Picking out the right wig or hair piece can be a confusing process. As well as finding the style and colour that best suits you, you’ll also need to consider which coverage option would most effectively target your specific needs. First and foremost, you need to understand that wigs and hair pieces are diverse tools and, subsequently, offer considerably different coverage, tackling differing extremities of hair loss in the process. What’s more, there are additional factors to consider when deciding whether a wig or a hair piece would be the best option for you, such as whether you’re looking for permanent coverage or a more temporary solution.
Choosing between wigs or hair pieces and determining the level of satisfaction you’ll experience with your choice, therefore, depends massively on your personal situation. Read our guide to help you decide!
What are wigs, and what are hair pieces?
Wigs
Wigs are made from either synthetic or human hair and cover the entire scalp area. They are removed and repositioned on a regular basis. Wigs come in a variety of lengths and styles, although all offer full coverage.
Fundamentals aside, there are a variety of wig types, meaning you can pick whichever type will suit your needs. The most common wig types include wefted, hand-tied, lace front and monofilament (single and double).
Hair Pieces
Hair pieces, on the other hand, are designed to cover a certain area of the head, rather than to provide full coverage. They are primarily used for adding extra volume to thinning hair, as well as for covering trouble spots. Hair pieces are therefore smaller than wigs, and come in a variety of styles depending on which area is being targeted.
Popular hair pieces include extensions, scrunchies, ponytails, and clip-in fringes. Hair pieces can come in both one piece and multiple piece systems.
The attachment process for hair pieces is also varied, due to the diversity of the styles offered. The most common hair piece attachment methods are butterfly, crocodile clip, drawstring and three-quarter styles. However, several other attachment types also exist.
Hair Toppers
Hair toppers, also known as hair enhancers are another option. Not to be confused with hair pieces, hair toppers target the scalp specifically, and are typically attached using pressure clips. See our blog post for more information on how to style a hair topper.
Wigs or hair pieces; which is for you?
Deciding whether to opt for a wig or a hair piece depends on what kind of coverage you’re seeking. Wigs are better suited to covering complete hair loss or if you are seeking all-over coverage, while hair toppers are useful for disguising thinning hair around the scalp, such as the crown and parting areas, hairlines and temples.
However, it’s not quite this simple. If you are experiencing thinning hair all over, you may find a wig a more suitable alternative than a hair piece, even if you aren’t experiencing complete hair loss. Similarly, toppers are not restricted solely to scalp thinning, and can also be used to add volume.
Furthermore, coverage aside, you must also consider your personal preferences. For example, full-head hair pieces exist, and can offer a good alternative to wigs for those seeking full coverage but who would like a less fussy, less permanent solution.
Both wigs and hair pieces possess benefits and drawbacks; full wigs can make your general day-to-day routine much easier. However, they may also take a little longer to get adjusted to wearing, and so if full coverage isn’t necessary, a hair piece may be the better choice.
Hair pieces can be more breathable and economical too. However, getting them to match the exact colour of your hair can be difficult. Plus, for a hair piece to blend effectively and fit into place comfortably, a certain amount of hair is required. For hair loss such caused by alopecia and chemotherapy, hair pieces might not work.
Be sure to think about the above when deciding whether wigs or hair pieces are for you. Ultimately, the answer is whichever best fits your own situation, both in terms of coverage and personal preference!
Read our blog for more information and resources on wigs and hair pieces. If you choose to opt for a wig, we can help you understand how to choose the right wig for you. For hair pieces, see our complete guide to buying hair pieces, as well as our guide to which hair extensions look the most natural to fully explore the different types of hair piece available and determine which is for you!
Rest assured that with so much variation on the market, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect wig or hair piece to suit your needs, regardless of your situation. Here at Simply Wigs we appreciate that choosing the right option may seem daunting. If you require any further information or advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, and we’ll be more than happy to provide assistance.
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