toupee

A toupee is a small hairpiece or partial wig used to cover a bald spot, usually on the top of a man's head. It is made to blend in with the person's real hair so it looks natural. People often connect it with men who are losing their hair, and in stories or movies it is sometimes shown in a humorous way. The word comes from the French "toupet," which meant a small lock of hair.

The word "toupee" refers to a small artificial hairpiece worn to hide baldness, especially on the top of the head. It is a kind of partial wig, usually made from real or synthetic hair, and it is attached with clips, tape, or adhesive so it blends with the person's natural hair. Unlike a full wig, it covers only part of the head.

Historically, toupees were part of men's fashion in earlier centuries, but in modern use the word is most strongly linked with covering male pattern baldness. A well-made toupee can look very natural, while a poorly fitted one may be easy to notice.

The term also appears in popular culture, sometimes as a joke, but its basic meaning is simply a hairpiece worn to cover hair loss. Even though hair transplants and other treatments are now common, a toupee is still an option some people choose. You might read about a man adjusting his toupee before going out, or see one mentioned in a novel, film, or old photograph.