Wigs Online at Gflashy

  Welcome to Lace Frontier, a monthly column in which we dive into the dynamic, ever-changing world of wigs, its relevance in our culture, and, of course, tips on how to get all your pieces looking right. Today, we start with the basics — the vocabulary you need to, at the very least, not make a fool of yourself when you head to the beauty supply shop. Read on to find out the basics of what kind of wigs are on the market, how much they cost, and how to properly care for them. Wigs are having a major moment in the beauty industry. They’ve been a longtime staple for event-going celebrities looking to quickly change their hairstyle for the red carpet without damaging their own hair. But beyond the world of stardom (and perhaps your aunties), wigs have been gaining major steam on social media, where skilled hairstylists showcase their magic for the masses. Every other day, it seems, a stylist goes viral for flawlessly blending a unit to the point where it looks exactly like it could be the client’s own hair. And just as there are many different ways to style a wig, there are many different kinds of wigs to style. Frontals, full-lace wigs, synthetic units — you've got options, baby. Whether you’re a naturalista who wants to switch it up without putting stress on your strands, or you’re simply looking for a change without the commitment, wigs are an incredibly versatile and convenient option to consider. “People don’t like to put heat on [or color] their natural hair. With these wigs, [you can] change your hairstyle frequently without ruining the integrity of your natural hair," Kellon Deryck, hairstylist and the mastermind behind Cardi B’s half-up, half-down style at Coachella, explains. "So you get this flawless look without having to press out your edges or color your hair time after time.”

  Welcome to Lace Frontier, a monthly column in which we dive into the dynamic, ever-changing world of wigs, its relevance in our culture, and, of course, tips on how to get all your pieces looking right. Today, we start with the basics — the vocabulary you need to, at the very least, not make a fool of yourself when you head to the beauty supply shop. Read on to find out the basics of what kind of wigs are on the market, how much they cost, and how to properly care for them. Wigs are having a major moment in the beauty industry. They’ve been a longtime staple for event-going celebrities looking to quickly change their hairstyle for the red carpet without damaging their own hair. But beyond the world of stardom (and perhaps your aunties), wigs have been gaining major steam on social media, where skilled hairstylists showcase their magic for the masses. Every other day, it seems, a stylist goes viral for flawlessly blending a unit to the point where it looks exactly like it could be the client’s own hair. And just as there are many different ways to style a wig, there are many different kinds of wigs to style. Frontals, full-lace wigs, synthetic units — you've got options, baby. Whether you’re a naturalista who wants to switch it up without putting stress on your strands, or you’re simply looking for a change without the commitment, wigs are an incredibly versatile and convenient option to consider. “People don’t like to put heat on [or color] their natural hair. With these wigs, [you can] change your hairstyle frequently without ruining the integrity of your natural hair," Kellon Deryck, hairstylist and the mastermind behind Cardi B’s half-up, half-down style at Coachella, explains. "So you get this flawless look without having to press out your edges or color your hair time after time.”

 Types of Wigs 1) Ready-Made Wigs These are readily available at local beauty supply stores and hair vendors. They are prestyled, often synthetic, one-size-fits-all creations that can be adjusted to the wearer’s head, and sold at a set price. For those of us with limited disposable income, they are usually budget-friendly, ranging from $20 to $400; though, in my experience, $150 is the average. Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS

 A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG 2) Lace-Front Wigs These are typically human-hair made, with a closure (a hairpiece that looks like your natural scalp) sewn on the unit's crown that can only be parted one or two ways in the front. Afterward, tracks are sewn on the back of the unit from ear to ear. They can cost between $100 and $500.

 3) Full-Lace Wigs

 Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG

 Usually made with human hair and constructed from a lace cap, “a full-lace wig is a ventilated unit that has versatility [and] allows you to part your hair in any direction. [Whether you want] ponytails or cornrows, you have unlimited styling options available with full-lace wigs,” Deryck explains. They are installed by first braiding one’s natural hair in cornrows, usually straight back; applying a bit of adhesive glue around the hair's perimeter (without getting it into any of your own hair); and then putting the wig on and in place by bonding it to the glue and securing with wig clips, if there are any included with the unit. A full-lace wig can set you back $200 to $5,000, depending on the quality.

 4) Custom Wigs As the name suggests, these are human-hair wigs created specifically for one person, with head circumference and style preferences in mind. Custom wigs are made by a hair professional who first creates a base (usually from lace or a stocking cap with a stretchy, premeasured band attached) fitted to your head, and then sews the hair of your choice onto it. Available as a lace-front or full-lace wig, they can cost more than $200. Wig Maintenance As with hair extensions, you should care for them as you would your own hair. That said, with wigs, in particular, there are some key factors to keep in mind to extend the life of your unit. Take off custom units and store-bought wigs every night and store them on a mannequin head. If your wig is sewn along your hairline, however, wear a silk bonnet or scarf at night to protect the hair and keep it in tip-top shape (the same goes for full-lace wigs that have been applied with an adhesive). Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG

Wigs UK

 Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG 1) Wash your wig(s) with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner Your own hair benefits from the oils produced by your scalp, but wigs don't have a natural source of moisture, so you should avoid cleansing them with products that contain harsh detergents. This is where sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners come in: They work as gentle cleansers, so you won't damage the integrity of the hair.

  Nicki Minaj New York Fashion Week Purple Ombr Wig NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 06: Nicki Minaj leaves the Daily Front Row's 2018 Fashion Media Awards at Park Hyatt New York on September 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)James Devaney 2) Don't wash them too much How often you should be washing your wigs depends on how frequently you wear them. If you wear a wig daily, washing it twice a month is sufficient to ensure hair remains bouncy and fresh-looking for as long as possible. But if you only wear a wig once in a while, a once-a-month wash will suffice. Never wash wigs more than twice in any given month, or you can risk damaging the unit and shortening its lifespan. 3) Keep all wigs on a mannequin head when not in use Unless your wig is sewn to your head, Deryck suggests getting a mannequin head where you can rest it between wears. This also works as a great way to keep your wig's hairstyle intact as you get ready to go out. Leave it on the stand, then slip it on before heading out the door.

  Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works

  BY KARA NESVIG 4) Do not use heat on synthetic wigs Since synthetic wigs aren't made from real hair, they typically cannot withstand heat styling or much manipulation. The heat can actually melt the hair, so stay away from it altogether. If you want to style your synthetic wig, you can create big, bouncy curls by using flexi rods and other heatless tools. 5) Never use heavy oils or styling creams You don’t want to weigh the hair down, so it’s best to avoid anything that will make it look greasy or leave residue that has to be washed out later. Styling Tips 1. Heat styling When heat styling human-hair wigs, the tools and products you use are of utmost importance. The last thing you want to do is ruin the hair, especially considering how much of an investment wigs can be. In general, you should use professional thermal styling tools (flatirons and curling wands), preferably with temperature-control dials so you can determine how much heat is being applied to the hair. Additionally, use heat on human hair only when it's dry, and always use a heat protectant before.

  Most Popular NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG 2. Heatless styling

  One of the reasons wigs are so fun to wear is the boundless styling possibilities. Two jumbo plaits taken down is a universally flattering hairstyle that's easy to do. Before braiding your hair, spritz it with water or a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to remove knots and make it lay flat. This simple process usually takes less than five minutes. If you unravel the braids after they dry (usually in an hour or two), you'll get big, gorgeous beach waves. If you want to change up a curly unit without straightening it, you can always "alter the curl pattern by setting the hair on different size flexi rods or perm rods," hairstylist Ro Morgan says. And always remember to keep those curls hydrated. Ro loves using Bumble and Bumble's curl collection, Bb. Curl, especially the Bb. Curl Pre-Style/Re-Style Primer. "[It's] amazing for detangling, defining curls, and refreshing hair once it gets attacked by the humidity." Salma Hayek Cannes Pink Wig CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 21: Salma Hayek attends the Women in Motion Awards Dinner at the 70th Cannes Film Festival at Place de la Castre on May 21, 2017 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Venturelli/Getty Images for Kering)Venturelli 3. How to alter a curl pattern Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM

  nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG Generally, it's advisable not to completely straighten a curly wig with type 3 or 4 curls and coils, even if it's made of human hair, or you can risk permanent texture damage. But there are harmless ways to slightly alter your unit: If you want more volume, grab a wide-tooth comb and gently comb the hair, section by section, from the bottom up, to open each curl until the entire unit gets as big as you desire. Another way to achieve bigger hair is with two-strand twists. Prep the hair by spritzing liquid leave-in all over, and then section it into 6 to 10 different parts, depending on how much hair you're working with. Next, twist each section from root to tip while holding it taut. You can set the twists by either blow-drying the entire unit or air-drying it overnight (if you opt for the latter, make sure to wear a bonnet or silk scarf to protect hair and keep the twist in place). Once everything is completely dry, unravel each twist with your fingers — and voilà, you'll have big, voluminous curls. If you have a unit with looser curls, (like Brazilian wavy), you can easily straighten your wig with a flatiron (so long as it's human hair and not synthetic). Just remember to use a heat protectant before applying heat, and flatiron in sections. Katy Perry American Idol Red Carpet long Black Wig

  LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 13: Singer/judge Katy Perry arrives at ABC's "American Idol" show on May 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)Allen Berezovsky Most Popular megan thee stallion led light up manicure NAILS A Moment for Megan The Stallion's Light-Up Nails, Please BY KARA NESVIG Sydney Sweeney HAIR Sydney Sweeney Chopped Her Hair Into a Lob and Said Goodbye to the Middle Part BY EMILY TANNENBAUM nail slugging NAILS Nail Slugging Has Taken Over TikTok — Here's What It Is and Why It Works BY KARA NESVIG

  Of course, a lot of people do sleep with their wigs on at night—myself included, on days when I'm feeling ~particularly~ lazy. When that happens, I like to tie down the front of the wig with an edge scarf and place a silk bonnet on top to help keep everything in place. Leinousen 3-Pack Rat Tail Comb Courtesy of brand Leinousen Three-Pack Rattail Comb $5 at Amazon Pattern Beauty Edge Control Gel Courtesy of brand Pattern Beauty Edge Control Gel $12 at Target Pattern Beauty Edge Tool Courtesy of brand Pattern Beauty Edge Tool $12 at Sephora Infiniti Pro Gold by Conair Straightening Comb Courtesy of brand Infiniti Pro Gold by Conair Straightening Comb $20 at Target Brittny Professionals Wig Brush Combo Courtesy of brand Brittny Professionals Wig Brush Combo

  $6 at Amazon Edoneery Satin Bonnet Courtesy of brand Edoneery Satin Bonnet $10 at Amazon Wig removal & storage No matter how good a wig looks, you can't keep it on forever. Luckily, wig removal is a fairly quick process, though it needs to be done with care and safety in mind. (Trust, the last thing you want to do is rip it off and yank strands from your natural hairline.) “If glue or lace tape was used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the adhesive remover that they recommend,” says Johnson. However, for wigs that aren't glued down, she recommends using a bit of diluted rubbing alcohol to remove any product from your forehead if necessary. If you're storing your wig for a long time instead of just leaving it overnight on a mannequin, it's best to wash it before. “Deep-clean your wig with a clarifying shampoo, like Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Shampoo, for breaking up any old and leftover products that may be trapped in the wig,” says Thomas. “After shampooing, you always want to deep-condition the wig.” His go-to is Silicon Mix by Avanti, and he suggests leaving it on the wig for about 15 minutes, followed by rinsing and air-drying. You can air-dry your wig on a wig stand or wall hook if you don't have one. Last but not least: Tend to your natural hair. I always deep-clean and -condition my own hair right after a wig removal so there's no glue, hairspray, or styling residue in sight. Then I'm ready for my next one.

  SheaMoisture Bond Release Hair Spray for Wig and Weave Courtesy of brand SheaMoisture Bond Release Hair Spray for Wig and Weave $10 $7 at Amazon C-22 Adhesive Solvent Courtesy of brand C-22 Adhesive Solvent $11 at Amazon Did you know you can shop right here, right now on Glamour? Hit select Buy Now buttons in this article to start building your cart. Once you’re ready to check out, complete your purchase without ever having to leave the article. Best part? There’s free shipping on all orders. Happy shopping! As you probably know, a wig can be made using either natural hair or synthetic fibres. Obviously wigs created with real hair have a more natural look. Real hair has a texture and luminosity; its own unique colour (never homogenous but a rich tapestry of shades); a unique movement; it is softer than manufactured fibres; and can be styled in any way you want. By hair movement, we mean the direction that the hair takes on, and how they wave and fall across the face and shoulders. When talking about natural hair, much depends on the length and thickness of the hair: generally, the longer and thinner the hair the more movement. But what actually influences the movement of the hair the most is the state of health. Porous hair appears lifeless and opaque, chemically treated hair can appear dry or “glassy”. Needless to say, the condition and health of hair is extremely important in end quality of a wig. A natural hair wig is well made when the hair is in an optimal state of health and correctly knotted in a way that creates movement and gives a natural direction to the hair, creating the effect of a full head of hair.

  The type of hair used in wig production is one of the most important factors that distinguish the quality of one wig from another. The more characteristics of natural hair that are preserved through the wig production process, the more the wig will seem like our own hair. On today’s market, there is a wide choice of natural and synthetic wigs available, but even amongst natural hair wigs, there is a range of quality. The quality of the finished product will depend on the quality of the hair used and the ability of the expert wigmaker in the crafting of the product. Hair Structure And Characteristics Before diving into the phases of wig production lets us reflect on the structure and features of natural hair. The Hair Has Three Layers If you take a cross-section of hair, you can see 3 concentric layers: Medulla – the internal layer is made up of the cells responsible for hair growth. cortex – the middle layer is made up of melanin rich cells – responsible for the hairs colour. cuticle – the external layer is made of overlapping flat cells that protect the hair keeping it colourful, strong and healthy. The Cuticle The part of the hair that we can see and touch is known as the cuticle. The state of the cuticle is a key indicator to the actual health of the hair. The hair is healthy if the cuticle is healthy. The flat cells that make up the cuticle overlap much like roofing tiles, always pointing in the same direction – with the open side pointing towards the tip of the hair. The cells making up the cuticle (often referred to as cuticles) all lay in the same direction with the open end towards the hair tip. This particular feature of the cuticle is responsible for the shininess of our hair and allows individual hairs to slide one over the other without getting tangled and knotted.

  When the cuticle is intact and healthy, our hair appears soft, shiny and elastic. On the other hand when the cuticle is damaged or consumed, the hair can appear opaque, exhausted, dehydrated and lacks elasticity Chemical treatments such as bleaching and dyeing; excessive use of heat; and use of strong products can all cause the cuticle scales to lift off, damaging the cuticle. The Importance of the Cuticle So the health and beauty of our hair depends on the health of the cuticle. True for hair, this is also true for the hair used in wig production. It is therefore important to choose wigs the use hair with an intact cuticle, especially for longer hair wig styles (30-35cm or more). Hair used in wig production today are mostly of Indian and oriental origin. They are mainly dark hair that has been through a process of depigmentation before being coloured according to the requirements of the wig producer. But to create a natural looking wig, one must use natural, healthy, virgin hair that has never been chemically treated. If these guidelines are not followed, then the hair is not 100% healthy to start with, you risk ruining them further. Processing Real Hair Wigs​ Creating high quality wigs with real hair is a complex process. Precise quality standards must be observed in each phase of production, from sourcing of the raw material, processing of the hair through to the final packaging of the product. Processing Real Hair Wigs

  Creating high quality wigs with real hair is a complex process. Precise quality standards must be observed in each phase of production, from sourcing of the raw material, processing of the hair through to the final packaging of the product. Sourcing Of The Hair High quality raw materials are essential for high end wig production. We select strong, healthy hair that have never been chemically treated (hair that has never undergone bleaching or dyeing). The hair must be Remy Hair – hair with the same direction from root to tip and intact cuticles. During the collection phase the hair must first be tied into braids or queues to maintain the same root to tip direction (and so also maintaining the cuticles in the same direction). We then cut the braids or queues. True Remy Hair are a minority on the market due to the strong demand and high sourcing costs. Depigmentation The processing continues with a careful and delicate depigmentation of the hair. The aim is to bleach the hair while keeping the cuticles intact and respecting the hair structure.

  The time required varies depending on the desired end colour. For example, if you want a light blonde wig, the hair (usually dark in origin – brown or chestnut) will go through a gradual depigmentation process, which can take several days. Some wig manufacturers use strong products to accelerate the depigmentation, cutting costs at the expense of the hair. Aggressive bleaching can permanently ruin hair and the hair structure, compromising their integrity. The hair can become dry with split ends, losing their natural softness and shine. They often become tangled and in extreme cases the cuticle actually lifts up and can peel off. Silicone products are often used to give temporary body, gloss and smoothness. This will be lost after the first few washes. Wigs made in such a way soon have dull, dry hair that easily tangles and knots. Hair Dyeing Process After depigmentation the wig is coloured – always using delicate products. The hair are divided and dyed in a variety of colours: black, brown, red, blond and all intermediate shades. We also produce shaded, darker regrowth and shatush effects. Creation Of The Wig Styles

  The raw materials are now ready for the creation of one of our wig styles. Aside from the technical aspects, when designing each style, our stylists take into consideration the person who will wear it. Cap: although our wig caps are generally of medium size (54cm circumference), they have different characteristics. Most importantly, we use high quality, hypoallergenic materials that are gentle on the skin. Covers must be lightweight, resistant and have a fair degree of elasticity. Hair thickness: our hair experts take great care when assessing the thickness of each style (measured in how many grams of hair are used). The wig must be natural to the eye and comfortable to wear. A wig must not be too heavy. At the same time it must recreate the effect of a natural head of hair: neither too thin nor too full. Style: in most natural wigs hair are tied onto the cap. During this process we can give a precise direction to the hair, creating the wigs unique style. Being natural hair these can be blow dried to create movement and get the desired look. Hair Type: the choice of hair type in a wig depends primarily on the length of the cut. Styles with longer cut use hair with the cuticle intact or partially removed. Shorter hair styles we prefer to use partially or completely removed cuticles. Our reasons for doing this are below.

Wigs UK

  he Role Of Cuticles In Long Haired Wigs For long-haired wigs we use Remy Hair with intact cuticles as only this type of hair can maintain the softness and body of our own hair. The cuticles are necessary as they protect longer hair – that is more exposed to stresses of everyday life than shorter hair such as blow drying and tangling with clothing. Running in the same direction, the intact cuticles will help the individual strands of hair slide over one another freely without tangles and knotting. When a strand of hair is tied onto the wig, the section of hair that protrudes from the knot will run in the opposite direction to the rest of the hair. In technical jargon this section of the hair is called the “return from the knot” and thus has the cuticles facing in the opposite direction to the rest. This causes tangles and knots as the opposite facing cuticles rub one anther up in the wrong way. To remedy we remove the remainder of the hair from the “return from the knot”, thus allowing us to create a wig of intact – single direction cuticle that preserves the fundamental characteristics of natural hair – fullness, strength and shine. The Hair We Use In Shorter Haired Wigs In wig styles with shorter hair it is not necessary to use intact cuticles. Why? First off consider that in short haired wigs you don’t get the rubbing of hair on clothes and excessive stresses that effect the health of the hair that you get in a long haired wig. Furthermore, consider that the ratio between the length of the “return from the knot” and the rest of the hair that will be about the same length: 10 cm “return from the knot” versus 10/15 cm from the rest of the hair. The complex process required to make the cuticle only in “return from the knot” thus has little sense (remember that one-directional cuticle is needed to prevent your hair from tangling). Consequently, we prefer to use decuticolised hair, so that we can deliver quality products with reduced processing costs and, consequently, at lower sales price.

  For short hair wigs, the use of hair with the cuticle fully removed does not affect the quality of the end product. Only in the Emily style, made with European hair – the most prized quality on the market, have we chosen to use exclusively Remy Hair with whole, intact cuticle. It is a forced choice: the finest quality of hair deserves only the best processing. The result is an excellent product that combines quality of raw material with cutting edge processing. Our French Top In our Natural Cap calotte the “return from the knot” is held within multiple layers of monofilament, this allows only the lower part of the hair to protrude. The result is a wig with all hair turned in the same direction. This type of craftsmanship creates a cap of hair with intact cuticles. Choosing A Wig Looks can be deceiving, so it pays to find out exactly how a wig is made before making a purchase. Look for a brand that can certify the quality of the hair used and suitability of the hair processing. We advise you to evaluate carefully the products on the market that use only healthy Remy Hair with a guarantee of careful handling and processing that respects the hair structure and thus guarantees the creation of a wig that will remain beautiful and healthy for a long time.

  The Essential Elements Of Careful And Highly Professional Hair Processing The use of the highest quality of virgin Remy Hair in perfect state of health with intact and aligned cuticles. The use of delicate products that respect the capillary structure of the hair in every phase of processing including depigmentation and dyeing. The correct processing and appropriate knotting of the hair to the cap. The use of materials and accessories exclusively of the finest quality. There’s no denying it: buying a wig for the first time is overwhelming. There are cheaper synthetic and more expensive hand-tied wigs, a spectrum of color choices, lengths, and styles, and what about cap construction? Sorting through these details is enough to make you want to give up, but your dream hair is out there, and we’re here to help you find it. The goal is to find a wig that naturally reflects your personality and beauty. But navigating the maze of options is exhausting. Let us be clear: you are not alone. Millions of people from all walks of life wear wigs every day, and by 2023, the global wig market is projected to climb past $10 billion. That's a lot of fabulous hair flipping going on! Unfortunately, this popularity comes with a caveat: it’s daunting to sort through the endless variations to find the perfect wig. How can you have full-confidence in your selection with a crowded marketplace riddled with misinformation?

  Knowledge is power, which is why we’ve consulted with industry pros and put together this ultimate guide to buying the best wig! Ready to love your look? Read on as we cover every aspect of buying a great wig online to get you closer to finding your best hair. 1. CHOOSE A HAIR TYPE: HUMAN HAIR VS. SYNTHETIC HAIR WIGS Your first decision when buying a wig is to decide between synthetic vs. human hair. There are pros and cons to each type of hair, and we take a deep dive into synthetic vs. human hair in this guide but let’s explore the basics. Human Hair Wigs Human hair wigs are made from 100% human hair and can be fully customized and styled daily. However, it’s important to note that there are different types of human hair and two primary categories: European and Asian hair. Asian hair accounts for the 98% majority in the marketplace, and only about 2% of human hair wigs use premium European hair. European Human Hair European human hair comes from the ponytails of European women. During the 1980s-90s, many Eastern European women donated their hair for a good profit. However, as socioeconomic status improved over time, collecting European ponytails has fallen out of practice. That’s why authentic European hair is scarce.

  What makes European hair premium is that the cuticle is intact, creating a beautiful natural flow, shine, and direction of movement. Due to their rarity, European human hair wigs fall into the luxury wig category because they look the most natural, last the longest with proper care, and have strict quality control, manufacturing, and processing standards. Asian Human Hair Wigs The main sources of Asian hair wigs are China, India, Vietnam, and Mongolia. China contributes about 90% of the human hair wig, topper, and extension market, and there are two primary methods for collecting Asian hair: Floor hair: The donor collects hair from shedding or brushing, saves it up, and sells it to a manufacturer who then sorts and processes the hair. Remy ponytails: These are typically collected when Indian women donate their hair at a temple in a ritualistic offering to the gods. The temple then sells the hair to manufacturers. Alternatively, manufacturers buy Remy ponytails from local women who sell their hair for a profit. Both European and Asian human hair wigs contain real human hair, but each has pros and cons. Pro: While there are different types of human hair wigs, overall, they will look more natural than synthetic hair fibers, especially with the cuticle kept intact and a single donor ponytail.

  Con: High-quality human hair wigs are expensive due to high standards for manufacturing, sourcing, and processing. Starr Fox, National Sales Director and Consultant of Daniel Alain Follea, has worked in the hair industry for over 20 years and said that styling preferences play a large role. “If you want to change your style naturally, your hair would never look the exact same everyday with a human hair wig. With a synthetic wig, it will.” Synthetic Wigs The appeal of synthetic wigs is that they’re ready to wear out of the box, and they tend to be more affordable. However, they have limitations with styling and a shorter lifespan than human hair wigs. You’ll also notice that synthetic wigs have a high sheen, which looks less natural than human hair, especially in the daylight. Synthetic wigs contain a variety of fibers like polyester, acrylics, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The type of synthetic fibers used influences the wig’s sheen. For example, low-quality synthetic fibers will have the highest sheen and lack a natural-looking texture and fluidity.

  For those not wanting to draw attention to their coverage, synthetic wigs may pose a higher risk for looking unnatural. However, not everyone can invest thousands of dollars into a premium hair wig, but keep in mind buying multiple synthetic wigs over time can get pricey too. “People purchase according to price, and they often don't wear them. They (end up) buying two, three, four, five wigs to find the right one and, in the end, have spent the same amount of money as a premium human hair wig.” If human hair wigs aren’t an option for you at this time, consider choosing a synthetic wig made from Kanekalon fibers, the best quality synthetic in the market. Buying a premium synthetic wig is still affordable compared to luxury European hair wigs, and you’ll have less maintenance overall. Once you decide what type of hair is best for you, do your due diligence, particularly with wearing human hair. Unfortunately, there is misleading information and false claims in the marketplace because the industry is unregulated. That’s why a buyer beware approach is best when researching brands and their reputations on social media and reading customer reviews. Pro: Synthetic wigs are affordable, ready-to-wear, and pre-styled to retain a great look over time. Con: Due to their synthetic fibers, these wigs won’t look as natural as human hair wigs, even with the highest quality Kanekalon fibers. 2. FIND THE RIGHT CAP CONSTRUCTION FOR YOU Let’s talk about the importance of cap construction when buying a wig. Because ultimately, it can have a significant impact on your comfort, styling preferences, and how you prefer your hairline and part to look.

  Your bio hair also plays a role in choosing the right cap. For example, if you have Alopecia Totalis or Universalis, you’ll most likely want to select a wig cap offering the most grip and security. Here’s a look at the various wig cap constructions and their respective features: FRONT OF WIG CAP CONSTRUCTION Differences between lace front vs. closed front Lace Front: A lace front cap has a piece of ventilated lace across the forehead that creates a seamless hairline. Ventilation is a process done by hand where 1-3 pieces of hair are tied in a knot around the lace. The lace is translucent to blend with your natural skin tone easily. The hairline directs hair away from the face for a more natural look. Depending on the hair quality and craftsmanship, the knots on the front hairline can be virtually undetectable or somewhat noticeable. Closed Front