decline gradually, and a new fashion was born. Then people begin to prefer natural hair over wigs.
Are Powdered Wigs Still Worn?
Even though the trend ended, lawyers and barristers still prefer to wear wigs in the court appearance in England. Most of the lawyers there call it a headpiece that brings uniformity to their profession. The wig acts as part and parcel of their lawyer gown. That gives them a complete dress code that boosts their confidence while they’re in the act of opposing or supporting someone.
Types Of Perukes Worn Now
The style still lives in the hearts of England’s netizens. The court still finds it as a symbol of integrity and professionalism. If a barrister doesn’t wear a wig to the courtroom, it is an insult to the law. The powdered wigs worn are now divided into two categories the barrister’s wear and the Judge’s wear.
- The Barrister’s Wear
The barrister’s code of wig is of a slight wig frizzed at the crown of the head, having curls at the side of the neck. The curls extend like two strips that hang around the sides of the hairline, giving them an elegant and formal look.
- The Judge’s Wear
The Judge’s wear is fancier, more elaborate, and made of horsehair, which is quite expensive. Unlike the barrister’s, it is a full wig. The curls fall several inches on the shoulders. That completes their professional look.
Conclusion
The powdered wig finesse stayed trendy for a long time. It became the heart of style from the 17th century to the 18th century in Europe. Many politicians and nobilities welcomed this style to symbolize wealth and high status. Like all trends, it had its decline. So, if you still want to catch a glimpse of the peruke, you can visit a court in England. They still prefer it as an act of honor and pride.