Types Of Wigs

Wigs come in different shapes and types, and are meant for different purposes, styles, and budgets. We’re going to discuss everything you need to know about the types of wigs in this article.

A wig is a head accessory made of human hair, animal hair, or synthetic fiber that is used to cover your head for aesthetic, protective, or religious purposes. It is used to conceal hair loss as it is a less intrusive and more affordable option than medical treatments for hair restoration.

If you want to learn more about the different types of wigs, keep reading til the end.

Below are the different types of wigs for you to learn about and choose from if you are considering buying one. There are seven main types, namely lace wigs, open cap wigs, monofilament wigs, combination wigs, skin top wigs, hand-tied wigs, and wefted wigs.

Let’s dive into what separates each wig from the rest so you can make an informed decision about your future purchase.

Lace Wigs

There are three types of lace wigs, the full lace, lace front, and 360 wigs. The most popular types of laces are HD lace and transparent lace, generally, HD lace wigs are better than transparent lace wigs.

Full Lace Wigs

Full lace wigs have a wig base made entirely of lace, allowing you to style and part the wig however you wish. Compared to other wig bases, the full lace base is lighter and more breathable.

These advantages are also why this kind of wig tends to cost more than others. They are high quality and made of a fine mesh base with hair knots manually hand-tied to it. With the right wig care products, a average full lace wig can last between 6 to 12 months, however, here at Keswigs, we craft our wigs with top-notch raw materials and craftsmanship, so our wigs can endure for several years.”

Check the below articles if you are interested in learning more about full lace wigs.

Lace Front Wigs

Lace front wigs continue to be popular among wig users and enthusiasts. The term lace front refers to the sheer lace on the front edges, which is meant to resemble a natural hairline. This gives your appearance more authenticity.

Lace front wigs can have different-sized laces to accommodate different head sizes. The most popular types of lace front wigs nowaday are 13×4 and 13×6 lace front wigs. To make the wig look more natural-looking, wearers tend to pre-pluck the hairline. Just like a full lace wig, depending on the material used and craftmanship, it can last between 6 months to several years with proper maintenance.

We have written several articles about lace front wigs, do check them out if you are interested!

360 Lace Wigs

360 lace wigs are also wigs made with lace all over the head, but with a cap made from a highly elastic, machine-made material where the human hair weave is sewn. They usually last about 6 months with proper care.

Open Cap Wigs

Open cap wigs, also known as basic wig caps, capless wigs, or wefted wigs are wigs with less dense hair wefts that are sewn in using vertical lace strips. As a result, it provides a lot of free space, creating a wig that is quite lightweight and breathable. Even if the name suggests that this type of wig is capless, this wig does, in fact, still have a cap.

Monofilament Wigs

Monofilament wigs have a fine layer of transparent micro-mesh at the parting, crown, or top portion. They come in either single or double monofilament.

Single Monofilament Wigs

The single monofilament wig design is one of the most common wig styles due to its seamless combination of long-lasting comfort and top-notch design. These wigs allow multidirectional styling and give the appearance of natural hair growth. It feels incredibly comfy and smooth against your scalp, allowing your skin to breathe as you wear it.

The monofilament wig’s sheer mesh is made from a sturdy synthetic fiber. The wig section has individual hairs that are hand-knotted to the structure for a natural look in the part or crown portion of the wig.

Double Monofilament Wigs

A double monofilament wig mesh also simulates natural hair growth from the scalp as each hair on the wig has been carefully hand-tied. Even up close, the monofilament mesh seems to have natural hair growth because of its sheerness.

The layer where the hair is tied is cushioned by a second monofilament layer, making it feel silkier and softer on the skin. Double monofilament wigs are an excellent option for wig wearers with sensitive scalps since they provide extra comfort and reduce itchiness.

Combination Wigs

Combination wigs are created by both hand and machine. For this reason, combination wigs are cheaper than those that are crafted by hand, while still offering the parting options available to monofilament wigs.

Monofilament Top Wigs

In a monofilament top wig, a large portion of the wig’s top features a carefully crafted monofilament structure, while the rest of the scalp is made of a machine-sewn open cap. This allows the wearer to part the wig in any direction on the monofilament area.

Monofilament Crown Wigs

These wigs have a small, round section at the crown area made of hand-tied monofilament material to imitate the scalp. This round section is then surrounded by an open cap that was made by a machine. Wearers can part the wig wherever they want in the monofilament portion.

Skin Top Wigs

Skin top wigs are made up of individual hair fibers implanted into an artificial plastic scalp base. Similar to how real hair grows, the cap’s hair emerges vertically. Since skin top wigs have a plastic scalp, it can be a little warm on the scalp.

This type of wig used to be the high-end choice for those who could afford them. However, due to developments in wig design, skin top wigs have become overshadowed by monofilament wigs, which are more comfortable and affordable.

Hand-tied Wigs

The most comfortable, realistic-looking, and the most expensive wigs available are hand-tied wigs. It is the pinnacle of luxury for wigs. The reason for this is that every single hair is manually knotted onto a soft and flexible material. This painstaking process means a single hand-tied wig can take up to 40 hours to make.

A 100 percent hand-tied wig features the softest, lightest, most natural-looking structure a wig can ever have. It can easily be parted, and it fully resembles your natural scalp.

Wefted Wigs

One of the most basic and cost-effective wig designs available is the wefted wig.

Women who still have hair and like to wear wigs occasionally usually achieve this style.

Wefted wigs are made up of several weft strips that are hand-tied, machine-stitched, or even both into a wig cap.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions relating to types of wigs and their quick answer.

What are the best types of wigs?

The best types of wigs are those with human hair rather than synthetic ones. As you may guess, human hair in wigs provides the most natural look as it falls and swings naturally. In addition, human hair can be styled to your liking, especially if it is virgin hair. You can blow dry, curl, or even iron it without the risk of immediately damaging it.

If you are looking for a specific type of wig to buy, then consider buying a lace wig or a monofilament wig, as these offer you good value for your money. If you have a little more budget, then the best type of wig to buy is a hand-tied wig for the premium experience it provides.

Why were wigs invented?

The history of wigs dates way back to ancient times. Wigs were initially invented by the ancient Egyptians to protect themselves from the sun’s heat, and for nobilities to show off their social status. In England during the 17th century, it was used for fashion, to cover up scarring, balding, and to protect their natural hair from lice.

Here is a detailed article about who invented wigs.

Who can wear wigs?

Wigs can be worn by anyone. They are available in several designs that are appropriate for both men and women, young and elderly. Wigs are an excellent way to experiment with a new look if you don’t want to risk cutting your natural hair. Also, they can be used by those who suffer from hair loss to further boost their confidence.

We have written a detailed article about why did men wear wigs, do take a look if you are interested.

Outro

I hope you learned a lot about the different types of wigs. They come in different constructions, costs, and styles, so take your pick! Find the right wig for you and start experimenting with your look. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.