The different types of wigs

In today’s society, wearing wigs is becoming more popular than ever. Women in particular are drawn to wearing wigs, and celebrities including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Jenna Jameson, Tyra Banks and Britney Spears have furthered the popularity of fake hairpieces by sporting wigs in their everyday lives.

Of course, most people who wear wigs do so due to severe hair loss caused by aging or a variety of diseases. Women undergoing chemotherapy treatments and experiencing hair loss also frequently wear wigs. But aside from hiding baldness, people are starting to wear wigs for fashion reasons. Wigs offer an easy way to change a style or don a perfectly cut and styled hairstyle. Additionally, some religious and cultural practices require the wearing of wigs.

No matter what people (and women in particular) wear wigs for, there are a variety of different wigs that vary in material and fit that people should be aware of before purchasing a wig for themselves. Above all, if you’re looking for a wig, you’ll want one that feels comfortable and looks natural.

Standard Cap Wigs

First of all, if you are thinking of buying a wig, it is important to know the different parts of the wig. And besides the hair, the most important part of the wig is the cap. The cap is the base of the wig that sits on top of the head and is what the hair is attached to. There are a variety of different caps used on wigs, including the standard cap, which is the most common and most affordable type of wig cap. On a standard cap, the hair is machine-sewn to the cap. The layers of hair on the cap are pre-designed in a particular style, and the crown of the cap is frequently teased or curled so that viewers cannot see through the hair and see the cap. People like these standard cap wigs because they give the hair a lift that makes it appear more voluminous.

Monofilament Cap Wigs

Another type of cap is the monofilament cap which incorporates a thin piece of material in the crown that is made of nylon or polyester mesh. The mesh is breathable and presents an illusion of skin, and because of its mesh, the wearer’s scalp is partially revealed, which is beneficial because the base of the wig naturally reveals the scalp as normal hair does. With a monofilament cap, the revealed scalp is the natural color of the wearer’s skin.

People love these types of wigs because they look very natural and are versatile. They can be styled in different ways because each hair on a monofilament beanie is individually hand-tied at the crown so the hair can be brushed or parted in any direction. The monofilament cap is also soft and more comfortable to wear than other types of wigs.

capless wigs

Some wigs are also capless. These wigs are lighter than cap wigs and are not as warm when worn. Instead of a cap, they have vertical lace straps, with gaps between the straps, making them one of the most breathable types of wigs.

human hair wigs

Wigs also vary widely in material. Some of the best wigs are made from human hair. Human hair wigs are the most natural looking wigs, but they are more expensive than wigs made from synthetic materials. With human hair wigs, hair can be cut, styled, colored, or permed just like natural hair. There are basically four different types of human hair used in wigs, and they are Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Caucasian, so people of different ethnicities can find a wig that is perfect for them. But because they are made from real human hair, these wigs also need to be cared for as if they were the result of natural hair growth, which means shampooing, drying, combing and conditioning. Essentially, these wigs offer all the benefits and work of having real human hair.

Synthetic Wigs

Wigs can also be made from a variety of other materials, such as horsehair, wool, feathers, or buffalo hair. But aside from human hair, the most popular types of materials used to make wigs are synthetic fibers. And many of the higher quality synthetic wigs are nearly indistinguishable from human hair wigs. And synthetic wigs offer the benefits of being easier to care for and cost less than human hair wigs. However, they are not meant to be styled and can be damaged if a person used curling irons, blow dryers, or hot rollers to style them.

lace wigs

Lace wigs are a particularly popular type of wig because they provide a more natural look than many other wigs. Most of the time, this is the type of wig that is usually worn by celebrities. Lace wigs are full wigs that have a mesh lace attached to the front of the wig just past the hairline. The wig’s mesh cord is custom fitted to the wearer’s head and is trimmed and (temporarily) glued to a person’s skin around the hairline. The hair on the wig prevents anyone from seeing the mesh lace, and it is the lace that allows the hair to part naturally on a person’s head.

vacuum wigs

Vacuum wigs are another popular type of wig that are custom designed to fit the wearer’s head. First, a plaster cast of a person’s head is taken so professionals can create a wig that provides the proper fit and produces suction on the head. Vacuum wigs have a silicone base on which the hair is injected. Because the base is solid, these wigs can get quite warm and may take some time to adjust; however, their custom design and great detail make vacuum wigs some of the most expensive on the market, as well as some of the most sought after.

So whether you’re looking for a wig to cover up your bald spot or simply to change your hairstyle, knowing more about the different types of wigs available can help you determine which type of wig is right for you.