What You Need to Know About Wigs and Toupees for Hair Loss

Wig construction has seen some updates over the years, but the fundamental process remains largely unchanged. This guide explores the intricacies of wig creation, the benefits and drawbacks of wearing wigs, and what to consider when choosing a wig.

The Wig Construction Process

Wig manufacturers start with a base material, usually a piece of cloth netting, and then sew and knot thousands of hairs into it. Some wigs are made by hand, while others are machine-made. The base materials can vary, ranging from cloth to lace or plastic. Sometimes wigs are made in two or three sections to reduce their weight and encourage airflow and flexibility. The hair in the base is then cut to a fixed style and taped or glued onto the customer’s head.

Types of Wigs and Their Application

Strictly speaking, a wig or toupee is a kind of hat made of hair that is pulled onto the head and then taped or glued to hold it in place. Many wigs and toupees are often cut and styled before the customer tries them on. When a wig is placed onto a customer’s head, depending on its construction type, there can be a gap between the scalp and the system. This gap allows sweat to gather and soak into the cloth base, necessitating regular maintenance or cleaning.

Appearance and Comfort

Due to their specific style of construction, wigs may not fall very naturally and can have a stiff, helmet-like appearance. They can be heavy and slightly uncomfortable for the wearer, leading to excessive heat accumulation and making the wearer feel hot, itchy, and sweaty. Odor issues can arise when wearers are in warm environments or engaging in physical activity, as the air between their scalp and the wig heats up.

Maintenance and Social Implications

Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, wearers may need to remove their wig or toupee every night for maintenance and reattach it every morning. This can be a long-winded and tricky procedure, causing psychological pressure and, in extreme cases, feelings of depression and inadequacy. Some wearers also report difficulties in social situations due to self-consciousness about their hairpiece.

The Stigma and Terminology

To avoid the stigma attached to the term wig or toupee, most manufacturers now refer to their products as ‘hair systems.’ However, this does not necessarily mean the product itself has changed. Cloth or lace netting often does not provide a natural look and can allow the glue or tape to show through, detracting from the desired invisible appearance.

Detectability and Limitations

Wigs and toupees are often relatively easy to detect due to the front hairline thickness and colour. The cloth or lace used is quite thick, preventing the wearer from exposing their new hairline. Most wigs need to be dense to hide the netting effect of their construction, leading to a thicker, heavy look that can appear unnatural and age inappropriate. Hairstyles are limited due to the way the hair is knotted into the wig or toupee, and they do not respond well to water immersion or strong wind.

Side Effects of Wearing Wigs

• Reddened scalp

• Heat accumulation

• Allergic reactions or other medical issues due to aggressive glues and tapes

Cost of Wigs

You can expect to pay from £3,000 upwards a year for a well-made, realistic wig or toupee. Many companies offer two wigs to last a year, but this cost must be paid upfront. Additional maintenance costs depend on the quality of the wig or toupee and the company.

Success Rate

The success rate of wigs and toupees is generally low to poor. Due to their old-fashioned design, they are often easily detectable, and hairstyle and activity options are limited. The fact that wearers do not like people touching their hair or head can cause social or personal issues.

Conclusion

While wigs and toupees offer a solution for hair loss, they come with various drawbacks, including detectability, maintenance requirements, and potential discomfort. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions about whether a wig or toupee is the right choice for them.