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What are the Different Types of Hair Pieces?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Different types of hair pieces include wigs, toupees, and hair extensions. Some people also opt to have individual hairs glued to their natural strands to create a more natural looking appearance of longer hair, which is often referred to as hair bonding. Hair weaves are another popular type of hair piece that tend to look very natural. Different types of hair pieces are used for different purposes. Sometimes people use them because they are suffering from hair loss, while many other people use false hair in an effort to change their style.

Wigs are probably the most well-known type of hair pieces, and they have come in and gone out of style periodically throughout history. At various times over the years, wigs have been a popular choice for men as well as for women. Most wigs are made of either real or synthetic human hair and cover the entire head. Wigs typically have a netted material that the hair is sewn into that may make it easy to pin down so it stays in place. Full wigs are considered a good choice for anyone, particularly women, who have lost most of their hair.

Blonde hair extensions.
Blonde hair extensions.

Toupees are hair pieces typically worn by men who are suffering from male pattern baldness. This problem occurs for many men as they start to get older, although it occasionally happens to younger men as well. Toupees are useful for hiding male pattern baldness, particularly if the baldness is primarily on top of the head and there is still plenty of hair left on the sides. They are similar to wigs, but are smaller and are usually made to cover only the top of the head. Toupees can be purchased made from either synthetic or real human hair.

A wig covers the entire scalp.
A wig covers the entire scalp.

Hair extensions are extremely popular for people who want to change the way they look, although they may occasionally be used by people who are losing their hair. There are many different types of hair extensions. Some types clip onto the head, which means they can be easily removed. Other types, such as hair bonding and hair weaving, are more permanent. These types of hair extensions might be a better choice for a person who is very active because they may reduce the chances of the hair coming out on its own.

Male pattern baldness -- a receding hairline at the forehead and a bald patch at the back of the head -- can be caused by genetics and related to the hormone testosterone.
Male pattern baldness -- a receding hairline at the forehead and a bald patch at the back of the head -- can be caused by genetics and related to the hormone testosterone.

Hair pieces that are not permanently attached tend to be much less expensive than the type that is more permanent. One of the main disadvantages to wigs, toupees, or hair extensions that are loosely attached is that they could come off at inconvenient times, which may lead to great embarrassment for the wearer. People who are frequently out in public or lead an active lifestyle that might increase the chances of a hair piece coming off in public may be better off to opt for a more permanent hair replacement solution.

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    • Blonde hair extensions.
      By: pavel Chernobrivets
      Blonde hair extensions.
    • A wig covers the entire scalp.
      By: Brian Jackson
      A wig covers the entire scalp.
    • Male pattern baldness -- a receding hairline at the forehead and a bald patch at the back of the head -- can be caused by genetics and related to the hormone testosterone.
      By: draganica
      Male pattern baldness -- a receding hairline at the forehead and a bald patch at the back of the head -- can be caused by genetics and related to the hormone testosterone.
    • Hair extensions can be sewn or braided into or clipped or bonded to naturally growing hair.
      By: alarsonphoto
      Hair extensions can be sewn or braided into or clipped or bonded to naturally growing hair.
    • The type of hair a person has should be considered when choosing a hair weave.
      By: soup studio
      The type of hair a person has should be considered when choosing a hair weave.
    • It may be wise to choose a hair weave that closely matches a person's natural hair color.
      By: VeremeeV_1980
      It may be wise to choose a hair weave that closely matches a person's natural hair color.
    • Hair pieces may be particularly beneficial to individuals experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
      By: prudkov
      Hair pieces may be particularly beneficial to individuals experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
    • Keratin extensions are often attached to the natural hair using thermal fusion.
      By: tolstnev
      Keratin extensions are often attached to the natural hair using thermal fusion.