Are all the surrounding surrounding lace wigs confusing you? As a first time buyer the idea of a lace wig may be exciting yet confusing all at the same time. With terms such as full lace wigs, monofilament lace wig caps, ear to ear stretch lace, and vapon glue, it is very easy to get lost in the mix. If you are searching for not just answers but definitions, this simple guide will explain the essential lace wig terms for beginners.
Lace Wig
A lace wig is the general term for any wig that includes lace. Lace is installed for a natural hair appearance around the hairline or through the scalp. Lace types and benefits vary greatly. Lace wigs have long been used in Hollywood and in the hair industry. More recently, lace wigs have made their way to the consumer market for anyone to use.
Lace Front Wig
A lace front wig is a normal wig that contains lace within the first few inches of the hairline for a natural appearance. Some lace front wigs include lace near the hairline as well as near the nape of the neck. A traditional lace front wig sole has lace in the front. Discounted prices and synthetic hair is popular with lace front wig makers.
Lace frontal
A lace frontal is very different from a lace front wig yet many people are confused between these two terms. A lace frontal is not a full wig. A lace frontal is a partial unit that begins at the hairline and continues three to five inches back before the crown of the head.
A lace frontal has many applications. For women who have suffered from hair damage, receding hairlines or alopecia, lace frontals aid in natural and fuller hair. Since most damage is incurred in the first few inches of the hairline, lace frontal cover this damage. Also, many women who simply want a natural hairline for hair extensions or weaves install lace frontals.
Bleached Knots
Each hair on a lace-wig is individually tied onto the lace. At the end of each tied hair is a small knot. These knots are typically bleached to create the look of hair growing from the scalp. For lighter colored hair, knots do not need to be bleached. The darker the hair color, the better it is the bleach the knot.
Celebrity lace wig
Celebrity lace-wigs are inspired by popular celebrity styles. For those looking for pre-made and pre-styled lace-wigs, celebrity styles are a great way to get fashionable and current looks. Beyonce, Rihanna, Tyra Banks, Ciara, Janet Jackson, and Kimora Lee Simons are just a few of the celebrities that lace-wigs are styled afterwards.
Full Lace Wig
Full lace-wigs have lace throughout the unit unlike front lace-wigs. This allows the wearer to part the hair through the hair instead of just at the hairline. Anyone who would like to wear high ponytails should purchase a full lace wig.
French Lace
French lace is a popular lace type. French lace is one of most durable and suggested for new lace wig wearers. French lace is a good option but not as fine or delicate as other types. Beside it not being as delicate, French lace is still very natural looking.
Swiss Lace
Swiss lace is the most delicate lace type and very fine. This is the least detectable lace and has the most natural appearance. The only issue that some people have with Swiss lace is that it can be damaged very easily. Swiss lace is suggested for only experienced wig wearers or for those who have it professionally installed and removed.
Monofilament Cap
Monofilament cap is an alternative to lace wig caps. A monofilament cap or mono-cap is a nylon based cap similar to pantyhose. The hair is laced through in a way that it can swivel in multiple directions and move like natural hair. It blows very well and is good for warmer months.
Thin Skin
Thin skin is a polyurethane cap that is made to give the appearance of a natural scalp. The thin skin is matched to your skin color and has a light texture to match the look of the scalp. Thin skin is very durable and is good for those who would like to remove and cleanse their hair often. Unlike lace which damages easily, thin skin is more durable and can be handled as such. The only downside to thin skin is that it does not breathe as well as other cap types and is not recommended for the summer months.
Virgin Indian Remy
Virgin Indian Remy is the best hair to use for a human hair lace wig. Virgin Indian remy is almost exclusively used for human hair full lace wigs. Indian remy is simply Indian hair from India. Indian hair matches very well with African-American hair as it has more thickness than European hair. It is considered virgin hair because is unprocessed and still retains the cuticle. The cuticle is the natural part near the root of the hair to allow the hair to move how human hair moves. Unprocessed hair is untreated with chemicals and sheens that many traditional wigs possess.
Density
Density is the thickness that hair on a lace wig is installed. There are three different density types. Light density is at 60% of the natural hair density and is used near the hairline. Medium density is at 100% of the natural hair and is used for the majority of the wig. Heavy density is at 150% and used near thicker sections such as the crown and closer to the back of the head. For the most natural looking lace wig, blended density from light to medium or light to medium / heavy mix should be used.
Nape
The nape is the back of the neck where the hair ends. When lace is installed in this area, high ponytails can be worn. Search for packaging that states lace at nape or similar. All full lace wigs have lace at the nape. Some wigs also have lace around the front and back perimeters for natural hairlines and updos.
Custom lace
Custom lace wigs are handmade to your specifications. While wig length, length and style can be chosen from any stock wig, a custom lace wig fits the exact measurements of your own head. In addition, the density, lace type, and if you want baby hair can be chosen.