Powdered wigs became old-fashioned, and only used by conservative older men or at very formal events. The British government imposed a tax on wig powder in 1795, and in Revolutionary France wigs and powder were seen as symbols of the oppression of the Ancien Régime. read more
For nearly two centuries, powdered wigs—called perukes—were all the rage. The chic hairpiece would have never become popular, however, if it hadn't been for a venereal disease, a pair of self-conscious kings, and poor hair hygiene. read more