Hair loss can affect people’s self-confidence and self-esteem. However, with the right solution, you can completely change your look. You may want full coverage, a little coverage or something that blends in with your natural hair. Fortunately, there has never been a better time than now to explore all the possibilities.
When it comes time for men to search for a solution to hair loss, they typically look into three main options: men’s wigs, toupees, and hair systems. A men’s wig is a complete coverage solution that covers your entire head and provides an instant new style. A toupee is a hairpiece that provides partial coverage and is typically used to cover the crown of the head or forehead. A hair system is an advanced and custom product that blends in with your natural existing hair. It gives a better, lightweight, hassle-free solution that feels real and comfortable enough for everyday use. In this blog, we will explore the differences in these types of hair replacement products to help you decide which product could be the right solution if you are considering men’s wigs in UK.
What is a Hair System?
A hair system is a custom, non-surgical hair replacement designed to address balding or thinning areas of hair. A hair system is specifically designed to blend seamlessly with your own hair, making it as natural as possible. The base is usually made of lace or skin, with real or synthetic hair attached, so it sits comfortably on your scalp and matches your natural hair. In other words, it is as if you are wearing your own hair—the finished look is highly natural.
Advantages of Hair System
Different hair systems serve different purposes and provide natural coverage and comfort. A hair system can also be customised to look similar to your own hair as opposed to a traditional wig or toupee.
The main advantages:
- Gives a natural appearance and blends with existing hair
- Lightweight and allows for daily comfort
- Non-surgical option that requires no recovery time
- Provides customisation in colour, texture, and styling
- Fits securely and won’t fall off during daily activities
- Easy to maintain and replace when necessary
Disadvantages of Hair Systems
Although hair systems have numerous advantages, there are a few disadvantages to consider before deciding to choose them.
Common disadvantages include
- Require ongoing maintenance to look natural
- May require reapplying adhesives or tapes regularly
- Limited lifespan, will require replacement in time
- More expensive than the one-time cost of hair transplant surgery
- It may look unnatural with an improper fit or a poor-quality system
- May not be able to do certain activities, like swimming, if not secured well.
What is a Wig?
A wig is a full head covering made from either human hair or synthetic hair. Wigs offer full scalp coverage and cover the entire hair loss area; toupees or hair systems offer scalp coverage, but only cover a bald area. Many men have switched to men’s realistic wigs, which are natural-looking and easy to style. Wigs come in different lengths, colours, and some wigs, such as lace front wigs, have a natural hairline. Even celebrities regularly navigate wigs in order to quickly reinvent their look. Wigs, too, have instant results, but wigs can still feel heavy and less breathable than a custom hair system.
Advantages of Wigs
Wigs are still considered the most popular option for full coverage and results because you can put on a wig and be done. Nowadays, there are some new models like men’s realistic wigs that are very natural-looking and are very easy to style.
Some key advantages include:
- Covers the entire scalp irrespective of the severity of hair loss
- Available in many different styles, colours, and lengths
- Can be styled or changed instantly if desired for a new look
- Easy to put on and take off
- Cheaper options than other luxuries
- Used by stars for style and convenience
If you would like to read in detail about wigs and how they compare, feel free to take a look at our blog Different Types of Hair Systems and Bases.
Disadvantages of Wigs
Even though wigs offer easy coverage and style, there are some disadvantages.
Common disadvantages include
- Can feel heavy or much less breathable than the hair system
- Will move or shift if not properly secured
- Synthetic wigs may look less realistic than human hair.
- Require regular care and maintenance to keep shape and style
- It can cause discomfort if worn for endless hours
- Not always practical for really active lifestyles
What is a Toupee?
A toupee is a type of hair system, a small wig that will cover a specific thinning area, compared to a full wig, which will cover your full scalp. Toupees are not full wigs and therefore do not cover the entire scalp. A toupee will attach with clips, tape, or glue, which can be a fast option if you are looking to cover a small area. A toupee can be constructed with real or synthetic hair, and many colours and textures will provide a good blend with your natural hair. Despite providing great targeted coverage, a toupee may not provide as seamless an option as a full hair system.
Advantages of Toupees
Toupees continue to be a popular option for men who want to conceal thinning areas without wearing a full wig.
Some advantages of toupees:
- They are a targeted approach to hair loss in a specific area
- They are lighter and smaller than a full wig
- They can be put on and taken off in under 5 minutes
- They come in a variety of colours, styles and textures
- They are generally less expensive than a complete hair system
- They can increase personal confidence by masking the hair loss.
Disadvantages of Toupees
While toupees give instant coverage for thinning areas, there are also disadvantages to using them.
The common disadvantages of toupees are as follows:
- Only cover small areas, not the whole scalp
- May not blend well with natural hair
- If not fixed properly to the scalp, they can move or shift
- Must be maintained regularly to be usable
- Generally, not as durable compared to full hair systems
- It can look unrealistic if of poor quality or poorly fitted
Comparison of Hair Systems, Wigs, and Toupees
| Features | Hair System | Wigs | Toupees |
| Coverage | Tailored coverage for thinning/balding areas | Complete, full scalp coverage | Partial coverage (usually front/crown) |
| Appearance | very natural, blends in with own hair | Can be natural, but sometimes not | May not blend as seamlessly as wigs and systems |
| Material | Lace/skin base with real/synthetic hair | Real or synthetic hair, full cap | Real or synthetic hair, small base |
| Comfort | Lightweight & breathable | Can be uncomfortable; less breathable | Lightweight, but may shift around if not secured properly |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance is required | Needs care to keep its shape and style | Frequent maintenance |
| Cost | More expensive, but very custom | Cost varies; can be cheap, or expensive (can range widely) | Typically cheaper than wigs or systems |
| Lifespan | Limited need to replace every few months | Varies by quality, and synthetic; shorter lifespan | Shorter lifespan, especially if using daily |
| Best for | Men with thinning hair who want a natural, long-term solution | Men want instant full coverage | Men who have a few small bald spots to cover |
FAQ
Q1) How long does a hair system last?
Typically, a hair system lasts 4 to 6 months with the proper care, but a good quality system has been known to last 8 months, depending on the user’s lifestyle and maintenance.
Q2) What is a lace wig?
A lace wig is a wig with hair tied to a thin lace base. The result is a hairline and artificial scalp that look natural.
Q3) How to style a wig?
When styling a wig, you should gently detangle the wig, use wig-safe products, and then apply heat tools if the wig is heat-resistant. Human hair wigs offer more styling options, while synthetic hair wigs don’t have as many. The rest have more limitations.
Which One is Best for You
Deciding between a wig, a toupee, or a hair system, you have to consider the degree of hair loss, lifestyle, and budget. Generally speaking, wigs are a fast and easy option that provides full coverage and instant results. Toupees are generally suited for men who simply have a bald spot, which is, in most cases, the crown of a man’s head or just in the front. Hair systems are the most advanced option, since they are custom-made to blend in with your natural hair, and typically are the lightest option, providing a realistic look.
At TruHair, we know that every individual is on their own hair journey. That’s why we offer professional advice to help you choose which option will be most suitable for you. If you are still uncertain about which option to choose, feel free to contact us, and our team will help guide you to the best solution. TruHair has you covered, whether you need full coverage, partial coverage, or a long-term natural option. We will help you find the right solution and find the right you, and restore your confidence and style.
