Background: Throughout history, wigs have often had a relevant cultural and social importance with correlations to wealth and position of power. Wigs help minimize the psychological consequences of different types of hair loss. They may reduce potential experiences of stigmatization, and improve social confidence and quality of life, besides enhancing self-esteem and social adjustment. In dermatology, wigs may have a positive impact on the global treatment of patients suffering from alopecia as they offer an immediate and efficient cosmetic result. However, the medical literature on wigs is not extensive.
Aims: This review aims to discuss synthetic wigs and nonsynthetic custom-made hair systems, highlighting different hair fibers, foundations, various types of prosthesis, and the most common methods of attachments used to make wigs.
Methods: The terms "wigs", "hair" AND "camouflage", "alopecia" AND "camouflage", and "hair prosthesis" were used to perform a literature search in MEDLINE through PubMed until April 8th, 2020. The search was limited to English-language peer-reviewed journal articles about humans, and it included only nonsurgical alternatives to camouflage alopecia.
Conclusions: This article will help physicians, especially those who care for patients with hair loss, to provide appropriate advice for their patients about the wide variety and peculiarities of wigs and hairpieces currently available.
Keywords: alopecia; camouflage; hair; hair loss; hairpieces; self-presentation; wigs.
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