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Hair Raising History: Unveiling the Lavish Locks of 18th Century London

David Peterson

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Published in Mrs Paddington And The Silver Mousetraps: A Hair Raising History Of Women S Hairstyles In 18th Century London

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An to the Opulent Hairstyles of the Georgian Era

A Woman In The 18th Century Wearing An Elaborate Powdered Wig. Mrs Paddington And The Silver Mousetraps: A Hair Raising History Of Women S Hairstyles In 18th Century London

Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps: A Hair-Raising History of Women's Hairstyles in 18th-century London

by Gail Skroback Hennessey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9969 KB
Print length	:	40 pages

Step back in time to the bustling streets of 18th century London, where women's hairstyles reached unprecedented heights of extravagance. In this era of elegance and artifice, hair became a canvas upon which society's elite expressed their wealth, status, and creativity.

Gone were the simple braids and buns of the past. In their place emerged towering wigs, intricate braids, and powdered curls that rivaled the grandeur of the most opulent ballrooms. Hairstyles became a form of self-expression, and women vied to outdo each other in the creation of the most elaborate and eye-catching coiffures.

The Towering Wigs of the Upper Classes

At the very pinnacle of hair fashion sat towering wigs that reached heights of up to two feet. These wigs were not made of real hair but rather of horsehair, wool, or silk. They were often styled into elaborate shapes, such as pyramids, beehives, and towering curls.

Wigs were a symbol of status and wealth, and only the most affluent members of society could afford them. They were often adorned with ribbons, jewels, and feathers, and could take hours to put on and style.

Intricate Braids and Curls for the Middle Classes

A Woman In The 18th Century Wearing Intricate Braids. Mrs Paddington And The Silver Mousetraps: A Hair Raising History Of Women S Hairstyles In 18th Century London

For women of the middle classes, wigs were impractical and too expensive. Instead, they opted for intricately braided and curled hairstyles. These hairstyles were often adorned with flowers, ribbons, and lace, and could take just as long to style as wigs.

Braids were a popular choice for everyday wear, while curls were reserved for more formal occasions. Women would often spend hours curling their hair with hot irons or tongs, creating intricate ringlets and waves that framed their faces.

Powdered Curls and the Rise of the Pompadour

A Woman In The 18th Century Wearing A Powdered Pompadour. Mrs Paddington And The Silver Mousetraps: A Hair Raising History Of Women S Hairstyles In 18th Century London

In the mid-18th century, powdered hair became all the rage. Women would liberally dust their hair with white powder, which gave it a voluminous and ethereal appearance. Powdered hair was often styled into elaborate pompadours, where the hair was piled high on the top of the head and decorated with ribbons, flowers, or feathers.

The pompadour was named after Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France. She was known for her extravagant hairstyles, and the pompadour became synonymous with the height of hair fashion in the 18th century.

The Impact of Hairstyles on Society

The extravagant hairstyles of 18th century London had a profound impact on society. They were a symbol of status and wealth, and they influenced everything from fashion to art to literature.

Women's hairstyles were often used as a form of satire by political cartoonists. They were also depicted in paintings and sculptures, and they even inspired the creation of new hairstyles for men.

The Decline of Lavish Hairstyles

A Woman In The 19th Century Wearing A Simpler Hairstyle. Mrs Paddington And The Silver Mousetraps: A Hair Raising History Of Women S Hairstyles In 18th Century London

The elaborate hairstyles of the 18th century began to decline in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This was due in part to the French Revolution, which brought about a new emphasis on simplicity and naturalism.

Women's hairstyles became more subdued, and by the Victorian era, they were much simpler than they had been in previous centuries. The towering wigs and intricate braids of the 18th century were replaced by more natural-looking hairstyles that emphasized the shape of the head and face.

A Modern Woman Wearing A Wig. Mrs Paddington And The Silver Mousetraps: A Hair Raising History Of Women S Hairstyles In 18th Century London

The extravagant hairstyles of 18th century London stand as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the era's hairdressers. These hairstyles were a symbol of status and wealth, and they had a profound impact on society.

Today, the hairstyles of the 18th century may seem outdated and artificial. However, they remain a fascinating glimpse into the past, and they continue to inspire contemporary hair stylists and fashion designers.

Whether you're a history buff, a fashion enthusiast, or simply someone who loves beautiful hair, the hair raising history of women's hairstyles in 18th century London is sure to fascinate and amaze you.

Mrs. Paddington and the Silver Mousetraps: A Hair-Raising History of Women's Hairstyles in 18th-century London

by Gail Skroback Hennessey

5 out of 5