Catalogue description HAIR POWDER CERTIFICATES

The returns for 1795-1797 have been indexed and are available in the searchroom.

The practice of powdering the hair began to appear in England in the early part of the seventeenth century. At the end of the eighteenth century a duty of £1.1.0d. per annum was levied on every one who continued to use hair-powder. During the first year the tax is said to have realised £200,000. The tax was levied by the Acts 35 Geo.III. c.49 and c.112. Hair powder was for a time regarded as a party badge.