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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 were wigs powdered?

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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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