Translation guide
Describes hair that is not one's own natural hair, such as wigs, hairpieces, extensions, or toupees. Japanese distinguishes between full wigs, partial hairpieces, and added hair.
A full wig that covers the entire head, often for fashion, costume, or medical reasons.
The most common and general word for a wig. Can be used for both fashion and medical wigs.
She wears a wig every day.
I ordered a wig for the stage.
Loanword from English, often used in fashion and beauty contexts. Sounds slightly more modern or stylish than かつら.
A partial hairpiece used to cover bald spots or thinning areas, typically for men.
Strands of hair added to natural hair to increase length or volume, often for fashion.
Any type of artificial or human hair not naturally growing from one's scalp, used for various purposes.
Refers specifically to synthetic hair, as opposed to human hair. Used in wigs, extensions, and dolls.
Both mean 'wig', but かつら is the traditional Japanese word and can be used in any context. ウィッグ is a loanword that feels more fashionable and is common in beauty industries. For medical wigs, かつら is more standard.
medical wig
I bought a new wig.
General term for a hairpiece or toupee. Can refer to both men's and women's partial hair additions.
He uses a hairpiece to cover his thinning hair.
Literally 'partial wig'. A more descriptive term, often used in medical or specialized contexts.
A partial wig blends easily with your own hair.
Short for 'hair extension'. Very common in beauty contexts.
She wears extensions to make her hair look longer.
Literally 'attached hair'. A more traditional term that can refer to extensions, hairpieces, or even false hair used in traditional hairstyles.
False hair is sometimes used for traditional Japanese hairstyles.
This wig is made of synthetic hair.
Literally 'false hair'. A very direct translation, but rarely used in everyday conversation. Might appear in written or technical descriptions.
Products using false hair.
fashion wig
To specify human hair, use 人毛 (じんもう). For synthetic, use 人工毛 (じんこうもう) or 合成毛 (ごうせいもう).
human hair wig