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.
彼女は毎日かつらをかぶっている。
She wears a wig every day.
舞台用のかつらを注文した。
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.
新しいウィッグを買った。
I bought a new wig.
A partial hairpiece used to cover bald spots or thinning areas, typically for men.
General term for a hairpiece or toupee. Can refer to both men's and women's partial hair additions.
彼は薄毛を隠すためにヘアピースを使っている。
He uses a hairpiece to cover his thinning hair.
Literally 'partial wig'. A more descriptive term, often used in medical or specialized contexts.
部分かつらは自分の髪に馴染みやすい。
A partial wig blends easily with your own hair.
Strands of hair added to natural hair to increase length or volume, often for fashion.
Short for 'hair extension'. Very common in beauty contexts.
エクステンションをつけて髪を長く見せている。
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.
日本髪には付け毛を使うことがある。
False hair is sometimes used for traditional Japanese hairstyles.
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.
このかつらは人工毛でできている。
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.
偽毛を使用した製品。
Products using false hair.
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.
医療用かつら
medical wig
ファッションウィッグ
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).
人毛のウィッグ
human hair wig