Why did men in the 1700s wear wigs?

Men in the 1700s wore wigs for a combination of practical health and hygiene reasons, as well as to signify social status and adhere to prevailing fashion trends.

The Practical and Social Reasons for Wig-Wearing

Wigs, known as perukes or periwigs, became an indispensable part of male attire throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, evolving from a solution to common issues into a prominent fashion statement.

Health and Hygiene Solutions

• Concealing Hair Loss: Baldness was widely considered "undignified" during this period. Wigs offered a very practical way to hide bald patches, ensuring that men could maintain a dignified and respectable appearance regardless of their natural hair growth. A notable example is England's King Charles II, who started wearing a wig when he exhibited common symptoms of syphilis, which often led to hair loss.
• Combating Lice Infestations: Unbeknownst to their initial designers, wigs provided an incidental, yet significant, solution to the widespread problem of lice and other parasites. In an era before modern hygiene practices were common, lice were rampant. Shaving one's head and wearing a wig made it much easier to manage and prevent infestations, as wigs could be easily removed, cleaned, or replaced.

Symbol of Status and Fashion

• Dignity and Professionalism: Beyond merely hiding imperfections, wigs rapidly evolved into a powerful symbol of social standing and professionalism. They conveyed an image of refinement, importance, and authority, becoming essential for individuals in positions of power, wealth, or specific professions like law.
• Fashionable Trend: What began as a practical solution or a means to mask health afflictions quickly escalated into a dominant fashion trend across European courts and society. The elaborate styles, often powdered white or in pastel shades, reflected the wearer's adherence to the elite aristocratic trends of the time.

Summary of Reasons for Wearing Wigs