Most people lose their self-esteem when their hair health declines. And while non-surgical hair loss therapy and hair transplants are great ways to improve it, what happens when consumers don’t see them as options?
Thankfully, they can turn to toupees to help recover their lost esteem, especially when men can’t have a hair transplant. But a lot is considered when choosing toupees, meaning businesses must think properly before purchasing bulk.
This article will provide everything businesses need to offer excellent toupees for men suffering from hair loss.
Table of Contents
A brief look at the global toupee market
5 factors to consider before choosing the ideal toupee
Summing up
A brief look at the global toupee market
Toupees are part of the global hair wig and extension market, which experts currently value at US $6.83 billion. Forecasts suggest the market will reach US $12.27 billion by 2030, growing at an 8.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
The sudden surge of social media platforms created a wave of hairpiece-related content, exposing people to the endless possibilities of hair wigs and extensions. Experts designate this trend as the primary growth driver for the global market.
In addition, the increasing presence of hair-related conditions and the effects of chemotherapy are also driving the growth of the hair wig industry. North America reigned supreme as the regional leader in 2022, capturing over 40% of the overall market revenue.
5 factors to consider before choosing the ideal toupee
1. Understand the target consumer’s needs
Understanding the target consumers’ requirements is crucial before diving into the world of toupees. In this regard, sellers must consider the following factors:
Type of hair loss (permanent or temporary)
First, check if the target consumer’s hair loss is permanent (like pattern baldness) or temporary (like the effects of chemotherapy). Consumers with temporary hair loss may not need toupees, but those with permanent issues will need them as they’re designed for long-term use.
Style preference
After deciding if it is permanent or temporary, factor in the consumer’s preferred look and hairstyle. Do they want hairpieces that look and feel like natural hair? Or will they prefer experimenting with different styles and colors?
Comfort and lifestyle
Finally, consider the daily activities target consumers do or evaluate their lifestyle. If they are more active, offer options that stick to their heads during physical activities.
2. Choose the right material
Materials also determine the toupees’ comfort and appearance. Sellers can choose from these options:
Human hair
If consumers want the most natural appearance possible, they’ll love human hair toupees. Men can even style, color, and treat these hairpieces like natural ones.
But here’s the catch: their similarities also extend to maintenance. Men will have to wash them to maintain their good appearance. They break down fast, meaning consumers will replace them after a few years. Plus, human hair toupees are a bit on the pricey side.
Nevertheless, these hairpieces are the most comfortable to wear for extended periods. Consumers can also choose based on the hair’s ethnicity and sewing direction, though it may affect the cost.
Synthetic hair
If human hair is too expensive for consumers, they can opt for synthetic hair toupees. They’re affordable, low-maintenance, and come in various styles/colors.
These synthetic hairpieces retain their shape regardless of the weather conditions. Also, they don’t need washing or styling and can handle more abuse.
However, they may not offer the same feel and look as their human-hair counterparts. The good news is that many varieties exist with different qualities, meaning men can find synthetic pieces similar to human hair at higher prices.
Blend hair
Consumers don’t have to choose between human and synthetic hair if it’s confusing—they can go for blended variants. These toupees offer the best of both worlds, combining the natural look of human hair with the cheaper cost of synthetic variants.
3. Consider the toupee cap construction
Cap construction also determines toupee comfort. It affects how the hairpiece fits and feels on the wearer’s head. Here are the top types to look out for:
Lace front
These toupees feature fine-lace materials as their front hairline. It creates a natural look, preventing the area where the hair meets the forehead from looking out of place. In addition, lace fronts are incredibly breathable and comfortable, but consumers must handle them delicately.
Full lace
Full-lace hairpieces are the most versatile and comfortable. They have hand-tied designs, giving them natural appearances and more styling options.
Monofilament
Monofilament toupees are so soft and breathable that they mimic the feel of natural scalps. For this reason, they are the go-to for men with sensitive skin.
4. Factor in how easy they’ll be to maintain and clean
Although toupees can last long, consumers can extend their lifespan with regular cleaning and maintenance. So, businesses must prioritize toupees with easy-to-follow manufacturer instructions for washing and styling.
Businesses can also offer wig stands or mannequins in a package with toupees to help consumers store them and maintain their shape—it also provides more value.
5. Choose the right adhesive options
Typically, the adhesive that comes with toupees can impact the wearer’s confidence and comfort, so businesses must evaluate their options before choosing. Here are the available adhesive choices:
Wig tape
This adhesive option is popular because of its ease of use. They come in strips or rolls that men can apply around the edges of their toupee caps. However, tapes can offer various adhesive strengths, allowing men to choose their preferred security.
In short, wig tapes are ideal for short-term toupees because they need frequent readjustments.
Wig glue
Consumers looking for something more long-term must secure their toupees with wig glue. They can apply it on their hairline or scalp to create a bond that will remain secure for days or weeks. However, the chosen wig glue must be medical-grade to reduce the chances of skin irritation.
Wig grips and bands
Not everyone feels comfortable with adhesives. Such consumers can opt for wig grips and bands instead. These fit perfectly around the wearer’s head, creating a non-slip surface for them to attach their toupees.
The best part is that these accessories work for short- and long-term toupees, and they’re comfortable enough for men to wear them over extended periods.
Summing up
The wig market has evolved, with more natural options that blend with human hair taking the lead. The toupee holds a relevant market share as it’s booming, with around 110,000 consumers searching for them on average.
Hence, consumers suffering from hair loss can revive their lost confidence. Fortunately, modern times have removed some stigma surrounding toupees, allowing more men to see them as viable solutions.
So, before exploring this field, remember these tips, as they would put sellers in the best position to cater effectively to a huge audience in 2024.
