Why were powdered wigs so popular during the 18th century?

Question

Since people usually associate beauty with youth, one has to wonder why powdered wigs were so popular during the 18th century. I understand that long hair on men was the norm, but why would they want to wear long wigs that were white rather than brown, black, or blond?

Answer 1

It is quite wrong to suggest that white wigs were a throwback to judges. Rather, judges and lawyers wigs are a left over from the 18th century when wigs were popular. Actually, those wigs, although white, are not powdered, but made of white horsehair. The white wig descended from the natural coloured, fullbottomed, wigs of the Restoration period of the 17th century - look at pictures, for example, of King Charles II. Why they turned to white in the 18th century, I don't know. They also became shorter with time, not covering the ears. Perhaps it was just one of those fashion things - why is one colour in one season and out another?

Answer 2

The association was not with beauty, but with wisdom, stability, and prudence, all aspects valued by the upper classes and associated with age. It is no coincidence that powdered wigs went out with the arrival of the Enlightenment, along with reverence for the upper classes, the elderly, and the way things used to be.

Answer 3

It incredibly became a question of style. interior the 2d a million/2 of the seventeenth century, extremely in England and France, adult adult males began to placed on wigs, yet this have been long and of direction colored, interior the 18th century those replaced into the white, powered 'periwigs' which you consult from. those fell out of style interior the early area of the nineteenth century. As to the why, this is confusing to ascribe any reason to variations in style. in spite of the undeniable fact that one reason is that the wigs have been, via all debts uncomfortable, warm and itchy to placed on. additionally, adult adult males's outfits began to be simplified and alter into greater sober. the colored hose and breeches of the mid 18th century slowly gave way, under the impression of Beau Brummel and his circle to the dark fit that keeps to be undemanding at present (in spite of the undeniable fact that for the duration of any different case styled)

Answer 4

short hair is good for some people, others, not. it depends exactly what u look like

Answer 5

Class and distinction. Wigs were expensive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_hair

Answer 6

The powder was because people very seldom bathed in those days, and stunk very badly!
The white wigs were a throwback to the judges and lawyers who wore wigs to make themselves look older and wiser. In ancient Rome woman senators used to wear fake male beards to make themselves look more authoritative! Can you imagine Hillary?

Answer 7

I've experienced mine both ways too... but our husband prefers it short... he never complains when I grow it long, but is always all over himself w/the complements when I cut that off

Answer 8

Head lice

Answer 9

To show power and prestige. It's a class thing...