hairpiece

hairpiece — noun

1. A manufactured item that looks like hair, usually made with a thin base, placed

1.nounB1
Definition

A manufactured item that looks like hair, usually made with a thin base, placed on the scalp to cover areas where natural hair has fallen out.

Example

After his hair started thinning, Lakan decided to buy a hairpiece that matched his original colour.

hairpiece + that-clause for specifying appearance match

The old photographs showed Grandpa wearing a hairpiece he had ordered from a catalogue.

Common collocations
  • wear a hairpiece
  • custom-fitted hairpiece
  • hairpiece adhesive
  • remove a hairpiece
Synonyms
  • toupee

    Refers specifically to a small hairpiece for baldness; more clinical than 'hairpiece'.

  • wig

    Covers the entire scalp, whereas a hairpiece is partial. 'Wig' is the broader term.

  • hair system

    Marketing term for a custom-made hairpiece; sounds more technical and modern.

Usage Note

Frequently used as a euphemism for 'toupee'. Unlike a full wig, a hairpiece in this sense covers only part of the scalp.

Common Mistakes

He bought a hairpiece to make his hair look longer.
He bought a hairpiece to cover the bald spot on his crown.
This sense is about hiding hair loss, not adding length.

2. Extra bundles or strands of real or manufactured fibres attached to a person's o

2.nounB1
Definition

Extra bundles or strands of real or manufactured fibres attached to a person's own hair to make it appear longer, fuller, or differently styled.

Example

Yael wore a long hairpiece to add volume for her cousin's wedding.

infinitive of purpose: to add volume

The hairdresser clipped several small hairpieces into Élise's hair to create layers.

Common collocations
  • clip-in hairpiece
  • synthetic hairpiece
  • long hairpiece
  • attach a hairpiece
Synonyms
  • extension

    The more common modern term; 'hairpiece' sounds slightly old-fashioned for this meaning.

  • weave

    Specifically refers to extensions sewn into braided natural hair, a different attachment method.

  • clip-in

    Describes the attachment style rather than the product itself; commonly used as a noun ('clip-ins').

Usage Note

Overlaps with 'extension' in everyday speech. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 is about enhancing existing hair for style, not covering baldness.

Common Mistakes

She wore a hairpiece because she had lost all her hair.
She wore a hairpiece to add volume to her thin hair.
This sense adds to existing hair rather than replacing missing hair.

Word family

  • hairpieces
    nounB1
  • hair
    nounA1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All four terms refer to adding artificial or natural hair to a person's head, but they differ in scope and method. 'Hairpiece' is the broadest and most traditional term, covering both toupees (sense 1) and beauty enhancements (sense 2), though it can sound dated for extensions. 'Extension' is the modern default for sense 2, used in salons and product names; it emphasises adding length or volume. 'Weave' is a specific technique where hair is sewn into braided natural hair, common in Black hairstyling — it implies a particular attachment method, not a standalone product. 'Clip-in' describes the attachment style (metal clips snap onto natural hair) and is often used as a noun ('clip-ins'), especially for DIY products. Example: 'Yael bought clip-in extensions from a beauty shop' (extension + clip-in = product type), whereas 'the hairdresser recommended a sew-in weave for longer wear' (weave = method).

hairpiece ↗extension ↗weave ↗clip-in

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • blend with natural hair
  • stay in place
  • order from a catalogue

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishOld FrenchEnglish

A compound of 'hair' (from Old English 'hǣr', referring to the strands growing on the human scalp) and 'piece' (from Old French 'piece', meaning a part or portion). The term 'hairpiece' gained widespread use in the mid-20th century as manufactured hair replacements became more common and affordable, offering a less clinical alternative to 'toupee' and a more specific alternative to 'wig'.