Wigs became a large trend for men during the 18th century. Most think that the wigs that were worn were really large and tall but during the end of the century the size of the wigs had decreased. Wigs were largely worn by tradesmen, clergy, military, merchants and ship captains. In Virginia only 5% of the population could afford wigs, so along with looking fashionable wearers were also declaring their wealth. Also, certain wig styles tended to be associated with certain jobs. They could be made of human, horse, yak or goat hair. Which ever one it was determined on preference and how much money someone had. Towards the beginning of the 19th century they became much less common amid the younger men and the only people left wearing them were mainly conservatives. Edward Charlton was one of the most important wigmakers in Virginia during the 18th century. He made wigs for Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe and Patrick Henry. Edward Charlton’s shop size is unknown but it is thought to be no larger than one room. He had 4 apprentices which was normal for a master barber so that their trade could live on. Most barbers solely worked on wigs for men but Charlton made his customers’ wives wigs (or “curls”) occasionally."Wigmaker : The official site of Colonial Williamsburg." Colonial Williamsburg Official Site. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2010.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The Wigmaker in 18th Century Williamsburg. United States: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1959. Print.
