What is the Difference Between a Wig and Toupee?
- Posted on 02 November, 2021
- Hair Knowledge
- By Emma & Stuart
Wig or toupee? It’s a question that many men ask themselves.
In fact, 6.5 million men in the UK experience male pattern baldness. At any age, hair loss can be an upsetting time, with signs of hair loss starting to appear in some men in their early twenties. Fortunately, if you wish to cover thinning or balding spots, there are natural-looking solutions through male wigs and toupees, depending on the size of the area you want to cover.
Here we explore ‘what is a toupee? The advantages and disadvantages of wigs and toupees, and discuss how to spot a toupee.
What does toupee mean?
A toupee is a small hair piece made of either synthetic or natural hair, worn at the top of the scalp to cover the highest area most prone to baldness. A toupee is most commonly worn by men and positioned over the crown.
What is the difference between a wig and toupee?
Often we are asked, ‘what is a toupee?’. Similar to a female hair topper, a toupee offers coverage over a smaller section of the scalp, predominantly at the crown. When deciding on a toupee, you need to ensure that you choose a matching colour, style and texture to blend seamlessly with your existing hair.
On the other hand, a male wig offers complete and total coverage over the whole head. A wig takes away any worries that may come with applying a toupee. For instance, if a toupee is not applied securely, they could appear obvious to others. A wig is also a great option if you are experiencing areas of thinning or balding around the temples or a receding hairline.
So, what’s better? A wig or toupee?
Let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Advantages of wigs:
1) The main difference between a wig and a toupee is that male wigs ensure you have the confidence to go about your day knowing any thinning or balding areas are securely covered.
2) Compared to a toupee, a wig is a low maintenance option as you don’t need to style and cut your existing hair to match.
3) For an undetectable style option, lace front wigs are a great option for a natural look to make sure that your wig will stay on securely.
4) Choosing a natural looking male wig has never been easier. There are a range of construction types, with hand tied wigs and monofilament wigs being the best option for a natural look. The Classic Wig Him Collection is the perfect handtied and monofilament wig combination.
5) Wigs are now more comfortable than ever before. They will hug and conform to your head for the most seamless fit. Wigs are lightweight, ensuring that your head and neck are comfortable all day long.
6) It’s no secret that a wig needs washing and looking after, luckily there are an availability of heat friendly wigs to take away any heat damage worries.
7) A wig is a chance to step out of your comfort zone! You can choose different wigs as close to your natural hair colour and styling, or go for something completely different! You can never have too many styles.
8) There’s an availability of wig accessories, from shampoos, conditioners, sprays, care sets and more for an easy to handle wig care routine.
disadvantages of wigs:
1) When buying a wig you want it to look as genuine as your real hair. However, if your wig looks too perfect and pristine, then it is a giveaway for spotting a wig.
2) Like your own hair, a human hair wig will react to the weather and needs washing and taking care of.
3) A synthetic wig is more prone to heat damage and will therefore need replacing more often compared to a human hair wig.
4) Whether synthetic or human hair, a wig will need styling to appear as natural as possible.
Advantages of toupees:
1) Toupees are a great option for covering areas of thinning or baldness at the top of the crown and highest point of the scalp.
2) Toupees come in a variety of sizes, textures, colours and natural or synthetic options to comfortably and naturally blend into your existing hair.
3) Toupees can easily be secured by applying with glue, or double-sided tape.
4) The glue or tape from the toupee application can be quickly and effectively removed using Dimples Toupee Adhesive Remover.
5) Compared to alternative hair loss treatments, a toupee is an affordable solution.
6) To complement and blend with the toupee, you can have your hair styled and cut for a natural appearance.
disadvantages of toupees:
1) Choosing a toupee that matches your existing hair type, texture and colour can be a difficult process and appear unnatural if the wrong decision is made.
2) ‘How to spot a toupee?’ is a common question for a reason. In truth, if a toupee is poorly made and appears low in quality, then it will look obvious.
3) Although hair loss is incurable, a toupee is a temporary solution that will need replacing every 3 to6 months to prevent any odours.
4) A toupee is an affordable option, yet it does come with associated costs for the application glue or tape, adhesive remover, toupee stand and shampoos and cleaning products for the toupee.
5) If the toupee is not applied securely, cared for or styled correctly it can appear unnatural.
6) A toupee only gives coverage around one area. If your hair continues to thin or bald in more areas it won’t be the most appropriate hair coverage option.
We hope that you are now comfortable with the differences between wigs and toupees and their advantages and disadvantages. Whether you decide that a male wig or toupee is right for you, it’s important to choose the option and style that makes you feel the most confident.
Here at Simply Wigs, our team of wig and hair specialists are more than happy to help with any queries or questions you may have.
Get in touch today, or why not browse our full collection of male wigs?
