Wigs have played a significant role in fashion throughout history, often reflecting the social, cultural, and economic trends of their times. While many styles have been elegant and refined, others have been quite peculiar, even by the standards of their era.

The Towering Wigs of the 18th Century

The “Pouf”

In the 18th century, particularly at the French court, wigs became a canvas for ostentatious displays of wealth and creativity. The “pouf” style was not just a wig but a towering construction that could reach several feet in height. These wigs were often embellished with model ships, extensive gardens, and even intricate scenes of current events. Marie Antoinette famously wore a “pouf” that featured a model of the French ship “La Belle Poule,” celebrating its victory in battle.

Powdered Wigs

Powdered wigs, or “perukes,” also became a bizarre norm in the 18th century. Originally used to disguise hair loss and unsightly scalp ailments, these wigs were doused with lavender or orange-scented powder to mask any unpleasant smells. Over time, the amount of powder used grew exponentially, leading to a cloud of powder surrounding the wearer—a surreal sight indeed.

The Macaroni Wig of the 1770s

In the late 18th century, young Englishmen who had completed the Grand Tour came back with a taste for all things Italian, including pasta, which was still a novelty in England at the time. They formed the “Macaroni Club,” and their extravagant fashion included wigs with tiny, narrow brims topped with a massive heap of curls and feathers. The term “macaroni” became synonymous with fashionable excess, even making its way into the popular song “Yankee Doodle.”

The Hedgehog Wigs of the 1780s

Another peculiar trend was the “hedgehog” style, which became popular in the 1780s. These wigs were wide and bushy, with hair often teased out to create a rounded shape that resembled the animal. The style was said to absorb smoke from the environment, theoretically protecting the wearer’s face but often just accumulating dirt and soot.

Victorian Mourning Wigs

In the Victorian era, mourning customs reached elaborate levels, including the use of mourning wigs. These were made of crepe, a crinkled fabric that was considered appropriately somber. Some extreme styles included wigs that covered the entire face, with only small eye holes, which were both eerie and impractical.

The Tête de Mouton in the 19th Century

“Tête de Mouton” (sheep’s head) wigs featured tightly curled hair that resembled a sheep’s fleece. This style was popular among women in the early 19th century and was characterized by rows of tight curls covering the head, often accompanied by ringlets at the sides.

The Return of Extravagant Wigs in Modern Times

The Fantasy Wigs of the 21st Century

In contemporary times, wigs have seen a resurgence in both fashion and pop culture, often as a means of self-expression or performance art. Modern materials and technology allow for wigs that can defy gravity, glow in the dark, or change color with temperature, pushing the boundaries of what can be considered hair.

Celebrity Influence

Celebrities like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj have popularized extreme wigs that could be considered modern oddities. These wigs can resemble anything from towering sculptures to bright, multi-colored arrays that represent artistic expression more than traditional hairdos.

The history of wigs is filled with styles that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. These extravagant creations not only tell us about the aesthetics of a particular period but also about its social dynamics and technological advancements. As fashion continues to evolve, it is likely that wigs will remain a fascinating aspect of cultural expression, sometimes odd, often spectacular, and always telling a story.