Ask an Expert: What’s the Difference Between Various Wig Types on the Market?

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Our expert, Emmy Award-Winning celebrity hair designer and creator of the Crown Hadiiya Barbel is back to answer another reader’s question.

Question:   What are the main differences between various wig types currently on the market?

Answer:

U- Shaped – Is a wig with an opening that clips in and you can pull your natural hair through to give the look of a blend, which is similar to how a weave is done and looks. This works best if the exact texture of your natural hair and the wig is a match.  If not, then a wig with full coverage is best.

Full Lace -This has the most flexibility and can even be worn in a high ponytail! This is made from a stretch cap in most cases. Individual strands are pulled through the cap and gives the illusion of hair coming from the scalp. It must be applied with an adhesive like tape or bonding glue. This gives the most authentic hairline for the full coverage but is very delicate and must be treated with care. It is possible to sew combs or clips on the full lace when adhesives are not desired.

Lace Front  – Unlike the full lace wig, a lace front only has about 2-3.5″ of lace in the front of the wig and machine wefts are in the back. This doesn’t allow as much flexibility as a full lace wig but is much more durable. You can still wear it in a high pony in some cases depending on how it is made.

Closure  – A closure is not a wig but an attachment used to close a weave without the use of the natural hair. This mimics either a lace wig or a silk top and is usually sewn in along with weaving or making a custom wig by hand.

Silk Top Wig – This is the most natural looking scalp compared to all wigs. Most high end wigs use a silk top as the knots are hidden under a second piece of material which gives an illusion of “flesh tone”. There is some flexibility and it is usually multi-directional at the Crown of the head. You cannot wear this in a high ponytail or off the face unless intricate detailing and styling is done to it by a professional. Machine wefts are in the back. This is secured with combs or clips that snap in.

Half Wig – A half wig is basically half of a wig (the bottom half.) This is used when one wants to add fullness and body to their hair along with some length. This is a popular option for women who may not want to cover their entire hair but need fullness and a bit of length. This is secured with combs or clips that snap in.

Monofilament Wig The monofilament fabric itself is nearly transparent, and so takes on the approximate color of your own natural scalp, whatever shade that is.  It has been said that a monofilament part is the most natural looking part in the wig industry, because it bares the natural scalp color of the wearer but has a section in the back which is more traditional in construction. This allows you to adjust the size of your fit to perfection.  I recommend this for women who have hair loss issues because it’s the perfect fit, doesn’t irritate the scalp, is flexible and looks very natural.

I hope these explanations were helpful and you enjoyed taking the Crown Culture journey with me…

Remember, if you have questions for our experts you can submit them on our submissions page. For more information on Hadiiya and her collection, please visit HadiiyaBarbel.com. Hadiiya’s new boutique which carries her line of Crowns along with other Goddess adornments such as waist beads and jewelry will open in New York City this month.

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