Postiche Etiquette

A beautiful, Victorian, Jasperware “hair tidy“ or “hair receiver” for saving one’s “combings.” These were common items on the dressing tables of wealthy women, throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They remained popular items all the way up to the 1950’s. Saved hairs from brushes and combs were collected to make personal hairpieces — also known by their French terms, “toupees” or “postiches.”  

It is never polite to assume someone is wearing a hairpiece, or ask about someone’s hairpiece, unless the person in question raises the subject in conversation. Even then, use caution with your comments. Most often, people will only bring the subject up in fishing expeditions for compliments.

Wear a Fresh Spring Postiche and Mind Your Postiche Manners

The best postiche is made from one's own combings. It is not hard to find a hairdresser, even in small towns, who makes false hair into various forms; if not, the combings can be sent to a city establishment. The cost of making is less than a bought postiche, and the risk lessoned.


See that the piece is tightly woven. If not, if too loose, the hair pulls up and roughens. When this occurs there is no cure but reweaving.


Never let a postiche get tangled. Brush it daily, or as often as worn, with a brush with rubber back and stiff bristles. This tears the hair less than combing. Occasionally, put a few drops of brilliantine on the brush. It will take away the dead look that so quickly comes to false hair.


A postiche should not be allowed to lie uncovered, collecting dust. Keep it in a drawer for cleanliness.


A postiche should be frequently washed, especially when the hair has been shampooed, for dust is transferred from it to the clean scalp. Use a suds of white soap, which is rinsed well later, or gasoline. Dry quickly, shake well, and brush until fluffy.


The adjusting of a postiche is important. Brush the hair forward and pin the edge with small steel pins. Then brush back in sections, pin into place, and draw one's own hair loosely over it or not, as you wish. Some women prefer brushing the postiche and front hair back as if all were grown on the head.


When a postiche is bought instead of made from combings, pay more and get real hair. Cheaper grades soon fade, and never fail to show, even with the most careful hairdressing. — New York Times, 1912

While it’s no longer recommended to use gasoline to wash one’s hairpiece, proper grooming etiquette still requires that people keep their hairpieces clean. A good shampoo should do the trick! — “A postiche should be frequently washed, especially when the hair has been shampooed, for dust is transferred from it to the clean scalp. Use a suds of white soap, which is rinsed well later, or gasoline. Dry quickly, shake well, and brush until fluffy.” 

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia