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Colonial America (1492-1765)

Wigmaker and Barber

Wigmaker and Barber
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 5 to 7
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   6.68

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    blockhead, cosmetology, full-bottomed, hairdo, hairdressing, head-shaped, periwig, pomade, queue, wigmaker, wigmakers, popularity, conservative, royalty, altogether, provided

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Wigmaker and Barber
By Sharon Fabian 		  
1     Cosmetology is a popular vocational subject in high school. In cosmetology class, students learn to wash and cut hair. They learn to give perms and to color hair too. They learn how to do a fancy hairstyle for a special occasion like a prom. They might learn to cut and style wigs as well as real hair. Cosmetology students often go on to work as hairdressers, styling hair for customers.
 
2     In colonial times, there were also people who worked as hairdressers. Some people are surprised to learn that, because we often think of the colonists as hard working people who didn't have time for frivolous things like a fancy hairdo. However, there were many people in colonial America who were very fashion conscious and who kept up with the latest styles in both clothing and hairstyles. This was especially true in the larger cities like Williamsburg, Virginia.
 
3     A city like Williamsburg had shops that catered to the fashion conscious. Wigmakers and barbers there both provided hairdressing services. A barber might provide shaves and haircuts in addition to his other duties, such as performing surgery and pulling teeth! A wigmaker, of course, made wigs, and in the 1700s, wigs were the latest fashion!
 
4     The fashion of wearing wigs began with the royalty in France; it spread to England and then to America.

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