<P> Among women in the French court of Versailles in the mid-to - late 18th century , large , elaborate and often themed wigs ( such as the stereotypical `` boat poufs '' ) were in vogue for women . These combed - up hair extensions were often very heavy , weighted down with pomades , powders , and other ornamentation . In the late 18th century these coiffures ( along with many other indulgences in court life ) became symbolic of the decadence of the French nobility , and for that reason quickly became out of fashion from the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 . </P>
when did powdered wigs go out of style
from the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789