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Why did people wear powdered wigs? - Stephanie Honchell Smith

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TEDEd Animation

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Wigs date at least as far back as ancient Egypt, where well-regarded hairdressers crafted them into intricate styles. And under certain ancient Roman dynasties, women’s wigs became particularly ornate. Yet it wasn’t until Louis XIII unveiled a magnificent mane in the 17th century that big wigs truly began booming. Stephanie Honchell Smith details the rise and fall of the bewigged fashion craze.

Why did Louis XIII start wearing a wig?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Stephanie Honchell Smith
  • Director Patrick Smith
  • Narrator Alexandra Panzer
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Produced by Gerta Xhelo, Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Producer Cella Wright
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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