Wigs are a fantastic option for individuals wanting to create a unique style with easy maintenance or those looking to disguise hair thinning or loss. If you’re new to the world of wigs, you may be unfamiliar with the wide range of wig terms out there. So, now might be the time to familiarise yourself with the different styles, cap constructions, fibres, and more as you start to discover what kinds of wigs are right for you. Let’s get right to it!
Key Wig Terms
Cap Constructions
Wig Cap
A wig cap is the foundation material of a wig onto which the hairs or fibres are attached. They come in a variety of materials and styles.
Ear Tabs
These little tabs lay on the wig’s sides in front of the ear and near the temple to help adjust the wig’s placement.
Hand Tied
In hand-tied wigs, every synthetic fibre or strand of hair is sewn into the cap individually using a hand-knotting technique. While this technique does create exquisite wigs with loose, natural movement, it also results in a higher price tag.
Lace Front
The lace front refers to wigs with a piece of lace at the hairline which can be trimmed to create a natural-looking hairline.
Monofilament
A monofilament uses a layer of transparent micro-mesh on the cap, to which individual hairs can be tied to look like natural hair growth. A double monofilament wig has two of these layers of mesh to protect the scalp; these wigs feel luxuriously soft.
Nape
This part of the wig rests on the back of the neck.
Non-Slip Material
The name is fairly self-explanatory – non-slip materials stop your wig from moving out of place! You might also use wig tape to keep your wig extra secure, especially on windy days!
Weft
A weft is a piece of material with synthetic or human hairs machine-sewn onto it
Wefted Cap
A wefted wig cap is a less dense style, made from wefts of hair spaced out over the cap. These are often the most affordable wigs, although if you like to style your wig this style may not be for you.
You can learn about the different wig cap constructions in more detail in our handy guide!
Fibres
Human Hair Wig
Human hair wigs are different from synthetic wigs as they are made up of real human hairs. This makes them more natural-looking and versatile than synthetic wigs, but also a little more expensive.
Synthetic Hair Wig
Synthetic fibres are typically made up of processed plastics, such as acrylic, silk and polyester. Check out our guide to synthetic wigs for more information.
Heat-Friendly or Heat-Resistant
Heat-resistant fibre wigs are – you guessed it! – specifically designed to withstand higher temperatures so that you can apply a hair dryer, hair straighteners, and other heated styling tools.
Permatease
A permatease is a dense part of hair that creates fabulous volume and hides any wefts.
Remy
Remy is a wig term that refers to human hair wigs where all of the strands of hair are aligned so that every cuticle is aligned in the same direction. This helps prevent tangling and offers natural bounce and sway.
Lengths
Cropped Wigs
Cropped wigs are a very short style of wig, typically measuring in at under six inches long.
Denier
This wig term refers to a measurement which establishes the individual strands’ thickness.
Density
Density is a wig term used to describe how closely hair strands are combined. Don’t mix this one up with denier!
Long Hair
Long wigs measure twenty-four to thirty-two inches, typically settling between the armpit and tailbone.
Medium Hair
Medium wigs, also known as shoulder-length wigs, fall in the range of fourteen to twenty two inches, usually ending between your shoulders and armpits.
Short Hair
Short wigs refer to wigs that are six to twelve inches, dropping between the ears and chin.
Styles
Fringe
Sometimes referred to as bangs, the wig’s fringe is the part of the hair that falls over your forehead. You can rock this style either straight or to the side – check out our guide to wigs with fringes for styling tips.
Pre-Styled
You’ll be pleased to know that a pre-styled wig is easy to pull off since it has already been cut and shaped by its producer. This means you can put it on and head straight out the door!
Root-Crimped
A root-crimped wig is textured at the base to add more volume to your trendy look.
Colours
Bleached Knots
Bleached knots are small knotted hair pieces which are bleached to remove darker colours and match the lighter-coloured hair fibres.
Frosted Colour
This cool colour effect uses a 50-50 ratio of two colours which softly blend together.
Swatch
A swatch is a sample picture of your wig colour. You can typically find this in the form of a shaded square.
Rooted Colours
This wig term refers to trendy-looking fibres with darker roots and lighter ends.
Added Extras
Adjustable Pull Straps
These straps are used to change your wig cap size, making it more comfortable to wear.
Butterfly Clip
Butterfly clips are interlocking combs which fasten under the wig hair.
Comfort Strip
This strip joins the monofilament to the fringe for added comfort.
Hairpiece
While wigs cover the whole head, a hairpiece is an added piece of human or synthetic hair, including fringes and ponytails.
Stretch Ribbon Lace
A stretch ribbon lace is used for added security in a wig cap’s lining.
Toupee
Unlike a wig, a toupee is a small section of hair used to cover only a particular spot rather than the whole thing.
Hopefully, we have clued you up on the different wig terms you need to know to help you become an expert. Just remember, it’s natural to struggle to remember all of these terms, but you can always come back to this glossary to continue mastering the jargon like a pro!
To put your new knowledge to use, why not browse our collection of gorgeous ladies’ wigs?
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