The Difference Between Wig and a Toupee?

Would you prefer to wear a wig or toupee? It’s a question that many men ask themselves at some point.

IIn 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 including male wigs and toupees, depending on the size of the area you want to cover.

Here we explore what a toupee is and take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of wigs and toupees.

What Is a Toupee?

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 should choose a colour, style and texture that matches your existing hair and will blend in seamlessly.

On the other hand, you may look at choosing a male wig as they offer total coverage over the whole head and reduce many of the concerns that wearing a toupee can bring. For instance, if a toupee is not applied securely, it can appear obvious to others. A wig is also a great option if you are experiencing areas of thinning or balding around the temples or if you have 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 from the HIM Collection is the perfect hand-tied and monofilament wig.

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) There are many heat-friendly wigs available to take away any heat damage worries – you can style your wig to suit you, just as one of our customers from the Netherlands does.

7) A wig is a chance to step out of your comfort zone! You can choose different wigs that are close to your natural hair colour and styling, or go for something completely different; you can never have too many styles.

8) We offer a range of high-quality wig care products which mean that styling and maintaining your wig has never been easier.

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 regular washing and wig care.

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. Have a look at our blog for tips on achieving a natural-looking wig.

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 and colours to comfortably and naturally blend into your existing hair.

3) Toupees can easily be secured by applying with glue, or double-sided tape.

4) They can be made extra secure using glue or tape. Afterwards, the adhesives 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) Because they can be made to blend into your existing hair, they’re much less noticeable than a wig that might bring a style or colour change.

disadvantages of toupees:

1) Choosing a toupee that matches your existing hair type, texture and colour can be a difficult process and the toupee might 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 three to six 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 look quite conspicuous.

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.

Many men feel that male hair loss is almost seen as a joke and it can be a difficult experience. For support with male hair loss, why not read some of our customers’ stories over on We, That Wear Wigs?

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. Feel free to contact us for advice, guidance or hair loss queries.