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TED-Ed

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.

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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 H. 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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