Women’s Wigs, Hairpieces, and Toppers

Women’s hair-wearing needs can vary greatly depending on the type of hair loss they are experiencing. The vast majority of women experiencing hair loss suffer from common androgenetic alopecia, similar to men. However, this extremely common condition typically manifests as a more diffuse form of hair loss in women than in men, who often experience a more distinct pattern of hair loss, typically sparing the back and sides of the scalp.

Navigating the women’s hair replacement industry can be incredibly confusing without expert guidance. In today’s era of “wigfluencers” and the culture of ordering hair online driven by social media, the industry has become notably deceptive. Prices for wigs and toppers can range from a few hundred dollars to well over ten thousand dollars. More often than not, women find themselves disappointed and disillusioned after purchasing what looks great on social media, only to end up with an artificial appearance or facing issues like extreme tangling, problems with fit, style, or color.

Wearing hair well is entirely achievable, but the industry, as a whole, has become a breeding ground for misinformation. Being armed with the knowledge you need to make truly informed decisions will not only save you money and time but also spare you from the emotional rollercoaster that many individuals fall prey to in this predominantly online industry.

Women’s Wigs

Wigs come in various styles and constructions, each designed to provide a different look, comfort, and realism. Here’s a detailed explanation of the most worn wig types:

Lace Top with Lace Front Wig:

• Lace Front: These wigs have a thin lace material at the front of the wig cap, typically extending from ear to ear. This lace is designed to mimic the appearance of a natural hairline, allowing for a seamless blend between the wig and your skin. It’s important to note that lace front wigs may require customization to match your own hairline perfectly.
• Lace Top: A lace top wig has a lace cap at the crown, which allows for versatile parting and a natural-looking scalp appearance. The hair strands are individually hand-tied to the lace top, giving the illusion of hair growing directly from the scalp. Some issues that can be seen with darker hair or knots that are not bleached, is a less than natural grid-like appearance in the part line, which can be camouflaged with certain makeups as well as specific “skin” colored tapes used under the part line. It’s also important to note that lace top/lace front wigs are more fragile and will usually need to be handled more gently when washed and styled, etc.

Silk Top, French Top, and Skin Top Wigs:

• These wigs feature a silk or French lace material at the crown or parting area. The silk top mimics the appearance of a real scalp, and hair strands are knotted under the silk, giving the illusion of hair growing from the scalp. Silk tops are known for their realistic parting and natural look, but this can also be seen as subjective. For some, lace tops can appear more natural depending on several variables, including, but not limited to, hair color and texture.

Silk Top with Lace Front Wig:

• This type of wig combines the features of a silk top at the crown with a lace front. The lace front provides a natural hairline, while the silk top at the crown allows for versatile parting and the illusion of a real scalp.

Silk Top with Closed Front Wig:

• In a silk top with a closed front wig, you have a silk or French lace top at the crown, similar to the silk top wig. However, it doesn’t feature a lace front. Instead, the hairline area is closed, which means you won’t have the same lace-front natural hairline effect. This type of wig is typically used when you want a realistic scalp appearance without the need for lace at the front. This is an overall, more durable option that is perfect for women who can blend their existing natural hairline or who feel comfortable and enjoy wearing bangs. However, if the hairline cannot be camouflaged to some degree, closed front wigs can give the appearance of being less natural in the hairline for many women.

Lace Top Wigs and Silk Top Wigs with Closed Wefted Construction:

• Closed Wefted: Closed wefted wigs have rows of hair sewn closely together onto a fine mesh or fabric base. These wefts are sewn onto a fabric or mesh base beneath the lace top or silk top. The lace top/silk top creates a natural parting space. This construction method allows for no visible gaps between wefts. They are generally less expensive and more durable than a fully hand tied wig.
• Open Wefted: Open wefted wigs are constructed with rows of wefts that are sewn onto the cap with small gaps in between. These gaps create ventilation, making open wefted wigs lighter and cooler to wear. Open wefted wigs are often a more budget-friendly option compared to closed wefted wigs.

Hand Tied Wigs:

• Hand Tied: Hand-tied wigs are made with the most intricate and labor-intensive method. In a hand-tied wig, individual hair strands are meticulously hand-knotted to the wig cap, creating a highly natural and lifelike appearance. This method allows for natural movement and the flexibility to part the hair in any direction. Another primary benefit of hand-tied wigs is that there are no wefts; you don’t have to worry if the wind blows, the wefts are showing. When you touch the scalp, you aren’t feeling wefts.
• Hair Appearance: Hand tied wigs are renowned for their exceptional realism. They provide an overall authentic look, as do closed wefted wigs. However, a significant advantage lies in their cap comfort and natural flow. These wigs are often the top choice for those seeking the most genuine and comfortable wig experience. When making your choice among closed wefted, hand-tied, and open wefted wigs, it largely hinges on your priorities, encompassing realism, comfort, and budget. Closed wefted wigs offer a natural appearance, while hand-tied wigs rank as the most lifelike, but tend to be more costly. Open wefted wigs present an economical option, albeit potentially with a lower level of natural appearance. Your individual needs and preferences should guide your selection of the appropriate construction for your lace top or silk top wig.