The practice of male wig-wearing, particularly prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries, refers to the donning of artificial hairpieces, often elaborate and styled, by men of a certain social class. An illustrative example is the full-bottomed wig, a voluminous style favored by the elite during the reign of Louis XIV of France.
This adoption of artificial hair served multiple purposes. It functioned as a symbol of status, wealth, and power, effectively communicating the wearer’s position within the social hierarchy. Furthermore, it addressed issues of hygiene and appearance, as wigs could conceal hair loss or be easily cleaned and maintained in an era when personal grooming was less advanced. Historically, the trend was cemented by monarchs and other influential figures who embraced wigs, thus influencing court fashion and disseminating the practice throughout society.
