Fashion Solves One Problem But Creates Another
Wigs had a benefit beyond cosmetic cover-up; they kept lice away. People who sported wigs often shaved their hair to ensure the elaborate peruke would fit properly. The lice and bugs, deprived of cozy habitat, moved into the wig. Wigs could be boiled clean and have the nits picked out of them while off the owner’s head, making delousing an easier, less painful process. But the health hazard of a powdered peruke outweighs the delousing benefits. Enter the ancient fashion hazard, lead. White lead powder gave the peruke a clean, glowing white. Fortunately, most people wore naturally colored wigs for everyday use, sparing most fashionistas from repeated exposure. Powdering was mainly for the upper classes, nobility, members of the Royal Court, or people attending formal functions.