The concept of the powdered wig emerged in France the mid 17th century. King Louis XIII was the man first responsible for the trend, as he wore a wig (original called "periwig") to cover his premature balding. As the trend began in royalty, they developed an upper-class, conservative status.

Where did the name periwig come from?

'Periwig' is a corrupt form of the French word perruque, which itself stems from the Latin word pilus, or hair. The wigs came into fashion probably due to the French monarch Louis XIV, who had long curled locks much admired when he was young, but who became increasingly bald early.

What is meant by periwig?

Periwig, per′i-wig, n. a peruke or small wig, usually shortened to Wig: an artificial head of hair.