Wigs were viewed as a status symbol and a fashion statement throughout the colonial era. Both men and women wore wigs, which were made by talented wigmakers who were well-respected in their communities. The labor-intensive and time-consuming process of making wigs from human hair or animal fur was the responsibility of a wigmaker.
To achieve a correct fit when creating a wig, a wigmaker would first measure the client’s head. Then, they would use silk or linen to make a wig hat. The wigmaker would next painstakingly attach each strand of hair or fur to the wig cap, one at a time. Depending on how complicated the wig is, this process could take a few days to several weeks.
In colonial times, wigs were popular for a variety of reasons. They represented money and rank, to start with. Wigs were costly to produce and frequently contained precious materials like human hair or fur from exotic animals. Furthermore, wigs were useful. They might be used to hide baldness or shield the wearer’s hair from fleas or lice, both of which were prevalent issues in colonial times.
Wigs are still widely used nowadays, however the market has seen tremendous shift. Globally, the wig market is expected to be worth $9.3 billion in 2021, with the US, Japan, and EU being the three biggest markets. Compared to 2020, when the industry had a value of about $10.2 billion, this is a drop. With a projected value of $2.5 billion in 2021, the hair weave market, which comprises synthetic and real hair weaves, is also expanding.
While wearing wigs has numerous benefits, there are a number of drawbacks as well. In warm temperatures, wigs can be uncomfortable and hot. Wigs must also be maintained and cared for, which may be time-consuming and expensive. Regular washing and style are just two examples. Additionally, some people have allergic responses to the components used to produce wigs.
To sum up, wigmakers in colonial times were expert artisans who made wigs out of human hair or animal fur. Wigs were useful for hiding baldness or shielding the wearer’s hair from vermin, and they were also a sign of wealth and rank. The global wig market is worth billions of dollars today, and while wigs have many benefits, there are also a number of drawbacks to take into account.
If you want to, you can wear a wig every day. In colonial times, wigs were frequently worn as a fashion item and status symbol by both men and women. Many people today use wigs for a variety of reasons, such as convenience, personal style, or health issues. Wigs can be tailored to fit your head properly and can be produced from a variety of materials, including real hair, synthetic hair, or a combination of both. Wigs can be worn every day and endure for a very long period with the right upkeep.