From pharaohs to priests, baldness was not a sign of age in ancient Egypt—it was hygiene, fashion, and symbolism. Men shaved their heads to avoid lice and heat, while wigs signified rank and devotion.

In an exhibition on ancient Egyptian-inspired fashion at the Cleveland Museum of Art, a relief depicts the wife of Amenhotep wearing a kalasiris, or long linen dress, juxtaposed with a white jersey ...