Wig Wisdom - Understanding Hairpiece Types, Attachments, Costs, and care Techniques

Modern hairpieces or wigs have definitely evolved from the bulky, detectable toupees of yesteryear. Today’s wigs are lighter, fit better, and look and feel more natural.

What materials are in a hairpiece?
The best hairpieces are custom-made. They tend to be more expensive than ready-made hairpieces because they are constructed with quality materials and made to fit your scalp perfectly. Quality custom-made hairpieces are created with human hair. The color, texture, and density of the client’s hair are matched to make the wig completely undetectable on the scalp. Ready-made hairpieces are usually constructed with synthetic materials.

The foundation for a hairpiece is made with either a section of netting or silicone. Either of these foundations can be easily shaped around the balding area and are simple to attach with adhesives or clips. Men buying hairpieces tend to prefer the silicone foundation for its natural look.

How are hairpieces attached?
Adhesives, clips or metal snaps can attach hairpieces in place. Each method has its own pros and cons.

Adhesives: Double-sided tape is used to attach the hairpiece and makes for easy fastening and removal. The downfall to adhesives, however, is that they tend to leave a sticky residue on the scalp and on the underside of the hairpiece. The tape can also become unglued if you perspire heavily or go swimming.

Clips: Metal clips attach to the underside of the hairpiece and fasten to your natural hair. The clips are secure and easy to remove. However, many men worry about the hairpiece falling out of place when engaged in any sort of rigorous activity.

Snaps: Snaps differ from clips because they are tied or sewn to your natural hair. They cannot be removed any time you wish and you will require the expertise of a technician to help you take off the wig. Snaps may cause an inconvenience because they must be relocated as your hair grows. Another downside to snaps is that they do not allow daily cleansing of your scalp.

How much do hairpieces cost?
The price of a hairpiece varies greatly and depends on many factors. These include the quality of hair used, whether the wig is ready-made or custom-made and the selected method of attachment.

Ready-made synthetic wigs can be purchased for as little as $40.00 through mail order catalogs or in boutiques while custom-made hairpieces created with quality human hair can cost as much as $4,000.

How do I care for my hairpiece?
Care for your hairpiece as you would care for your own hair; it requires the same attention. Of course, hairpieces made with good quality human hair need greater care than synthetic wigs.

Human hair wigs require shampooing and conditioning about every 7-10 days. They can be either air-dried or blow-dried on a low heat setting.

Synthetic wigs require washing in cool water about every 7-10 days. They must be left on a towel to dry. Hot water and hair dryers must never be used.