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A Brief Look at Wigs in Ancient History
The image of the British barrister in his white or gray wig is a familiar one to just about anyone with a pulse. But for most, understanding where the tradition came from might be a less familiar thing. What follows is a brief look at the history of the powdered wig, or, more correctly, the peruke or periwig.

The origins of the wig can be traced to Egypt as a means of protecting the head from a glaring desert sun and was primarily a practical device. Its popularity was resurrected in Rome for a time by women who wore them for fashion's sake ("Wig"). Once again they vanished as a trend and it wasn't until the 17th century that they became commonplace again. And again, they were brought forth for practical reasons.

The advent of the wig in Europe (primarily France and England) was a prophylactic one. The straight fact was that head lice were a genuine concern in the 17th century and a thickly woven mat atop one's head worked wonders for keeping the lice out of a person's scalp, and it was much preferred over the shaving of one's head. For the most part, the early wigs were not a fashion statement at all, and they were worn for practicality. But that was destined to change.>>>READ MORE HERE>>>http://shadesbreath.hubpages.com/hub/Hairstyles-of-the-British-Court-Whigs-in-Wigs  

 

 

12 years ago. Rating: 9
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Barristers in Crown court wear them.

12 years ago. Rating: 7
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as wonderdyke has said they can only wear them if they are barristers which means they take another law course and its called the bar (not as we know the bar no drinking at there bar ) well maybe of duty!

12 years ago. Rating: 5
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Some of them wear stockings and suspenders when they go out on a Saturday night as well.

12 years ago. Rating: 5
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