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What Was Up With Those Ridiculous Colonial Era Wigs?
Syphilis and status
One of the hallmarks of the 17th and 18th centuries was the prevalence of wigs in male fashion. If you look at paintings of men from the colonial era in Europe and North America, wigs are everywhere. Even the eminent Louis XIV of France (pictured above) wore a wig. Those flowing locks are not natural, but they remain a powerful image of the era. Everyone was putting wigs on their heads in a bid for fashion, status, and style.
But why did men wear wigs in the first place? What made wigs so fashionable during this era?
Much like today, hair loss was a source of consternation among the elite of the time. A good hairline was a mark of pride, and long, silky hair was seen as attractive. A man with a strong hairline and long hair was seen as well-bred and put together. A man’s hair could go a long way in determining their social status, and a wig could do wonders for a man’s appearance.
Unfortunately for thousands of nobles at the time, a growing problem was wreaking havoc on hairlines around the world. Syphilis.
