Hair loss is a complicated problem caused by numerous internal and external environmental factors. In addition to hereditary characteristics, it is also influenced by diet, digestion, metabolism, lack of sleep, stress, and other environmental elements such as skin damage due to UV radiation. Wigs and toupees are some of the options experts have developed to offer an ultimate solution for hair loss conditions.
Table of Contents
What is a toupee?
A toupee is a small headwear worn at the top of the scalp to cover the regions affected by hair loss. They can look natural when best fitted in that no one will realize it is a hair replacement system. Most of them are worn at the center of the head and in areas affected by more hair loss. Although most people associate toupees with obvious out-of-style hair, they look good and natural when well fitted. They are specifically designed to provide extra coverage. In case you’re losing hair and don’t want to take medication or undergo an operation, having a custom toupee might be the best option yet.
1. The Lace base toupee
These are the types of toupees that have been made using fine nylon that has been knitted together. Thus they are high quality and durable and can be worn for a long duration without replacement. The lace base has holes that use a knotted ventilation method to increase airflow into the scalp giving one a comfortable and relaxing feeling.
2. French lace
These are made using a needle and hand to fix the hair directly into the cap. They are the best as they have good texture and are extremely soft. Proper maintenance and cleaning habits can make it last for more than six months.
3. Thin skin base area
These hairpieces have been designed to mimic natural hair; thus, it is hard for people to note that it is not your natural hair. The skin base has a thickness of 0.03 mm to allow easy air penetration.
What is a wig
A wig is a manufactured head covering of real or artificial hair worn from the earliest recorded times. People have worn wigs since ancient times and especially by royalty, especially in ancient Egypt. They showed social hierarchy and were worn by dignified persons. Today it has become a common practice, and anyone can wear them. They are usually made from two types which are human natural hair and synthetics. Human hair is made from solely human natural hair, washed thoroughly, and then reused as wigs. Besides, over time, wigs have shifted from symbols of social status to ways of self-expression, not only those who suffer from hair loss put on wigs. Wigs are a go-to style for people who require a very easy maintenance routine or don’t want to damage their hair with heat and dye. A wig can last up to two years, depending on how it is worn and cared for.
Types of wig hair
They are categorized into two major groups the ones manufactured from natural hair and those from synthetics. The synthetics are the inorganic hair made from plastic or other artificial hairs to create a wig that mimics natural human hair. Besides, they are easy to clean and maintain. On the other side, natural wigs are made from natural human hairs; however, they are slightly expensive compared to synthetics.
Glue-less wigs
As evident from the name, an adhesive is not needed because they have elastic bands and built-in adjustable straps at the rear. Some glue less wigs may also come with combs and hair bands to keep them firmly and strongly attached to the head. They are efficient and time-saving since the wig is placed on the head without spending much time on the installation process or cutting split ends.
Wig headbands
It comes with a headband fastened to the wig’s hairline to keep it in place and give it a more natural look and feel. These are the best option for in-between styling and last-minute preparation and are quite affordable to purchase.
Whole-lace wigs
They are made solely out of lace and are very stylish. These wigs can seem remarkably realistic with the assistance of hair stylists and colorists. Professional customization is needed, such as bleaching and coloring. Furthermore, they are very flexible, thus allowing one to style it to their desired taste.
Lace front wigs
These wigs are made entirely of human hair, making them very light and comfortable and don’t cause any skin irritation, thus perfect for people with sensitive skins. Besides, they come with a sheer lace trim running along the front to give an illusion of a real hairline.
The 360 lace wig
They have been designed with frontal bundles that are joined to the wig thus easy to maintain. With proper usage, they can take you for more than six months without replacement. However, they are slightly similar to lace front wigs but slightly different. Instead of the lace at the front, it wraps around the entire head.
What are the differences between a toupee and a wig?
Compared to a toupee which is used for only covering specific areas on the scalp that have experienced hair loss, wigs provide full head coverage. This makes it easy to wear wigs as they don’t have to worry about color differences, length, and density with natural hair. With proper usability and maintenance, wigs can take you for more than two years without being damaged. However, toupees tend to be more affordable compared to wigs. Also, toupees blend with natural hair, unlike wigs which might look very different from natural hair. While a wig is designed to hold firmly on the scalp and may have straps for adjustment, a toupee fits more loosely and needs to be stuck to the scalp using adhesives.
Conclusion
Over the years, wigs and hairpieces have provided solutions and options to people with baldness, hair loss, and receding hairline. They have given people alternatives to surgery which could be very expensive. Thus they are the best options yet. Wigs and Toupees come in different colors, densities, shapes, and sizes, allowing one to choose the ones that suit them best.
