Elegant 18th Century Men's Hairstyles: Timeless Style Guide

The 18th century, a period of significant cultural and political change, was also marked by distinctiveness in men's hairstyles. These styles evolved over the century, reflecting shifts in fashion trends, artistic influences, and societal norms. Let's delve into the world of Georgian men's hairstyles, exploring the most prominent looks and their historical contexts.

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Men's hairstyles in the 18th century can be broadly categorized into two periods: the early decades and the latter years leading into the Regency era. The early 18th century favoured luxurious hair that denoted one's social status, while the later decades saw a move towards simpler, more natural styles, voltages by the influence of ancient Greece and Rome.

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The Early 18th Century: Luxury and Opulence

In the early 18th century, men's hairstyles were grand and elaborate, often characterized by long, powdered wigs. These hairstyles were a symbol of wealth, status, and royal dignity. The wig was the ultimate fashion statement of the time, worn by both men and some women.

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The most iconic of these was the 'Macaroni' hairstyle, popularized by the indulgent and fashionable classes in the 1760s and 70s. This style was characterized by wigs with long, curled hair at the front, secured in place with pomade and often adorned with jewels or decorations. A famous example was the Prince of Wales, who notably sported this style.

The Powdered Wig

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Powdered wigs, made from horsehair or human hair, were integral to men's fashion. They were white, to contrast with the dark clothes of the time. Powdering was a laborious process, involving hours of teasing the wig into the desired shape and applying powder to keep it in place.

While powdering was initially popular among the court and gentry, it later became a fashion adopted by many classes. By the late 18th century, however, powdered wigs began to fall out of fashion, replaced by more natural-looking styles.

Queues and Tiers

Another popular style of the early 18th century was the 'queue' or 'queue à la mode', characterized by long hair tied at the back with a ribbon. This hairstyle was popular among military officers and nobility, as it was easily manageable under a wig or hat.

For those who could not afford wigs, another option was the 'tiered' hairstyle. This style involved the hair being cut short at the front and back, but left long at the sides, which were then folded back on themselves to create triangular 'tiers'.

The Regency Era: Simplicity and Naturalism

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The latter half of the 18th century saw a move away from elaborate hairstyles towards more natural-looking ones. This shift was influenced by the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman art, which advocated simplicity and naturalism.

One of the most significant changes was the removal of powder from men's hair. This was due in part to the French Revolution, which saw the luxury of powdered wigs replaced by simpler, more practical hairstyles.

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The Brutus Style

The 'Brutus' cut was a popular style among fashionable men in the late 18th century. Characterized by short, curly hair at the front and back, with longer hair on top, laid flat and combed to one side. This style was named after the Roman general Brutus, reflecting the Regency era's classical influences.

The Brutus style was often powdered, but less so than earlier in the century. By the early 19th century, it was increasingly worn without powder, marking a growing preference for more natural-looking hair.

The 'Crop' or 'modified Brutus'

As the century drew to a close, the 'crop' or 'modified Brutus' became popular. This style was similar to the Brutus cut, but with the back and sides cut even shorter. It was often left unpowdered, reflecting the growing trend towards natural hair.

By the time of the Regency period, men's hairstyles had begun to mirror the simpler, more classical tastes of the time. This shift in fashion marked a turn away from the opulence and extravagance of the early 18th century, towards a more minimalist, natural aesthetic.

Men's hairstyles in the 18th century were intricately linked to the cultural, political, and social shifts of the period. From the lavish, powdered wigs of the early century to the simple, natural styles of the Regency era, these hairstyles offer a fascinating window into the history of male fashion and the societal norms of the time.