Big Wig

As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only
twice a year (May and October) Women kept their hair
covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and
bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs
made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean
them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in
the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would
make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term 'big wig.. '
Today we often use the term 'here comes the Big Wig'
because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.