learning about all our products’
What is a ‘lace front‘? What does ‘monofilament‘ mean? What is ‘wefted‘? What a ‘hair blend‘? What are ‘open ear tabs‘?
These are some of the most common questions that we get asked.
But what do they all mean? Read our wig glossary to find out.
If you feel that we have missed anything of interest from the guide then please get in touch in the ‘comments’ section below and we review your entry and credit you with the inclusion.
The guide is not to be copied in whole or any part in accordance with © Copyright, Simply Wigs Ltd. All rights reserved.
But please feel free to link to this article as a reference.
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Add-on:
A temporary hairpiece that will give you volume and length. There are many types of attachments, with the most popular ones including scrunchies and butterfly clips.
Addition:
Worn to fill in areas of thinness. These come in many different varieties and sizes. Some have honeycomb bases with room to pull your own hair through, whilst others attach with clips or combs. Also known as wiglets or enhancers.
Adhesive:
Medically approved liquid product for use in attaching wigs and hairpieces to the wearer’s scalp. Mainly used in the attachment of men’s hairpieces. Other more popular types of attachments include tape.
Adjustable Cap:
The piece is able to alter in size, by the use of adjustable straps, normally found at the nape or in some instances other areas.
Adjustable Straps:
Found in the nape of the piece these allow you to adjust the size of your wig with the use of hooks or velcro.
Alopecia:
A common cause of partial or complete hair loss. At the present time, medical science has not been able to come up with one specific cause for this condition, nor is there an effective cure. However, there is a lot of support for people suffering from Alopecia, and even an awareness month to spread the word of the condition.
Amore Wigs:
Amore Designer series has been a firm favourite since it’s launch in 1998. Because of the Double Monofilament layer and special colouration, this brand represents an all around answer for clients with medical needs, due to the softness, comfort and durability of the wigs. Each piece is also hand tied for added ventilation.
Asian Hair:
A type of hair that is made in the construction of human hair wigs and hairpieces. The structure of Asian hair is thicker and coarser than European hair. It is more plentiful and less expensive than European hair.
Baby Hair:
Small strands of hair, often curly at the base of the frontal hair line to add to a realistic look. It’s details like this that can contribute to the natural look of a wig.
Bangs:
The American term for ‘fringe’.
Bandana:
A very popular alternative for wearing a wig. A bandana comes with either attachable hair or with the hair already attached.
Bleached Knots:
Knots which are put through a delicate bleaching process after being tied to the base with extremely tiny half knots. This removes most of the dark colour and leaves a virtually invisible knot.
Blending:
Also known as ‘hacking’. This is a process to blend different shades of hair to achieve the most realistic colour graduations. A popular example is the Hybrant colours produced by Noriko.
Bob Wigs:
A cropped hairstyle. We are proud to provide bob length wigs from all the popular ranges including Rene of Paris, Amore, Noriko, Trendco, Ellen Wille, Dimples, Natural Image and many more popular brands. These wigs can be Wefted, Monofilament, Lace Front and Human Hair styles. This style can be lower maintenance whilst providing a chic look.
Bonding:
A process by which a hair piece is glued onto the head for a period of time. This can sometimes be preferred by people who have no hair due to medical hair loss.
Bun:
Also known as a Chignon. The style is a very popular for special occasions such as weddings. Each bun attaches with either a clip, drawstring or is pinned securely onto the hair for a quick transformation. We have an extensive range of different bun styles, in order to cater for every occasion.
Butterfly Clip:
Butterfly-shaped spring comb with interlocking teeth. Very popular, easy and simple to use. Available in different lengths.
Cap:
The foundation of the wig. There are many types of caps and it is a very important choice when choosing the correct piece. From machine made wefted pieces, to fully hand tied pieces, it is the basis of good wig construction. When deciding on whether or not to have a wig cap with a wig, it is good to consider the positives of using a wig cap.
California Collection:
Designed with a creative and innovative flair and with the pursuit of excellence, these pieces include both Monofilament and soft Lace Front wigs. Modern, yet timeless styles for women of all ages. With the quality and comfort you have come to expect in today’s hair fashion industry.
Cap Construction:
There are a lot of different types of cap construction, and this is a major factor in choosing the correct piece. Options include lace front, hand tied, wefted, and monofilament wig constructions.
Capless:
Also known as ‘wefted’. One of the most popular types of cap constructions. Wefts of hair are sewn onto thin cotton ribbons. The ribbons are then constructed together on the wig. The ribbons are flexible and stretch so they can shape to the head of the wearer. The wefting is ‘open’, and allows for maximum ventilation.
Chignon:
A small add on worn as a bun on the lower back of the head. This allows you to experiment with different wig styles.
Claw Clip:
Spring comb attachment with interlocking teeth that open to attach to your hair at the crown area.
Clip On:
Simple, easy to use, extension which clip onto your own ponytail. There are lots of different styles and options to choose from.
Coarse Yaki Hair:
Hair texture designed to look and feel like African American hair, and may be wavy or curly. This is available in both synthetic and human hair.
Colour Ring:
Swatches of hair produced by the manufacturer to give a representation of the hair blends. Produced for all colour options, to give an idea of what the full piece would look like. More accurate than showing photos of what the hair colour looks like.
Conditioner:
A product used after shampooing the hair piece. Makes it easier to comb out the piece, and is available as a leave in or a wash. Caring for a wig using conditioner helps to prolong the life of a wig.
Cranial Prosthesis:
A general term used as a description for high-quality, hand-tied, pre-designed, and custom made piece for a person who suffers from total or severe hair loss.
Crown:
Area at the top of the head. Hair length is measured from this point.
Custom Made:
A piece which has been measured and designed for an individual. These pieces can take up to 12 weeks to process.
Cuticle:
The overlapping plates which form the outside of the human hair. The surface of a human hair strand is naturally covered by overlapping plates like scales.
Cyber hair:
High quality spun nylon made to look, feel, wash, move, and reflect light just like human hair. It is becoming increasingly well known as a replacement option for hair loss.
Detangler:
A product that is sprayed onto the hair or fibre to make the removal of knots and tangles easier after washing.
Double monofilament:
A softer, double monofilament material that will help to eliminate irritation against the scalp, provides a more comfortable and light-weight wig wearing experience. Hair is individually knotted onto the mesh which gives the wearer the ability to style the hair in any direction. Double Monofilament Wigs are usually preferred by women who suffer from medical hair loss.
Drawstring:
Tightening elastic drawstring which can be used in conjunction with combs to hold the piece in position. Simply Wigs are the UK leading supplier of drawstring hairpieces. Simply tie your hair into a ponytail, or a bun and then secure the pouch over your own hair. There is then a drawstring that you can pull to tighten. This type of attachment eliminates any bulk which you can sometimes have with clips, and also remains secure.
Ellen Wille:
Saying “the customer is king” is not enough for Ellen Wille. Her company philosophy has the number one top priority.A creative fashion emphasis on wigs and hair pieces and has incorporated the trends of the major fashion metropolises of Paris, New York, Tokyo and Milan in design, material and quality.
Ellen Wille The Hair Company exclusively sells collections created by her and exclusively produced for her across the whole world.
Enhancer:
Worn to fill in areas of thinness. Enhancers come in many different varieties and sizes. Some have honeycomb bases with room to pull your own hair through, while others attach with clips or combs. Also known as wiglets or additions.
European Hair:
Refers to Caucasian hair. This type of hair is flatter, smoother and softer compared to other types of hair, such as Asian or Oriental. It is also less plentiful and therefore more expensive.
Extended Wear:
Hair pieces that are bonded onto the scalp and are designed to stay on for 4-6 weeks before needing to be taken off. These are ideal for people who have complete hair loss.
Faux Hair:
Fake hair. Generally refers to synthetic hair.
Fall:
A partial wig that’s placed on the crown of your head and is designed to blend with the front of your own hair. There are three basic types: Full falls, Headband falls and Hat falls.
Feather Premier Wigs:
Using advanced construction techniques and technology, Feather Premier have created a brand that are the key to modern, lightweight, comfortable wigs. Their collection has been researched, designed and developed with the help of hair loss sufferers, nurses and specialists who have been able to provide a tremendous amount of input and feedback on the collection.
Foundation:
This is the base or cap to which the hair is attached. These keep existing hair in place, or act as a protective barrier to a hairless scalp.
French Top:
Light fabric lining, such as silk, which is placed under the cap area to simulate the colour and appearance of the natural scalp.
Fringe:
The hair at the front/top of the wig. The American term for the fringe is the ‘bangs’. There are lots of wig styles that incorporate a fringe.
Full Fall:
These allow the front of the wearer’s own hair to show and be blended into the hairpiece. Great for people who want the image of thicker, fuller hair.
Gem Collection:
Luxurious hand tied wigs made using the finest soft touch Remy human hair. The construction is made from lightweight monofilament. The Gem collection comprises of 5 regular cap size pieces, the petite cap Jet wig, and Sapphire wig. The Gem Collection also come un-styled for maximum durability so it is advised to get a professional hairdresser to cut them into shape.
Hair Extensions:
Hair strands, either one piece or multiple strands, that are designed to add length and volume to your own hair. May either be temporary or semi-permanent and are available in synthetic or human hair.
Hair Piece:
A term for any faux hair that is worn in place of growing hair. Specifically refers to a partial piece or add-on, which is used to create more volume or length on existing hair.
Hand-Tied:
Individual knots of hair or fibre are tied by hand to the base of the piece. Creates natural styling flexibility and resembles the movement of natural hair.
Hat falls:
Have a bare cap on top to which the hair or wefts are attached. To hide the wefting, they must be worn with a hat or scarf.
Headwear:
Our full range of scarves, turbans, hats and wraps are designed for women with hair loss from medical treatment, Alopecia, and other stresses. All of our headwear are made using the finest materials and are extremely comfortable and soft to wear against the head. Style and comfort in one.
Headband fall:
Can also be called a 3/4 wig. May have a detachable headband to hide the hair in front. This is a piece worn in addition to existing hair. Can be used to create volume, texture, length, or introduce a new colour to existing hair colour. These are worn on the back of the head, with existing hair on the front being styled in order to blend in with the headband. Usually connected with flexible combs.
Heat Friendly Fibre:
A special blend of fibre that is heat resistant and will allow you to use heated appliances. This helps to avoid damage to hair pieces as a result of styling.
Highlights:
Contrasting colours of hair to create a lighter appearance. Can be light or heavy streaks or blended throughout the piece. The amount of highlight can vary from product to product.
Honeycomb Wefting:
An area in a piece that is designed to pull your own hair through to create a natural blend.
Human Hair:
Comes in several different varieties (grades) including European, Asain, Indonesian and Chinese. The strongest and most durable being European hair. We have a large range of human hair wigs. A beautiful blend of luxury and comfort, available in a range of natural colours and fashionable styles. .
Human Hair Blend:
Combination of human hair and synthetic fibre, giving the piece great versatility. The fibre will tend to hold its shape after washing, and the human hair looks natural and is more durable.
Indian Hair:
Produced in India and is similar in texture to European hair. It is stronger, durable, fine, and has a good length, but has a lower cost than European hair.
Jaw Clip:
A clip that has two ‘jaws’ on a spring, which are round and interlock when closed. It is very easy to put on and take off. Also referred to as a claw clip.
Kanekalon:
A trademark for synthetic fibre that has been modified to resemble human hair. The benefits being lighter, stronger and more consistent than other types of fibres.
Kinky Yaki Hair:
Hair texture is designed to look and feel like African American hair. It is more natural looking and usually has a thicker texture than Straight (Silky) Yaki hair.
Kosher Wigs:
Kosher wigs do not contain any hair from India. Wigs are manufactured with rabbinic supervision, verifying that no hair from India has been used.
Lace Front:
Special type of construction found at the front of the piece designed with a sheer lace base. Made in real human hair or synthetic which is then handtied, to the lace base. This will give a very natural up-close appearance. In a lot of cases the lace will have to be trimmed back before wearing. Lace front wigs are known for providing natural and versatile wig styles
Ladies Wigs:
General classification for all Ladies Wigs that we sell. This search can be narrowed down by using the filter system to help you find an exact match for your requirements.
Large Wig:
A cap size that is designed for those with large size heads. This tends to be 23″ in circumference.
Machine Made Cap:
Hair is attached to the wig foundation on a special sewing machine. Most inexpensive wigs are machine-made.
Memory Cap
A wig that replaces the wide stretch lace used in most wigs, with a thinner, more resilient stretchy material that actually moulds to the shape of the head. This produces a lighter and more secure fit.
Monofilament (Mono):
Part of the construction of a piece. Made from using a thin, breathable nylon or polyester mesh material to give the illusion of skin. Being opaque you can still see the wearers natural scalp, to achieve a natural look. Hairs are then individually hand tied so the hair can be parted and brushed in any direction. The entire Monofilament wig may be hand tied, or the wig may have a monofilament top ,crown part or circle with wefted sides and back. A good choice for people with total hair loss as the cap is soft and causes less itching
Multidirectional:
Hand tied and monofilament pieces with skin tops will allow you to brush and part the hair in any direction allowing you to change the position from any side.
Nape:
The area at the back of the neck that is located just below the base of the Occipital bone.
Natural Image:
Aimed towards a broad range of clients. Natural Image wigs provide a very natural and lifelike appearance, and include a huge range of colour blends throughout the range. Whether you’re after the latest hairstyles or you require a more modest piece that will boost your confidence, Natural Image wigs will allow you to change your look instantly and effortlessly.
Occipital Bone:
The curved, expanded plate found at the back of the skull.
Open Ear Tabs:
A common feature which simply is a flexible opening in the cap to allow for a more comfortable and secure fit when wearing eyeglasses.
Part:
Refers to a break where the hair is parted and is usually located at the centre or side of the cap.
Petite wig:
A cap size which is designed to fit those with small size, heads. Normally about 20″ to 21″ in circumference.
Pinking Shears:
Scissors designed with a zigzag shape blade. Used to cut materials and help stop fraying.
Pre-Made Wig:
A ready made wig. The piece is ready to wear straight from the box.
Pre-Styled Wig:
The piece has been cut, styled, curled, and shaped at manufacturing stage. It may/can require further styling, but it saves time and effort from cutting and styling the wig yourself.
Processed Hair:
Chemically treated hair. In most cases the cuticle will be removed to allow the hair to lay in either direction without tangling. It may then be bleached and coloured to the shade required.
Ready to Wear Hair:
Pieces that need no cutting or styling. This is good for people who don’t feel confident in cutting or styling their own hair piece, or people who would rather save time by having hair that is ready to wear.
Regular Yaki Hair:
Hair texture is designed to look and feel like African American hair, and looks like relaxed hair but is not as silky as the Straight (Silky) version.
Remi/Remy Hair:
Human hair that has been processed and is cut with the cuticle going in the same direction, helping to reduce hair tangling easy. This hair has not been weakened through stripping. This results in stronger hair.
Shampoo
A liquid product used to wash wigs. Helps to keep wigs clean and prolong their life.
Simulated Part:
Parting that is not clearly defined and usually at the centre or side of the piece.
Straight (Silky) Yaki Hair:
Hair texture is designed to look and feel like African American and hair looks like hair that has been relaxed and flat-ironed.
Skin Part:
A natural part in a fixed area and gives the illusion of skin where it is parted. Cannot be changed or styled in another direction. Wigs with a skin part tend to be more expensive than full monofilament wigs, and still give a natural look.
Standard Cap:
The most common cap construction design type. Layers of hair are machine-sewed onto the cap, which has a closed lace layer at the crown. Due to the design you can get natural lift from the crown area to give volume.
Synthetic Hair:
A specially made synthetic fibre that appears to be human hair. It is not possible to colour or use heated appliances on synthetic fibre.
Thin Wefting:
A weft that has a single of layer of hair fibre spread apart which results in a lighter, cooler wig.
Three Quarter Cap (3/4 cap) :
A piece that covers the majority of the head except the front hairline. You can use your own hair to blend up and over the fall. Usually connects easily to your own hair with a series of flex combs.
Tape (Toupee Tape):
Thin plastic or cloth tape, which is sticky on both sides for securing a wig to the scalp. Available in various different types and strengths.
Tape Tab:
Strip of non-porous material sewn or bonded to the underside of a wig in order to create a surface to which to attach tape or adhesive.
Unprocessed Human Hair:
Human hair that has not been altered or chemically treated.
Under Knotting:
Hair is added to the edge of the underside of the piece to hide the edging of the cap. Commonly, added at the front to create a ‘soft edge’ but can be added around the perimeter of the piece depending on the effect required.
Value Added Tax (VAT):
A tax which is added to goods that are bought within the United Kingdom.
IF YOU WEAR A WIG FOR MEDICAL REASONS YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM BACK YOUR VAT.
Velcro Tabs:
Found in the nape of the wig and are the most common way of altering the size of the piece.
Velvet Front:
Small velvety soft material, which is inserted into the front of a wig to create a more comfortable fit at the hairline.
Ventilation:
Another name for the process of tying (knotting) individual hairs by hand into the base of the piece. Also known as Hand Venting.
Volume:
Refering to the fullness of a style. he majority of pieces are made to a medium density which will give the most natural effect.
Virgin Hair:
Human hair that is in it’s original state. It has not been chemically treated in any way. The same as unprocessed human hair.
Weaving
The process of forming a base along the scalp, in order to attach wefted hair.
Weft:
Hair which is held together on a thin material with fine threads. Single wefts can be used to create voloume and length as an extension or can be sewn together to make up the main body of a wig.
Wig:
One of the most important of wig terms; an artificial covering of hair for all or most of the head of either synthetic or natural hair.
Wiglet:
Worn to fill in areas of thinness. They come in many different varieties and sizes. Some have honeycomb bases with room to pull your own hair through, while others attach with clips or combs. Also known as additions or enhancers.
Wig Accessories:
All the little bits and pieces you may require to make looking after your wig or hairpiece as easy as possible. Wig Accessories are an important part of making sure that your piece is kept in the best possible condition.
Wig Cap:
Foundation or base of a wig to which the hair is attached. They are thin, stretchy, and close-fitting.
Wig Liner:
Thin nylon cap or mesh worn underneath the wig to help keep hair in place.
Yaki Hair:
Having the texture of chemically relaxed Afro Caribbean hair and available in four variations. Silky or Straight, Regular, Kinky and Coarse Yaki hair. The best quality Yaki hair is from Remi hair.
Hello. I am a cosmo student and I have been tasked with finding out what the “J” and “L” mean on the J&L hair color ring. All I can find is that it is some sort of color standardizing system. But, I would like to know what the letters stand for. Any help or assistance would be great. Thank you.