All About Toupees
Toupees have come a long way in the last several years. Just like wigs, good toupees can look natural and can make every day a good hair day. In fact, many celebrities like William Shatner, Chuck Norris, John Travolta and Sean Connery have worn toupees so often that you may not recognize them without their hair pieces. It’s even been reported that Julius Caesar wore hair pieces. Despite their popularity, toupees are rarely talked about and many people have questions about them. So for those that are unfamiliar with the topper, or who are considering adding a toupee to their style repertoire, here are some basics all about toupees.
The Beginning
Toupee is French and literally means “top.” A social bias against balding men has kept them in cultures for centuries (hence the Julius Caesar reference). Although they have been popular in the United States since the 1800s, early toupees were not very natural looking. In the 1950s cosmetic company Max Factor started making toupees with skin colored lace, thus making them appear more like hair and changing the industry for the better.
The Basics
While it’s a common thought that toupees are worn by men, women and children also wear toupees (for instance, medical conditions that cause hair thinning or loss). Toupees, or hair pieces, can be made from synthetic or human hair that is attached to a base material. The base material can be lace, as in a lace front wig, or another material like polyester. Base materials have also made progress, as they are more breathable and lightweight than in years past. When covering a bald spot or adding volume to thinning hair, you’ll want to match your hair color and texture. Visiting a salon like Wig-A-Do and trying different styles is the best way to ensure a good match.
Wear and Wash
Wearing a toupee is a simple process of adhering the toupee to clean, dry skin. Special double-sided toupee tape is used, sometimes in conjunction with clips depending on how much of your own hair there is to clip the hair piece into. You start by prepping your head and ensuring it’s dry. You can use a toupee spray that that will help the tape not stick immediately, thereby giving yourself a little time to make adjustments.
Place the toupee tape inside the toupee along the hairline, being cautious not to get hairs caught in the tape. Peel back the second side of the tape and begin to place on your head. Using your eye brows as a guide to where your hairline should be, start at the front of your hairline and gently place the toupee. When you’re happy with the look, firmly press down on the toupee and tape. Voila!
Caring for your Toupee is just as easy as wearing it. For synthetic hair, wash using special wig shampoo and conditioner. Human hair toupees can be washed with gentle shampoo made for chemically treated hair. Although sometimes it’s best to use products made specifically for hair pieces. Taking care of your hair will help it last and look good as long as possible.
Toupee Today
Are you sold on a guaranteeing good hair day every day? What about covering that comb over or adding volume to the thinning hair around your hairline? Then call Wig-A-Do at 856-235-3524! Caring, knowledgeable, professional staff will keep discretion a top priority while making you feel like yourself again. Stop by our Moorestown, NJ salon today!