Periwig vs. Wig — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
A periwig is a highly styled wig worn formerly to signify social status, while a wig is a hairpiece of natural or synthetic hair used for fashion or to cover hair loss.
Difference Between Periwig and Wig
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Periwigs, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, were elaborate hairstyles worn mainly by men to denote nobility or professional status. Wigs, on the other hand, are used by both genders today for aesthetic reasons, medical conditions like alopecia, or as part of costumes.
The design of a periwig often included long curls and was powdered to appear white, reflecting the fashion trends of European courts. Whereas modern wigs come in various styles, colors, and lengths to match natural hair or offer a new look, focusing on realism or fashion rather than status.
Periwigs required significant maintenance, including regular powdering and styling to retain their shape and appearance. In contrast, contemporary wigs are designed for easier care, with materials that can mimic the look and feel of real hair and require less upkeep.
The cultural significance of wearing a periwig was profound, symbolizing wealth and influence in society. Meanwhile, wearing a wig today can be a personal choice or necessity, with less emphasis on social status and more on individual needs or preferences.
Historically, periwigs were an essential accessory for the elite, with their style and complexity reflecting the wearer's prestige. Modern wigs, however, serve a broader demo
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Comparison Chart
Era of Popularity
17th and 18th centuries
Modern times, with historical roots
Primary Users
Mainly men of the European nobility and professional classes
People of all genders and ages
Purpose
Signify social status and nobility
Fashion, cover hair loss, costumes
Maintenance
High maintenance, requiring regular powdering and styling
Low to moderate, depending on material
Cultural Significance
Symbolized wealth and influence in society
Varied, from personal choice to necessity
Compare with Definitions
Periwig
Highly styled historical wig.
Judges in some legal systems wear periwigs as a nod to historical court attire.
Wig
Part of costumes and disguises.
The actor's wig transforms him into the historical figure he portrays.
Periwig
Symbol of social status.
In the 18th century, wearing a periwig was a clear indicator of one's high social standing.
Wig
Comes in various styles and colors.
His costume wig is bright blue to match the comic book character he's portraying.
Periwig
Powdered to appear white.
Periwigs were often powdered to achieve their distinctive white appearance, following fashion trends.
Wig
Used by people experiencing hair loss.
Wigs offer a confidence boost to those undergoing chemotherapy.
Periwig
Elaborate design.
The elaborate curls of a periwig were a testament to the wearer's wealth and societal importance.
Wig
Can be made from natural or synthetic hair.
Her natural hair wig looks indistinguishable from her real hair.
Periwig
Worn by men.
Periwigs were primarily worn by men, especially those in positions of power or influence.
Wig
Hairpiece for aesthetic or practical purposes.
She wears a wig to easily change her hairstyle.
Periwig
A wig, especially a peruke.
Wig
A wig is a head or hair accessory made from human hair, animal hair, or synthetic fiber. The word wig is short for periwig, which makes its earliest known appearance in the English language in William Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Periwig
A wig, especially any kind of stylised wig as formerly worn by men and women.
Wig
An artificial covering of natural or synthetic hair worn on the head for personal adornment, as part of a costume, or to conceal baldness.
Periwig
(transitive) To dress with a periwig, or with false hair; to bewig.
Wig
To scold or censure.
Periwig
A headdress of false hair, usually covering the whole head, and representing the natural hair; a wig.
Wig
A head of real or synthetic hair worn on the head to disguise baldness, for cultural or religious reasons, for fashion, or by actors to help them better resemble the character they are portraying.
Periwig
To dress with a periwig, or with false hair.
Wig
A bigwig
Periwig
Wig for men fashionable in 17th-18th centuries
Wig
An old seal.
Wig
To put on a wig; to provide with a wig (especially of an actor etc.).
Wig
To upbraid, reprimand.
Wig
To act in an extremely emotional way; to be overly excited, irritable, nervous, or fearful; behave erratically.
That guy must be high. Look how he's wigging.
Wig
To shoot in the head.
Wig
A covering for the head, consisting of hair interwoven or united by a kind of network, either in imitation of the natural growth, or in abundant and flowing curls, worn to supply a deficiency of natural hair, or for ornament, or according to traditional usage, as a part of an official or professional dress, the latter especially in England by judges and barristers.
Wig
An old seal; - so called by fishermen.
Wig
To censure or rebuke; to hold up to reprobation; to scold.
Wig
Hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair
Wig
British slang for a scolding
Common Curiosities
What's the cost range for a high-quality wig?
High-quality wigs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the material and craftsmanship.
Are wigs still a symbol of social status?
Today, wigs are less about social status and more about personal style, convenience, or necessity due to hair loss.
What is the main difference between a periwig and a wig?
The main difference is their historical context and purpose: periwigs were worn to signify status in the past, while wigs are used today for a variety of reasons, including fashion and hair loss.
Why were periwigs powdered?
Powdering was both a stylistic choice and a practical way to deal with lice and odor, common issues of the time.
Can wigs look as elaborate as periwigs?
Yes, some modern wigs, especially those used in theater or fashion shows, can be as elaborate as historical periwigs.
Do any cultures or religions specifically use wigs?
Yes, in some cultures and religions, wigs are worn for modesty or religious practices, such as by some Jewish women after marriage.
Were periwigs worn by women?
While primarily a male fashion item, women in the periwig era also wore elaborate hairstyles that could include elements similar to periwigs, but these were not typically referred to as periwigs.
How do you care for a wig?
Care depends on the material: synthetic wigs often require less maintenance than natural hair wigs, which need regular washing and conditioning.
Why did people stop wearing periwigs?
Changes in fashion and social norms, along with the practical inconveniences of wearing and maintaining periwigs, led to their decline.
Can wearing a wig damage natural hair?
If worn properly and cared for, wigs should not damage natural hair, though it's important to maintain scalp hygiene.
Can wigs provide a natural look?
Yes, high-quality natural hair wigs and advanced synthetic wigs can provide a very natural look.
How has the perception of wearing wigs changed over time?
The perception has shifted from wigs being a necessity for status and fashion to a versatile accessory for style, convenience, and health reasons.
Are there any health benefits to wearing wigs?
Wigs can protect natural hair from environmental damage and styling tools, and also help those with hair loss regain confidence.
Are there wigs available for people with sensitive scalps?
Yes, there are specially designed wigs for sensitive scalps, focusing on comfort and minimizing irritation.
How do actors use wigs in their roles?
Actors use wigs to transform into their characters, often changing their appearance drastically for roles.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
