Full wig

A full wig covers the entire scalp. It is a very good way of disguising loss of hair. Depending on the type of wig base and accessories used to secure the wig, a full head wig can be worn over a complete head of hair which can help you get used to the situation before hair loss sets in. Equally a wig can be worn to cover partial, patchy or full hair loss and hair thinning.

Hairpiece (half wig, three-quarter wig)

Hairpieces are available in all different shapes and sizes in both synthetic and human hair, from low cost ready to wear fringes, hair extensions and pieces, to custom made hairpieces to blend a specific area of baldness. Availability of hairpieces, fake fringes and extension clip in pieces has grown as they are now a big fashion accessory. When it comes to wearing a hairpiece to cover an area of hair loss you will need to ensure the piece is secure, blends in well with your own hair and doesn’t cause damage to new growth. There are many professional wig suppliers who have a good variety of hairpieces to choose from. More commonly, hairpieces to disguise hair thinning and hair loss are now being referred to as hair replacements, hair volumisers or hair replacement systems.

Some hairpieces are deigned to be taken off daily while others (e.g. custom made or hair replacement system) can be secured and worn when sleeping, swimming or during any other activity.

Hairpieces are attached to the scalp in various ways. Wig clips are often used when attaching to hair. Wig tape or wig glue are commonly used to attach to a bare scalp. When it comes to custom made new generation hair replacement systems various techniques are used. The base of a hairpiece is the same as for a wig. There is a large variation of base foundations on which a hairpiece can be made.

Having hairpieces cut and customised to blend in with your own hair is essential.

You may also be interested in hair volumisers and integrated hair extensions specifically deigned to blend in hair thinning and cover areas of baldness.

Toupee

A toupee tends to refer to a hairpiece that is made to disguise hair loss on the top of the head. For men they are described as toupees and for women, top pieces. For more information, read about hairpieces.

Fringe

Fake fringes are a very flexible and low cost option that can be secured into a hat, cap or head scarf. They are a fantastic alternative to wearing a wig on a hot day or when wearing a wig is not an option. They can be sewn onto or attached using wig tape or double sided Velcro tape. Fringes are available in synthetic and human hair.

Hair extensions and volume systems

Specialist extensions and hair replacement systems are specifically to blend in and add volume if your hair has thinned and is not completely lost, or after treatment to attach to new (but stable) hair growth. Additionally, if you have long-term hair thinning or areas of hair loss then a volume system or hair extensions may offer a solution. Hair replacement systems may also be of help.

These systems and extensions need to be applied by a specialist who is used to working with people with hair loss as opposed to fashion extensions.

Recently the availability of hair systems has significantly increased.

Hair replacement systems

A hair replacement system is a relatively new term that describes a more permanent solution for long term hair loss and hair thinning, in that the systems can be worn for long periods of time and unlike a wig do not have to be taken off to shower, swim or sleep. In other words you can wear a system as if it were your own hair. A hair replacement system may be in the form of a specialist custom made hairpiece, a specialist extension system or full system that is glued or attached to your scalp. It is very important to ensure that these systems are relevant and suitable for you depending on the stage of hair loss and your needs.