The
wig became a distinctive class symbol for more than a century. In the 17th century it attained its maximum development, covering the back and shoulders and flowing down the chest. During the same century, women also wore wigs, though less often than did men. Certain professions established specific wigs as part of their official costume; the practice is retained today only in some legal systems, notably that of the United Kingdom. Men’s
clip on hair extension various forms were worn throughout the West in the 18th century, until the French and American revolutions swept away these and other symbols of social status.