Monday 12 January 2015

The Gentleman's Hair: A Guide

Note: what we would term a pony-tail was known as the "queue"

Adonis
A long, white, and bushy wig

Aile-de-pigeon
One or two rows of stiff curls in horizontal lines above the ears. The forehead would be straight.

The bag wig
Bag-wig
A black silk bag wrapped around the back hair and tied at the nape of the neck using a bow. Very practical to avoid staining the clothes with wig powder

Bob-wig
Short wig fitted close to the head, often with "bobs" or knots of hair

Brigadier Wig
Referred to as the "Major wig" in England. Characteristic with its' two curls (or braids) tied together at the nape of the neck. Became popular in 1750-70 and resembled the style used in the military.


Campaigne Wig
Large, bushy wig with short sides and a very small "pony-tail" or queue as it was called. Adorned with large curls which were fastened at the top of the head. Favoured especially by the elderly.


The Catogan

Catogan
Named after General Cadogan. The loose-hanging hair would be wrapped up and tied with a hidden ribbon which created a "bob"-effect in the middle of the pony-tail.

Duvillier Wig
Very tall and long wig which was named after a French wig-maker.


Fantail Wig
The queue consisted of loose curls.



Two beautiful examples of a full bottom wig

Full-Bottom Wig 
Used by the "learned professions" (lawyers, doctors etc.) and mainly for formal occasions. This type of wig is massive with lots of curls everywhere.

Periwig
Referring to a powdered wig with the characteristic Pompadour curve.

Perukes
Peruke
Like a periwig but with a more natural appearance. These would often not be powdered in order to let the hair's colour show

Pigeon Wings Toupee 
Referring to a wig which allowed curls to appear over the ear. The style was practical in the sense that the queue could be changed.


Pig-Tail Wig
Wig with a long, spiralled queue often tied with black ribbons at the top and bottom.


Ramillies Wig
Favoured by officers which meant that it was connected with the military. The fashion had a long, braided queue tied with ribbons.


Spencer Wig
Particularly popular in England.

Tie-wig
As the name suggests the wig was characterized by the queue being tied with ribbons.

Vallancy
A huge wig which - due to its' size - shaded the face.

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