Wigmaker

Anyone who chose and could afford to. Edward Charlton catered to mostly white, wealthy men such as Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, but anyone who wanted to pay for a wig could certainly purchase one or more. Anyone, from the Royal Governor to an enslaved household servant could have been found wearing a wig in Williamsburg. However, not everyone wore them. Those that chose to, wore them primarily for fashion and as a distinguishment from those that generally could not afford to wear them. They were fashion accessories and status symbols.

No. William Lee, his personal manservant, skilled in hair dressing, styled his hair daily, and powdered Washington's hair for special occasions such as balls and parties or military action.

Powdering the wig allows one to lighten or change the color, without permanently changing it. Light colors show up better by candlelight, when many formal events took place. But if one didn't own a white wig, or needed a lighter color, using white powder would lighten it temporarily. Fantasy shades such as blue or pink were known to be used to alter the color to match or contrast the outfit. White or brown powder could be applied to one's own hair to assist with styling or to help absorb oils in the hair, like a dry shampoo today.