Why Did People in the Past Have White Hair?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Psinter
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the historical prevalence of white hair and wigs among wealthy individuals, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable figures such as George Washington and various scientists like Anders Celsius and Leonhard Euler are mentioned, highlighting the fashion of wearing powdered wigs to maintain cleanliness and style. The practice of wearing wigs was not only a fashion statement but also a practical solution to avoid lice and nits, which were common in that era. The conversation concludes with a reference to the Wikipedia article on wigs for further reading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of historical fashion trends
  • Familiarity with the significance of wigs in 17th and 18th century society
  • Knowledge of hygiene practices in historical contexts
  • Awareness of notable historical figures in science and politics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the evolution of wig fashion from the 16th to the 18th century
  • Explore the impact of hygiene practices on social status in historical societies
  • Investigate the role of lice and nits in historical health discussions
  • Read the Wikipedia article on wigs for comprehensive historical context
USEFUL FOR

Historians, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the cultural practices of the 17th and 18th centuries will benefit from this discussion.

Psinter
Messages
278
Reaction score
785
Would you look me in the eyes and tell me something isn't going on here ಠ_ಠ. What's with the weird white hair that looks like a wig? Did they have fashion too in those times?
And finally him, who was no scientist whatsoever, but also has the same style:
 
Science news on Phys.org
Yes, fashion goes back as long as humans.

For various periods in history, it was very common for wealthier people to cut their natural hair short and wear long wigs instead, which were easier to keep clean and free of nits. Wigs were often powdered to modify the appearance. Later, younger people followed similar styles using their natural hair. See the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wig for more information.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Psinter
Ah. It makes sense. Nits are nasty creatures that for some reason are found a lot in elementary school crawling the heads of the kids. It's like they are magnets for nits. But I wasn't aware the adults used to get them too in the past. I have yet to see an adult with nits these days. There must be, but it's not common from where I'm from. The common thing is for kids to have them.