Why did people wear powdered wigs? - Stephanie Honchell Smith

Trace the rise and fall of the powdered wig fashion craze, from King Louis XIII to the French Revolution in the 18th century.

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Wigs date at least as far back as ancient Egypt, where well-regarded hairdressers crafted them into intricate styles. And under certain ancient Roman dynasties, women’s wigs became particularly ornate. Yet it wasn’t until Louis XIII unveiled a magnificent mane in the 17th century that big wigs truly began booming. Stephanie Honchell Smith details the rise and fall of the bewigged fashion craze.

Lesson by Stephanie Honchell Smith, directed by Patrick Smith.

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[Firithfenion]

Very interesting. They didn't disappear completely, they partly survived in courtrooms for judges and barristers, at least in Britain.

[shrekuwu]

"Do you wear wigs, have you worn wigs, when will you wear wigs"

[fernandobignardi]

Marie Antoinette: Hey Look, my hair is a boat

[MrKevinWhite]

Now "bigwig" meaning a "very important person" makes sense!

[MargueriteFrancoisedeBuffon]

At the French court, women rarely wore whole wigs. Instead, they often employed professional hairdressers, or coiffeurs, who added false hair to their natural locks. These elaborate styles, which were typically powdered and padded to achieve height, were a costly luxury not accessible to everyone. In 1781, following the birth of the dauphin, Marie-Antoinette experienced significant hair loss and subsequently embraced a more natural style. This shift was part of a broader trend towards "natural" fashion, influenced by Enlightenment ideals. Women's hairstyles became shorter, forming a wide, curly or frizzy halo around the head, with powder falling out of favor. Despite this trend, many older and conservative members of the court resisted these changes, preferring to maintain traditional styles. Marie-Antoinette, however, was not fond of the old court fashion and commissioned the creation of the chemise à la reine, a simpler and more modern garment that she enjoyed wearing at the Petit Trianon.

[StayVCA]

It reminds me of SpongeBob Episode where he became obsessed wearing one!! 🤣

[rustysaw]

My wig is snatched. My wig has evacuated.

[Pegasuz]

Powdered wig and a musket, the perfect 18th century home defense starter pack

[bhavyasharma]

Wonderful as always!! Really loved this style of animation and synchronised dialogues..humorous yet informative!

[medusagorgon]

Learned something new today! I was not aware there was an actual wig powdering room. I rarely use the phrase, but I do remember wondering once where the term powder room came from. Now I know! Thanks☺️

[jeffcarrollshock]

Yet another great animation brought to you by Patrick Smith. I would like to thank Ted Ed for introducing me to this incredible artist and their support of his work.

[germanomagnone]

I bet during the French Revolution along with the wigs, maybe some people said to the executioner "a little hair trim, please Monsieur executioner"

[lakshmimohan]

bewigged is a new word I learnt today. Thanks TedEd ❤

[Gossamer]

Reminded me of queen Charlotte from Bridgerton 😃

[awesomehpt]

Because they didn’t have a plan. They were just wigging it

[Fisherdanpro]

You should do a, “why they wear them lashes “ episode.

[tophertheth]

4:52 - Just as fewer people wore powdered wigs during a bread-shortage, centuries later fewer people took their Duesenberg or Bugatti out of their garage during the Great Depression between 1929 and World War Two.

[PandoraAcharya]

I love how one of the motivators was not wanting to wash your hair
Its like putting a cap when u have bad hair days these days 😂 😂

[a.a.p]

Love learning new things as I just turned 62
Couldn’t learn a damn thing in school !
Cheers 🇨🇦

[kavithabr]

Wow, Louis XIII really did spark something unique in the way of wigs back then 1:33