Britain's lawyers and judges are to break with centuries-old tradition and cease wearing wigs in non-criminal cases.
Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, said new dress rules would mean the white, horse-hair wigs, which British legal professionals have worn since the 17th century, would not be needed in civil or family court cases.
Judges and lawyers in criminal courts will keep their traditional wigs and gowns
The wigs will still be worn in criminal courts.
Wing collars and bands - white cotton strips worn round the neck - can also be dispensed with in such cases according to the reforms, while judges will need just one gown in future instead of a variety of colourful outfits currently required.
"At present High Court judges have no less than five different sets of working dress, depending on the jurisdiction in which they are sitting and the season of the year," Mr Phillips said.
A review carried out in 2003 found that more than two thirds of respondents wanted to eliminate the wigs in civil cases, although most said criminal court judges should still wear them.
Opponents of wigs thought they were anachronistic, as well as uncomfortable and expensive. A shoulder-length ceremonial wig costs more than stg£1,500 pounds (€2,100) while the shorter ones worn by lawyers cost about £400.
However, total abolition met with disapproval from some lawyers who feel the wigs give them an air of authority as well as anonymity.
"While there will never be unanimity of view about court dress, the desirability of these changes has a broad measure of agreement," Mr Phillips said.