Wigs and Hair Pieces
There are two main types of wigs available, these are acrylic or real hair wigs.
Acrylic Wigs
The majority of people are prescribed an acrylic wig. There are 4 different types of acrylic wig. It may help you to know how the hair studio fitter will describe them.
Fully wefted base
In a wig with a "fully wefted base" fibre is sewn onto a strip of material. The wig or hairpiece is then made up using the wefted fibres.
- All around soft velvet material to prevent soreness and provide added comfort
- Hard-knotted hairline
- Lightweight capless construction allows maximum ventilation
- Built in tabs to tape double sided adhesive for added security of attachement
- Soft touch fibres hair selected by denier to suit the finished style
- Durable side elastics with side buckle for tighter or looser fitting
- Contoured nape for natural look neckline
Monofilament
A wig described as having a "monotop" will also be made from wefted fibres but its top will be constructed from fine "monofilament" material. This will make the top much lighter.
- Front / top hand knotted for brush-in-any-direction styling. Built in tabs for tape attachement
- The monofilament woven top allows for comfort and excellent ventilation
- Adjustable velcro straps allow you to tighten or loosen the wig to suit your needs
Hand tied
A "hand tied" acrylic wig is made from fibre but the hair is handknotted into a base. The base is made of fine net called a mesh.
Hand tied with mono top
The top of the range acrylic wig is also made by handknotting hair into a base but its top is made of fine monofilament material while the back is made of net, which the hair is knotted into. This will be referred to as "hand tied with mono top" by the fitter.
It is usually more comfortable to wear than the other types of acrylic wigs because it allows heat to escape and it reacts better in wind.
Real Hair Wigs
There are many types of real hair wigs available. They are made from taking a mould of the person's scalp. Real hair wigs are usually more suitable for people with no hair at all as they tend to slip if there is hair underneath. As these wigs are made to fit an individual they are called "customised".
It is also possible to get an "off the peg" real hair wig, these will be made on similar bases to the acrylic wigs, as previously described.
- A "full hair wig" is made using real hair handknotted onto a net base. It can be quite heavy to wear. This type of wig must be dry cleaned and sent to the contractor for servicing if it is made on a silk base.
- A wig made of real hair but with a base made of an acrylic monofilament material will be described by the fitter as a "full monofilament". This type of wig is held onto the scalp with tape. It's particularly suitable for those people with an active lifestyle because they can take part in most activities without worrying about it coming off. It can be hand washed at home but it will need to have hair added to it occasionally as it will moult.
Fitting and Servicing
Whatever the type of wig you choose, it should fit your head snugly. It will altered if it's not sitting comfortably on your scalp, by our in house fitter.
You may also be offered some sort of secure fastening if necessary - for instance, comb clips if you have some hair or some toupee tape on waxed silk if there is an area of your scalp that is quite bald.
Maintenance
We will explain how to look after your wig.