It's all about the hair! Or the replacement hair. Toupees have been used for decades and have their origins in ancient times when hairpieces were made from hair and animal fur. However, in the 21st century, toupees have evolved, and now they not only look more natural than ever but they can also be worn and styled in many ways. Toupees are often worn by people you wouldn't expect, like Charlie Sheen or Robert Pattinson! If they can have that hair, why can't you? Let's dive in!
What is a Toupee?
A toupee is a hairpiece that is worn over hair that is missing or thinning. It is attached to the scalp with adhesive and is meant to blend in with your own hair. The toupee is meant to look real, and in some cases, it dramatically improves the appearance of the person wearing it.
Toupees are typically made of real hair, but can also be made of synthetic hair. The hair is usually attached to a mesh cap, which attaches to the scalp. The cap can be made of latex or silicone and is used to help conceal the hairpiece.
A hairpiece is a general term that refers to hair that is worn on the head. A toupee is a specific type of hairpiece that is used to cover a balding or thinning area of the scalp.
How Does a Toupee Work?
The toupee is attached to the scalp with adhesive or clips. It is designed to blend in with natural hair. The person who wears the hairpiece will often use hair products to make it blend in even more.
Some people prefer to wear their toupee as a partial or full toupee, depending on the amount of hair that is missing. A full toupee will completely cover the head from the front of the head to the back. A partial toupee will cover a smaller area of the head.
Toupee Adhesive
The adhesive used for toupees is different from the adhesive used for bonding artificial fingernails. The adhesive that is used for toupees must be strong enough to hold the hairpiece to the scalp, but it must also have a low level of shine so that it does not look fake. It also is important that the adhesive doesn't cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Types of Adhesive:
1. Sturdy Glue-On Adhesive — This is the most basic type of adhesive used for hairpieces. The glue is applied to the hairpiece and then applied to the scalp. The hairpiece is then pressed onto the scalp.
2. Thin Film Adhesive — This is a type of glue that is easier to apply than glue-on adhesive. The hairpiece is placed in the desired position, and the thin film is applied to the scalp, then the hairpiece is pulled off, leaving the thin film attached to the scalp.
Toupees are meant to stay on the scalp anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks at a time. Then, one should take out their toupee in order to clean and disinfect it.
When you remove an adhesive toupee, it is important to work slowly and carefully. If you pull the toupee off too quickly, it could cause pain and irritation.
Why Toupees Are Great for Men With Hair Loss
Toupees are an easy and affordable way to cover up balding areas of the scalp. They can be worn in many unique styles and can be used to cover up many hair loss conditions.
Toupees can be easily attached and removed and don't require the help of a hairstylist. They can be taken off and stored in a bag or box when they are not being worn.
Toupees are a great option for those who are tired of their thin or balding hair. They can be a great confidence booster and a way to feel normal again.
They also save time in the morning since there is no need to style your hair.
Toupees are also a great option for men who are facing hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, male pattern baldness, or another medical condition.
Are There Cons To Wearing a Toupee?
There are some negatives to wearing a toupee. The biggest con is that it's not a permanent solution to hair loss.
Hair loss is often caused by stress, aging, genetics, or poor hair care habits. These stressors can often be avoided or minimized, so it's important to be proactive about your hair.
Toupees also take time to style and maintain. If you want to wear your hairpiece in a certain style, you will need to style it daily.
Another drawback is that many people can spot a toupee right away, if it doesn't look natural or fit with your hair. If you want to wear your hairpiece in public, you need to make sure that you are confident and comfortable.
Finally, toupees can be expensive, and it can be difficult to find a toupee that fits you and your lifestyle. It is important to do your research and make sure that you aren't buying a toupee that doesn't match your personality or style.
Other Hair Loss Options
If you're experiencing hair loss, you're going to want to know all your options. Typically, your options vary depending on the cause of your hair loss, whether it's temporary or permanent, and the amount of hair you've lost. Here are some hair loss treatment options that your doctor may suggest.
1. Hormone Treatments
Hormone treatments for androgenetic alopecia can slow or even stop hair loss caused by a hormonal imbalance. The three types of hormones that cause hair loss are:
- DHT — Dihydrotestosterone is a hormonal byproduct that attacks your hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually fall out.
- Testosterone — Testosterone converts to DHT in hair follicles.
- Progesterone — Progesterone is another female hormone that can cause hair loss in both men and women.
Stopping testosterone and DHT production with drugs like Finasteride or Minoxidil can slow or even stop hair loss.
2. Finasteride and Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia
Finasteride and Minoxidil are two of the most commonly used drugs to treat androgenetic alopecia. These drugs work by inhibiting DHT formation and increasing the blood flow to the hair follicles. This causes the hair follicles to grow thicker and fuller, reducing hair loss.
Finasteride is a prescription drug that is taken orally. This drug is considered one of the most effective hair loss treatments available. When combined with Minoxidil, the two drugs work together to stop hair loss and help regrow hair. Finasteride works by inhibiting DHT production, the cause of hair loss in most cases of androgenetic alopecia. This drug can cause side effects like impotence, decreased libido, and problems with ejaculation.
Finasteride can be taken with Minoxidil or used alone. Finasteride alone is not as effective as the combination of the drug with Minoxidil, but it can still be very helpful. Finasteride stops hair loss in as little as 1-3 months after taking it. Usually, men using this drug will notice hair regrowth in as little as six months.
Finasteride is available through Phoenix Health, a telehealth platform exclusively for men. Check out how you can get Finasteride here. There is no camera required.
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter drug that is applied topically to the scalp. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This causes the hair to grow thicker and fuller. Minoxidil is also effective at stopping hair loss. Minoxidil works best when used in combination with Finasteride. The two drugs used together are more effective than either drug alone. Minoxidil is thought to work by increasing the size of the hair follicles.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a devastating condition that affects millions of people. If you're experiencing hair loss, you're not alone. The first step to fighting hair loss is scheduling a consultation with a doctor experienced in hair loss. After getting a proper diagnosis, you can start looking into hair loss treatments available to you.
You can find more information about getting a prescription for Finasteride here.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.