Hair loss is a reality for many men. In fact, the American Hair Council says approximately 35 million men lose some or all of their hair due to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Androgenetic alopecia commonly causes a receding hairline at the temples and balding at the top of the head. It can lead to complete baldness. Some men may point to bald celebrities like Sean Connery, Telly Savalis and Montel Williams as they embrace their receding hair lines. But many others perceive hair loss in a more negative light and prefer to rectify it.That's when a hair replacement system known as a toupee comes into play.
What's in a Name?
A toupee fulfills essentially the same purpose as a wig, only it usually covers a much smaller area of the head. Male hair pieces have historically been the butt of jokes, even sometimes referred to as "rugs" because of their tendency to look fake. This stigma has prompted some toupee manufacturers to rename their products. Nowadays toupees are sometimes called hair systems, units or type of hair extension.
Selection
Toupees come in a variety of lengths and colors. The width of the hairpiece will depend on the specific pattern of your balding. When hair loss is heredity, as is common with male pattern baldness, it is generally recommended that you select a toupee that's a bit larger than what you need. That way, as you continue to lose more hair your toupee will continue to provide satisfactory coverage.
Effects
The base or cap of the toupee is the part that comes in direct contact with your head. Strands of real or synthetic hair are attached to the cap by hand or by machine. Some toupees come with a fixed shape while others are more adaptable to varying styles.
Fastening
In order to ensure that your toupee stays put, it generally comes equipped with clips to attach to your remaining strands of hair. In addition, the use of double-sided tape that is attached directly to the scalp and the toupee can provide an unyielding hold.
Caring for Your Toupee
You should gently wash your toupee every one to two weeks. It is best to use shampoos and conditioners (Demert, Brandywine) that are designed for hairpieces. Cream type conditions that do not contain heavy oils or lanolin are recommended. Your toupee should be kept on a mannequin while not in use to help maintain its style and shape.
Cost
The cost of a toupee will vary depending in large part on the type of hair that is used to construct it. According to Hair Loss Library.com, a toupee can range in price from a few hundred dollars to $5,000.
The lifespan of a toupee can also vary. Some of the more inexpensive types may last only six months. Synthetic hairpieces tend to be more hard-wearing and less prone to fading. Although you can wear your toupee while swimming or showering it may cause it to wear out more quickly.
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