Head Shaving for Lice Prevention Contributes
to Earliest Wig Use
Earliest Archaeological Evidence Shows Wigs Used as early as 3400 BC in Egypt
to Earliest Wig Use
Head Shaving for Lice Prevention Contributes to Earliest Wig Use
Earliest Archaeological Evidence Shows Wigs Used as early as 3400 BC in Egypt
Wigs were an integral part of ancient Egyptian culture, reflecting both practical needs and social structures. They were not just about beauty or vanity but also about status, hygiene, and religious significance. 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. The motivations for head shaving likely included both practical and hygienic reasons, similar to those documented in later periods.
First Evidence of Wigs in Ancient Egypt
The earliest known evidence of wigs in ancient Egypt dates back to around 3400 BC. This evidence includes hair extensions found in a female burial at Hierakonpolis [16].
Reasons for Wearing Wigs
Wigs were an integral part of ancient Egyptian culture, reflecting both practical needs and social structures. Their use and significance evolved over time, but they remained an essential aspect of daily life for many Egyptians.
Who Wore Wigs?
Photo Credit: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority
The oldest known sentence written in the first alphabet was discovered on an ancient ivory comb, dated to about 3,700 years ago.
Age and Gender
How Did Egyptian Wigs Deter Lice?
Egyptian wigs helped deter lice by providing a barrier between the scalp and the environment. By shaving their heads and wearing wigs, Egyptians reduced the chances of lice infestation, as lice had fewer places to hide and lay eggs [6].
Earliest Evidence of Head Shaving for Lice
The earliest documented evidence of head shaving for lice dates back to around 1550 BC, as mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus [5]. There is no concrete evidence that head shaving for lice dates back to 3400 BC. However, the practice of shaving heads for hygiene and comfort in the hot climate might have been prevalent even earlier [6].
Materials for Wigs for the Lower Classes
While the elite wore wigs made of human hair, the lower classes used more accessible materials such as: Linen, Sheep’s wool, Animal hair, and Palm fibers. These materials were often stiffened with beeswax to create the desired shape and texture [7][9].
Why Baldness Was Looked Down Upon
In ancient Egypt, smooth and clean bodies were indeed signs of youth and vigor, yet baldness was often looked down upon because hair was considered a symbol of youth, vitality, and social status. A full head of hair was associated with beauty and health, and being bald could be seen as a sign of aging or illness [11]. Additionally, appearing well-groomed was important in Egyptian society, and baldness was sometimes viewed as unkempt [10].
As a result, a bald head was often covered by a wig if possible. Wigs were not only a fashion statement but also a practical solution to protect the scalp from the sun and maintain hygiene [8]. Baldness was generally looked down upon, and various remedies were used to promote hair growth.
Demand for Hair Growth Products
Despite the emphasis on removing body hair for cleanliness and aesthetics, and this early use of wigs to cover the baldness caused by head shaving for lice prevention, there was also a significant demand for hair remedies to combat baldness, including chopped lettuce, ground-up hedgehog spines, and other concoctions [12]. These remedies reflect the cultural importance placed on hair and the lengths to which people would go to maintain it. This demand can be attributed to several factors:
Video Credit: Propaganda War, The Fascinating History of Wigs in Ancient Egypt!
Photo Credit: Canva
Historic Origins of Head Shaving for Head Lice Prevention
Resources
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