Wigs in ancient Egypt have a fascinating history and served multiple purposes. While direct evidence of head shaving for lice control before 1550 BC is lacking, it's reasonable to infer that similar motivations could have existed as early as 3400 BC. The use of wigs to protect shaved heads from the sun suggests that head shaving was already a common practice, possibly for hygiene reasons, including lice control. While we can't definitively prove that head shaving for lice control dates back to 3400 BC, the use of wigs during that time can be seen as indirect evidence supporting this theory. [read more]

Head shaving for lice prevention and control dates back to ancient Egypt around 1550 B.C. Priests were encouraged to shave their heads to prevent lice from having a place to live. Similarly, by 450 B.C., Egyptians recommended shaving the entire body to eradicate lice. This was effective because lice need hair to attach their eggs (nits) and to move around. Without hair, lice have a much harder time surviving and reproducing. Besides the benefit of lice control, both men and women in ancient Egypt valued smooth, hairless bodies as a sign of youth and vigor; hair removal was seen as a sign of cleanliness and social status. [read more]