The real reason European men wore wigs for centuries—and it had nothing to do with fashion

“Those wigs weren’t just about fashion” We’ve all seen the portraits—men in towering, powdered wigs. But few know what really sparked the trend across Europe. The reason might just change how you see history. Full story in the article below

If you’ve ever looked at portraits from 17th or 18th-century Europe and wondered why so many men wore those big, powdered wigs, you might be surprised to learn the real reason. It wasn’t about style or elegance—it was about hiding a disturbing health crisis.

Back then, Europe was battling what was commonly known as “Cupid’s disease”—syphilis. Before modern medicine, the disease spread quickly and came with devastating symptoms: sores, vision loss, and, quite often, complete hair loss. And it didn’t just affect peasants—royalty, politicians, and military leaders were all at risk.

Going bald was seen as shameful. Hair was associated with health, masculinity, and high social rank. Christianity also reinforced these ideas, viewing hair as a symbol of strength and virtue. So when syphilis took people’s hair, many turned to wigs to cover up the truth.

One of the earliest men to adopt the wig was France’s King Louis XIII. He started losing his hair in his teens, and that sparked fears among the public about whether he was strong enough to rule. His son, Louis XIV, didn’t just wear wigs—he made them wildly fashionable.

But there was more to it than just hiding illness. At the time, bathing was frowned upon. Many doctors warned that water could let disease enter the body through the skin. So people avoided washing their hair—and instead shaved it off.

To stay “clean,” they wore wigs powdered with flour or starch, often scented with lavender to mask odors and repel bugs. Naturally, wigs attracted lice, but it was easier to toss a bug-infested wig and get a new one than to deal with real hair.

Wig culture eventually collapsed in France after the Revolution, when citizens began rejecting anything tied to the old monarchy, including fashion. Slowly, the rest of Europe followed.

The only place where wigs hung on was the UK. There, court officials like judges and barristers were required to wear wigs well into the 21st century. The tradition finally faded by 2008, bringing an end to a centuries-old custom.

Did this historical twist on fashion surprise you? Share your thoughts in the comments!