Historical Figures

What were wigs made of in the 18th century?

Wigs in the 18th century were typically made from natural materials, most commonly human hair. Human hair wigs were often crafted from imported tresses, with France and Italy being renowned sources for high-quality hair. To create a wig, skilled craftsmen would collect, clean, comb, and sort the hair, arranging it into the desired style and shape.

Synthetic wigs, called "periwig wigs," were also available and were composed of materials like wool, horsehair, goat hair, or silk fibers. These wigs were preferred for their cost-effectiveness, as obtaining sufficient quantities of human hair could be expensive. Sometimes, wigs were crafted using a combination of human hair and synthetic materials.

White wigs were extremely fashionable during this era and were often powdered with starch or flour to achieve the desired effect. However, this also made wigs susceptible to pests and required frequent maintenance to keep them clean and free from insects.

It is worth noting that the availability and popularity of different hair types and materials varied over time and depending on the social status, wealth, and personal preferences of the individual.