Ivory powder bottle used by a wig dresser, England, 1701-1800

Ivory powder bottle used by wig dresser, globular body, screw on base, probably English, 18th century

Many men and women in the 1700s had their heads shaved to prevent attacks of head lice and remove the need to wash the hair. To cover up the baldness, they wore wigs made from human hair or horsehair, which were stuck on with animal fat. White powder, made from ingredients such flour and clay, were placed on to wigs to give them a fashionable colour. Wigs were also status symbols and often indicated the wealth of the wearer.