What are the Different Types of Wigs?
If you’re longing to have a full head of beautiful, bouncy, healthy looking hair, a wig may be your best solution. But with so many different wig styles on the market the options are seemingly endless. How do you choose between the different wig styles and truly find the most suitable option for you?
First, don’t worry. By the end of this article you’ll know all about the different wig styles, will be able to distinguish synthetic hair from human hair wigs, and have a better understanding of which wigs will allow you to create the hairstyles best suited to your lifestyle and needs.
At Daniel Alain, we’re experts in human hair wigs but nothing matters more than empowering you to make the right choice when it comes to alternative hair. Whether this is your first wig or your fifth, keep reading to find your perfect fit.
What Are the Different Wig Types?
Human Hair Wigs
Human hair wigs are made from real human hair that has been collected or donated and made into wigs. They come in varying degrees of quality and craftsmanship which is reflected in the price tag. Low cost human hair wigs may start at a few hundred dollars while premium pieces run well into the thousands.
Human hair wigs have a level of sophistication synthetic pieces cannot replicate and because it’s real hair, they offer unmatched realism and styling options. You can curl, color, and cut human hair wigs just like your natural hair, giving you complete control over the final look.
Human hair wigs are the industry’s gold standard, but some hair is higher quality and thus more expensive than others. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more common types of human hair that’s used to make human hair wigs.
Virgin Hair
Virgin hair refers to 100% human hair that has never been touched by synthetic dyes or chemical treatments. Although virgin hair was more common in past decades, it’s a rarity today.
Remy Hair
Some wig manufacturers use the words virgin and Remy interchangeably, but the two are quite different.
Remy hair can be either virgin or chemically treated, but the main differentiating factor is that all the hair strands face the same direction. This alignment prevents tangling and matting, two things all too common with lesser-quality human hair wigs.
Even though Remy hair is likely to have been chemically treated, it's still considered high-quality human hair.
European Hair
European hair is undoubtedly the most sought-after type of hair on the market. And it's easy to see why—European hair is incredibly soft and silky, showcasing its natural luster and beauty. It’s much finer than other types of human hair, giving your wig a light, airy feel that still offers plenty of volume and movement.
Despite its popularity, European human hair wigs are quite rare due to the scarce donor population. Only a select group of manufacturers have sourced these luxurious strands directly from the source. Where? Usually Eastern Europe.
But nowadays, it’s virtually impossible to obtain with the rise in economic and financial stability, meaning, less women donate their hair as their source of income.
Daniel Alain has the world’s only private reserve of genuine 100% European human hair, and our team of experts hand-select each individual strand. This detailed process ensures only the best hair is used in our premium wigs.
Indian Hair
Arguably one of the most readily available hair types on the market, Indian hair is collected from Hindu temples where women donate their hair as part of a religious ritual.
But that’s not the only source for Indian hair. Some Indian women volunteer and sell their sleek, thick locks to create fine human hair wigs. Because the donor population is so large, Indian hair is relatively inexpensive and easy to come by. Unfortunately, though, most Indian human hair is “waste hair,” collected from hairbrushes and salon floors.
One thing that sets Indian hair apart is its natural thickness. This can give certain wig types and toppers a more voluminous look—particularly helpful if you have thinning hair and want to add a little bit of extra fullness. It's also very versatile, so you can style it straight, curly, or wavy to suit your needs.
Asian Hair
Asian hair is also quite strong, so it can stand up to heat styling and other types of hair manipulation. This makes it a good choice if you're looking for a wig that's easy to style and maintain.
Asian hair used in today’s wig market is notoriously low-quality—and this is unfortunately a result of low-quality production methods. If you do decide to rock an Asian hair wig, consider the manufacturer's sourcing methods.
Some will construct wigs out of "waste" hair without disclosing this information to customers. Do your research and only buy from a reputable wig manufacturer to ensure you're getting a quality product.
Synthetic Wigs
Synthetic hair is made from man-made fibers that are chemically processed through a process of heat treatments to replicate natural human hair. Synthetic hair has come a long way over recent years but it’s not an exact match to the movement and texture of natural hair. It tends to look overly shiny and stiff for example, and because of this, it’s usually more obvious it’s a wig.
The fibers of synthetic wigs come with a preset style that bounces back into place even after washing, so they’re a great option if you’re just looking for something to pop on your head as you head out the door. You can’t customize synthetic wigs with a cut or color, and they can’t be heat styled unless it’s made from heat-friendly synthetic hair.
Because they’re machine-made and mass-produced, synthetic hair pieces are a low-cost option so they’re a good option if budget is your main priority.
Wig Styles and Cap Constructions Explained
Now you know about the different wig styles, let’s explore the different cap constructions, as this will affect how comfortable the hair piece feels, even on sensitive scalps, and how realistic it looks.
Lace Front Wigs
Everyone wants their wig to look natural, and nothing accomplishes this tricky feat quite like a lace front wig.
This type of construction offers a realistic hairline that naturally mimics the real thing by either extending from temple to temple or from ear to ear.
Many straight lace front wigs need to be pre cut before you wear them for the most realistic hairline, but it’s simple to do with a small pair of scissors and a steady hand.
The only real downside of lace front wigs is they're delicate and require extra care. But as long as you're gentle and follow the recommended maintenance guidelines, you'll have no problem enjoying your piece for years to come.
Monofilament Wigs
Serving as one of the most important features of a wig is a realistic part line—the scalp you see when the hair on the wig is parted. It looks incredibly realistic on monofilament wigs, which are constructed using multiple layers of materials that make it seem like the hair is growing from your scalp. This wig style can be hotter to wear in warmer weather, so if you have a sensitive scalp, you may want to try them out before making a purchase.
Hand-tied Wigs
Hand-tied wigs are made with hair that's been manually tied and knotted onto the lace of the wig cap. The result is a super light, comfortable, flexible, and natural-looking wig that you can style in endless ways.
Hand-tied wigs offer the most styling versatility—the crème de la crème of wig constructions. These pieces have medium density hair strands, giving them realistic volume and bounce. And because the knots are so small, the hairline looks incredibly natural and seamless.
Although this wig’s lightness might make it feel less durable, it’ll last just as long as any other wig on the market with proper care.
Wefted Wigs
Wigs with wefts are machine-made and fast to produce. Hair is sewn together into strips, similar to how extension wefts are made, and then sewn onto the wig cap. These wigs are more affordable because there’s less craftsmanship involved, but the way the hair hangs means there’s less natural movement. It’s more difficult, but not impossible, to create high hairstyles and updos like ponytails or high buns because of the wefts.
Glueless Wigs
We’re often asked if all wigs need to be adhered to the head with glue, and whilst wigs can be glued to hold them in place, our wigs are secured with clips, combs, or silicone patches (for people with total hair loss) they do not need to be glued down. Glueless wigs are a perfect option for people who wear wigs every day and take them off at night.
We recommend not sleeping in your wig as this will help preserve the longevity of the hair. Removing your glueless wig at night reduces friction against the pillow and helps maintain and style. Your curls will last much longer and you won’t have to heat style the hair as often.
Popular Wig Hair Styles
Being able to customize your wig is often important for people who want their hair to look and feel the most natural, especially when experiencing hair loss. Wigs made from real hair offer the most opportunities when it comes to creating different wig hair styles. Let’s explore some of the ways you can make these pieces truly feel like you.
Length and Shape
Whether you like short, mid-length, or long hair, there’s going to be something that’s the perfect length for you. At Daniel Alain, we sell layered wigs where every strand of hair is the same length. We recommend taking your piece to a stylist who is experienced in working with high-quality pieces and having it trimmed with face-framing pieces, bangs, or a blunt cut—whatever helps to make the piece feel more like you.
Texture and Movement
Creating different styles for wigs is often key to owning your look, and with real hair you can use hot tools like straighteners or curling irons to recreate a range of wig hair styles. Whether you prefer to wear your hair straight, with soft waves, or bouncy curls, there are endless ways to bring glamour and sophistication to your every day look. Just remember, if you’re using hot tools on a real hair wig to create curls, always use a heat protectant and keep the temperature around 350 degrees.
Curls are one of the most popular looks right now. To learn how to create this look at home, watch our video on how to curl your wig like a pro. To preserve your curls, give them a light spray of hairspray and you’re ready to go! Keep your curls lasting as long as possible by not sleeping in your wigs, and use a brush or wide tooth comb to regularly brush out tangles and minimize any damage.
Color and Dimension
Once you’ve mastered your signature wig hairstyle, it’s time to consider color. Some people prefer to choose a color that closely resembles their own natural hair, while others use the opportunity to try a completely new look. The right choice is whatever feels best for you!
Colored wigs will need a color touch up about every 6 months or so. Just like natural hair, human hair wigs will fade over time with exposure to the sun. To keep the color in your wig lasting as long as possible, store it away from direct sunlight and apply a UV protected spray now and then. Section your hair and spray each portion with a liberal amount of product.
What Type of Wig is Best for Me?
Different wig styles, including the different materials and cap constructions, can be a tricky thing to navigate when you’re first starting out. Throw in the different wig hair styles, and you can almost become overwhelmed with choice.
This article has provided you with a breakdown of the main categories and taught you a bit about choosing the right wig hair style for you. It’s all about maximum comfort and security, but more of all, it’s about finding an option that makes you feel like you.
If you are ready to learn more about the options at Daniel Alain, we’re happy to help. Book a free consultation with one of our experts who can talk you through our products and help you make the right choice.
