Did Women Wear Wigs in The 1700s?
Content Menu
● The Fashion Context of Women's Hair and Wigs in the 1700s
● Construction and Materials of 18th Century Women Wigs
● Iconic Hairstyles and Social Significance
● Decline and Evolution of Women Wigs Toward Modern Times
● Modern Women Wigs: Craftsmanship Meets Everyday Luxury
● How to Choose and Care for Your Women Wig
● FAQs
>> 1. Did women wear full wigs in the 1700s?
>> 2. What materials were used for women's wigs in the 18th century?
>> 3. How did 18th-century women maintain their wigs and hairstyles?
>> 4. How are modern women wigs different from historical wigs?
>> 5. Why choose VIVACROWN human hair wigs and toppers?
Women did wear wigs in the 1700s, but their use and style differed significantly from men's powdered wigs that dominated the era's fashion scene. While men commonly wore full powdered wigs as a symbol of status and profession, women typically enhanced their natural hair with flattering false hairpieces, braids, and partial wigs to create elaborate coiffures. The 18th century was a period when hair became a stage for social expression, combining artistry and symbolism through both natural and artificial hair enhancements. This article explores the historical context of women wigs in the 1700s, the materials and craftsmanship behind them, iconic styles, and the evolution towards modern luxury wigs—including insights about VIVACROWN's expert work in human hair wigs today.
The Fashion Context of Women's Hair and Wigs in the 1700s
Wigs and hairpieces were central to 18th-century fashion, especially among the European aristocracy, where towering hairstyles conveyed social rank, wealth, and sophistication. However, women rarely wore full wigs like their male counterparts; instead, they relied on professional hairdressers (coiffeurs) to amalgamate their own hair with false hair, wires, and padding to build height and volume. The result was often a complex frame crowned with curls, braids, flowers, pearls, and ribbons that was meticulously styled to match the latest trends and personal status.
The 1700s saw powdering—using finely ground starch—become widespread for both men's wigs and women's hairpieces, giving a white or pastel-toned finish that suggested elegance, cleanliness, and age wisdom. This exaggerated featherlike style peaked around figures like Marie Antoinette, who popularized massive "pouf" hairstyles supported by wireframes and cushions under the hair, which could take hours to build and required special sleeping arrangements just to maintain the volume.
Construction and Materials of 18th Century Women Wigs
High-quality wigs and hairpieces in the 1700s were crafted primarily from human hair, sought from various parts of Europe. Blonde, silver-gray, and black hair were especially prized for their rarity and versatility. Some elite wigs even incorporated naturally curly hair, enhancing their luxurious appeal. Due to high demand, hair was sometimes acquired through questionable means including theft.
Lower-grade wigs used horsehair or goat hair but were harder to style realistically and less comfortable. Women's partial wigs, braids, and hairpieces aimed to blend seamlessly with natural hair, requiring softer human hair for a convincing look. Wigmakers were skilled artisans who hand-tied strands to lace or silk bases, curling and powdering them to match trends. The guild system in places like France kept high standards for these craftsmen, mainly men, though some women took over the trade after their husbands' deaths.
Iconic Hairstyles and Social Significance
Women's hairstyles in the 1700s were almost theatrical in their grandeur. The "pouf," a voluminous style with hair piled high and decorated with ornaments from flowers to ships, was both a fashion statement and a social emblem. The more elaborate and higher the hair, the stronger the social signal. These styles took days or weeks of labor with frequent touch-ups.
Beyond aesthetics, wigs and hairpieces had practical uses: they helped combat lice by allowing women to shave their natural hair underneath, and provided coverage for hair loss caused by illness or age. Furthermore, wearing wigs and coiffures was a key part of court protocol—deviations could be seen as signs of disrespect or lower status.
Decline and Evolution of Women Wigs Toward Modern Times
Toward the late 1700s, the French Revolution and related cultural shifts encouraged simpler, more “natural” appearances, diminishing the dominance of powdered hair and wigs. The British tax on hair powder hastened the decline of grand wigs, as the cost and impracticality discouraged everyday wear. Women increasingly favored softer, shorter hairstyles, though partial wigs and hairpieces remained popular for volume and coverage.
Into the 19th and early 20th centuries, full wigs for women were rare and mostly worn by older women or those with significant hair loss. The modern women wigs industry has roots in this history but vastly improved in comfort, style, and diversity.
Modern Women Wigs: Craftsmanship Meets Everyday Luxury
Today's women wigs are designed for comfort, natural appearance, and versatility. Unlike 18th-century wigs that relied on heavy powder and wire frames, contemporary wigs focus on lightweight, breathable bases and fine hand-tied hair to imitate natural growth and movement. VIVACROWN, a leading manufacturer, blends exquisite craftsmanship with accessible pricing, producing 100% human hair toppers and wigs that seamlessly integrate with natural hair.
These modern women wigs allow clients to regain volume, cover thinning areas, and experiment with styles without damaging their own hair. VIVACROWN's products incorporate silk top and monofilament bases for realistic parting, and come in a variety of colors and textures to suit diverse needs.
How to Choose and Care for Your Women Wig
Choosing the right wig depends on your coverage needs—partial toppers are ideal for localized thinning, while full wigs offer complete style transformation. Matching density, texture, and color to your natural hair is essential for the best blend. Expert consultation, like that offered by VIVACROWN, ensures the wig suits your lifestyle and styling preferences.
Proper care extends the life and beauty of wigs. Use gentle sulfate-free shampoos, avoid heat where possible, condition regularly, and store wigs properly on stands away from sunlight and dust. Professional styling and touch-ups also help maintain a natural look and comfortable fit over time.
Conclusion
Women of the 1700s embraced wigs and hairpieces as much as men, though with different techniques and styles that favored augmentation over full wigs. These elaborate hairstyles were symbols of status, health, and femininity in a glittering social age. The evolution from padded poufs to today's hand-crafted, lightweight human hair women wigs traces a fascinating arc of fashion and technology.
VIVACROWN carries forward this tradition by combining artisanal expertise with modern innovation, providing women with beautiful, natural-looking, and affordable wigs and toppers. If you desire elegance, volume, and confidence with a perfect fit, explore VIVACROWN's collection at vivacrown.com and find your ideal women wig solution. Contact us today!
FAQs
1. Did women wear full wigs in the 1700s?
Women rarely wore full wigs in the 1700s. Instead, they built elaborate hairstyles using their own hair mixed with hairpieces and partial wigs to achieve fashionable volume and height.
2. What materials were used for women's wigs in the 18th century?
High-quality women's wigs used human hair in blonde, gray, and black shades, prized for softness and realism. Cheaper options included horse or goat hair, but these were less natural-looking.
3. How did 18th-century women maintain their wigs and hairstyles?
Maintenance involved regular powdering, pomade application, and professional help from coiffeurs. Some hairstyles required wire frames and cushions for volume and needed special care.
4. How are modern women wigs different from historical wigs?
Modern wigs are lighter, breathable, and use hand-tied bases for a natural scalp appearance. They do not require powder or heavy adornments and can be styled like biological hair.
5. Why choose VIVACROWN human hair wigs and toppers?
VIVACROWN offers 100% human hair wigs with advanced base technology for natural looks, comfort, and durability at accessible prices. Their products cater to diverse styling needs with expert support.
Citations:
[1](https://georgianera.wordpress.com/2023/01/09/18th-century-wigs-and-wigmakers/)
[2](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/en/2023/02/the-power-and-pomp-of-the-wig/)
[3](https://www.messynessychic.com/2023/05/04/wig-holes-and-other-mysteries-of-powdered-hair-history-explained/)
[4](https://www.battlefields.org/learn/head-tilting-history/rise-and-fall-powdered-wig)
[5](https://www.pbs.org/articles/marie-antoinettes-iconic-hair-wigs-history-style-and-influence)
[6](http://demodecouture.com/hairstyles-cosmetics-18th-century/)
[7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wig)
[8](https://www.lucindabrant.com/blog/the-wig-business-was-big-business-in-18th-century-france)
[9](https://www.kings-chapel.org/historyblog/wigs-who-wore-them-and-why)
[10](https://www.uniwigs.com/blog/the-evolution-and-history-of-wigs-from-ancient-times-to-modern-trends.html)
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