The Introduction of the Pigtail. The first thing the Manchus did was to make the "pigtail" style of coiffure obligatory throughout the empire. In the north there were already a certain number of Chinese who; mostly from fear; had shaved their heads as a token of submission to the new ruler; but in the south resistance to the order was obstinate and prolonged; and was only swept away gradually. Upon the abdication of the Manchus in 1912 the wearing of the pigtail was generally discontinued. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson; c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.