1660 Charles II of England starts a fashion for male wigs, perhaps to disguise his own thinning hair. The style lasts a century, with powdered wigs denoting "bigwigs" -- especially following a hefty 1750s tax on powder. Matters change when George III ascends the throne in 1760, sporting his very own hair. Wig-makers protest, but the stylish set follow the king's lead. While American patriots like Thomas Jefferson embrace the natural look, the king powders and collects his hair in a pouch at the back to protect his jacket. He ties the pouch in front-the birth of the modern bow-tie.