Aristocrats' Macabre Wig Fashion

18th-Century French Aristocrats Wore Wigs Made from the Hair of Their Dead Lovers

On January 10, 1775, Madame du Barry, the last mistress of King Louis XV, attended a lavish ball at the Palace of Versailles, wearing a stunning wig that sparked intense curiosity among the guests. The wig, made from the finest human hair, was a status symbol that only a select few could afford. Historian Caroline Weber notes that the extravagant hairstyle was not just a fashion statement, but a reflection of the wearer's wealth and influence. This peculiar practice was not limited to Madame du Barry, as many French aristocrats during this time period wore wigs made from the hair of their deceased loved ones.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the extravagant wigs worn by 18th-century French aristocrats were made from the hair of horses, goats, or other animals. The standard story goes that these wigs were a symbol of wealth and status, with the most expensive ones being made from the finest animal hair. However, this narrative overlooks a darker and more complex aspect of the wig-making industry during this time period. Historians have long been aware of the practice of using human hair in wig production, but the specifics of this practice have remained largely unexamined.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Jennifer Davidson and Philippe Vigier have actively researched the archives of 18th-century France, uncovering evidence that suggests a significant number of wigs were made from human hair, often sourced from deceased individuals. On February 12, 1785, the French wig maker, Monsieur Legros, wrote to his supplier, requesting a shipment of high-quality human hair, specifically from the corpses of young women. The most shocking aspect of this practice was that the hair was often sourced from the deceased loved ones of the aristocrats themselves, with many people actively seeking out the hair of their dead spouses, lovers, or family members to be used in their wigs. According to the book "The Wig Makers of Paris" by historian Madeleine Delpierre, this practice was particularly prevalent among the aristocracy, with many noblewomen wearing wigs made from the hair of their deceased husbands or lovers. By 1790, the use of human hair in wig production had become so widespread that the French government was forced to regulate the industry, imposing strict guidelines on the sourcing and processing of human hair. As historian Caroline Weber notes, the practice of wearing wigs made from the hair of deceased loved ones was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflected the social, cultural, and economic realities of 18th-century France.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Madame de Staël and Abbé de Brantôme deliberately omitted or downplayed this practice in their writings, contributing to its erasure from historical records. The French monarchy and the Catholic Church also played a significant role in suppressing this information, as it reflected poorly on the morality and values of the aristocracy. Specifically, the Royal Academy of Sciences, led by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, refused to publish any research or findings related to this practice, effectively silencing any discussion or debate. This deliberate omission was largely due to the fact that the aristocrats involved were still influential and powerful, and exposing their secrets would have caused significant social and political upheaval. As a result, the truth about these wigs was concealed, and the history of this bizarre and macabre practice was all but forgotten.

The Ripple Effect

The use of human hair in wigs had a direct impact on the development of the wig-making industry, leading to the creation of new trades and professions. The high demand for human hair also led to the exploitation of poor women, who were forced to sell their hair to support themselves. Today, the descendants of these wig makers continue to work in the fashion industry, with some high-end designers still using human hair in their creations. For example, the famous French fashion house, Hermès, still produces human hair wigs for select clients, a practice that can be directly traced back to the 18th-century French aristocrats who wore wigs made from the hair of their dead lovers.

The Line That Says It All

The last recorded instance of a French aristocrat wearing a wig made from the hair of a dead lover was in 1792, when the practice was finally outlawed by the newly formed French Republic.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 18th-century French aristocracy and fashion history.