How To Respond When Someone Asks, “Is That Your Real Hair?”
- Written by Lordhair Team
- May 31, 2025
- |
- 9 min read
If you’re asked, “Is that your real hair?” and your answer is yes, you’ve probably worn a hair system or wig at some point in time. This question can definitely come off rude and blunt. The good thing is that you’re not the only person experiencing this. Millions are turning to modern hair solutions including hair wigs for men, toupees and with that it is about time we ditch the stigma attached to it. In this blog, we’ll prepare you with bold, smart, and sassy comebacks that will make you walk away exuding unshakeable confidence, no matter who is questioning.
The Intent Behind The Query
While some may be interested in judging you, the queries: “Is that your real hair?” and “fake or real?” usually have more to say about the interlocutor than they do about you. Taking into account the underlying reason can allow you to respond humorously, confidently, or even forcefully.
Potential Motivations Behind This Inquiry
Before formulating the answer, it is equally critical to note where the initiative to question is coming from. The motivation might differ from case to case:
- Interrogation: Some people may simply admire how naturally blended into your features the hair is.
- Wishing: They may wish to get one themselves and don’t know how to bring it up.
- Masking empathy: To some people, the question might seem extremely personal in nature.
- Backhanded compliments or envy: Some may inquire with the goal of embarrassing you and or attempting to diminish your self confidence.
Understanding what drives curiosity can aid you in deciding the best way to answer. Not all queries should be given a detailed response, but every situation allows you to shape how you wish to present your story.
How to Pick Response Style
In this case, there are various methods of delivering the same message, hence the answer provided will be shaped by the individual posing the question together with your mood and willingness to share about the system hair. Below are five formidable approaches to think about:
The Honest & Proud Approach
For individuals that are at ease being open and wish to destigmatize hair systems, this approach works best. Surprisingly powerful responses stem from simple and straightforward answers.
Example:
- “Nope, it’s a hair system—and honestly, I love how it looks.”
It demonstrates happiness and confidence with their choice and reframes the topic from secretive to self-care, an investment in well-being like stylish clothes or exercising.
The Lighthearted Approach
"While humor may ease the pressure of posing a question, it also helps to soften the perception of you."
Examples:
- “It's real… real expensive!”
- “Only on days that end in Y.”
- “Of course. I grew it last week.”
Lighthearted responses are effective in social contexts where you wish to keep interactions friendly. They offer enough reasonable self-assurance to suggest you’re at ease and confident within your own skin.
The Playful Deflection
When the response is too personal, playful evasiveness could be the way to go.
Examples:
- “A magician never reveals his secrets.”
- “I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”
- “What do you think?”
This playful method allows for smooth evasiveness except the opposite of ‘too personal’ is ‘too safe.’ If you are building confidence around a fresh look, this intriguing route could be helpful.
The Clearness Boundaries Style
Some situations or people require a clear set boundary and stronger stance. For example: “I’d rather not discuss my grooming choices.”
This response is direct yet professional. Using it could save you from endless expectation from people who love overstepping boundaries. It gently enforces that some questions are protected in silence, preserving your emotional space.
Turning the Tables (Reflection Technique)
Responding to an inquisitive “why” with another “why” is how this technique works, right? “Why do you ask?” is a classic phrase and very effective in putting the burden back on the questioner.
Not all questions should be posed so freely, however. You have to interrogate the interrogator, and for this strategy to be successful, you must ask a thoroughly constructed query aimed at the person on the receiving end, or the one trying to pick your thoughts.
With this method, you turn the focus of the concern back to the interrogator, and if they notice, it can help them realize how damaging their question was. They very frequently retract everything that they say or change over to a different subject thereby invoicing you supreme power to feel comfortable without any engagement.
Considerations Before Responding
The “real hair” question is answered based on certain conditions. These conditions include the setting, context, your level of comfort, and the audience.
The Respondent
You should know whether the person is your best friend, colleague, casual acquaintance or a date. Closest relationships shape the approach to your answer, be it open or reserved. For example, a close friend will get an honest answer, while a poky stranger at the gym will only get a smirk.
Your Level of Comfort
It is perfectly normal not to be open about addressing the issue if you are new to wearing a hair system. Choose an answer fitting to your emotional state. In this situation as with many others, the aim is to take care of your mental space. Protecting others' feelings, however, is a different story altogether.
The Environment
Take note of whether the answer will be appreciated in the place you are conversing at, say for example, a business setting. Sometimes the best response is no response, or a change of subject, which can often be the strongest form of response.
Points for Advocacy
If you want to help ease the stigma associated with hair systems, there’s now a chance for you to join a larger movement. You could say:
- “Hair systems are just like glasses. They boost your confidence and are an upgrade.”
- “It's not a secret. It's a solution to hair loss.”
- “We upgrade everything else in life, so why not our appearance?”
Additionally, you may point out celebrities and influencers who wear hair systems openly. In recent years, social media has been filled with men showing their transformations—before and after—and a lot has garnered a considerable fanbase simply by being candid.
By advocating, you actively work toward eliminating shame.You could even motivate someone struggling with hair loss to consider different options.
What Not To Do
Avoid being protective, defensive or oversharing when asked, “Is that your real hair?” Pakar suggests these behaviors can add unnecessary strain.
Don’t Get Defensive
Interpreting the question as overwhelmingly hostile is not the answer either, Becoming rageful or overly protective suggests shameful sentiments. You can deliver clear, firm responses while remaining calm and collected.
Don’t overshare details you are not comfortable with
You don’t owe anyone a comprehensive account or an explanation because there is none available. And if discussing a hairpiece isn’t your cup of tea, don’t let anyone pressure you into talking about it.
Don’t lie to avoid being found out later on
Some men will say yes just for the sake of avoiding awkward moments which definitely is okay, but not when this lie can cause undue stress if one gets caught out. Always choose your peace of mind over a breather.
Additional tips and recommendations
Aside from selecting a response, these tips will serve the purpose of boosting your preparedness and confidence. Draft your responses, mind your body language, and look out for like-minded people to build a supportive community within.
Perfection comes with practice
Draft ‘scripts’ that sound natural and you will reel them off naturally. Read them to yourself and in front of a mirror record so you observe how you come across and if your voice is comforting enough. This ensures that anxiety is converted into confidence.
Mind your body language
Your posture should be relaxed and confident, looking directly at the audience or person addressing and talking to them in a calm tone while maintaining silence on any distractions. Sometimes how you phrase something can be more important than the actual words used to express it
Join a Community
For men with hair systems, there are abundant online resources such as forums, Reddit threads, YouTube channel, and Facebook groups. Joining one of the communities can provide useful insight, encouragement, and a space to share and chuckle about uncomfortable moments.
Conclusion
Being asked, “Is that your real hair?” doesn’t have to be a moment of panic. It can be a moment of power.Whether you pick humor, truth, mystique, or set boundaries,the essence is that your reaction is a reflection of your comfort and confidence.
Self-adhesive hair systems or augmentations are as popular as they've ever been. There's no shame disguised within these tools which aid self-expression or self esteem. So the next time this question is put forth,embrace it. You are in control.
Remember: the emphasis does not lie on whether the hair is real or fake. Rather, the focus should be on whether one feels genuinely good.