free shipping on orders over $75 in the us

NOTE: We do not offer this service at HLTCOA. We provide information about this option for educational purposes only for those guests who cannot regrow their own hair.

Wig or Hairpeice?

Buying a wig may seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. If one understands the fundamental differences in wig types, it makes the decision making process easier.

There are literally 1,000’s of wigs to choose from, so the easiest way to get the perfect wig is to schedule an appointment with a wig specialist. Within just a few minutes they will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. There is a lot to know about wigs such as how they’re made, what they’re made of, and what features best meet your individual needs.

Understanding Denier:

 

A denier is a unit of measurement that determines the thickness of a single strand of hair by microns.

A higher denier means heavier hair. For example, Chinese human hair has more denier than European human hair.

Therefore, the finer your own natural hair is, the finer the denier you will want to look for in a wig if your goal is a natural appearance.

Wig Hair Type

Synthetic Hair

HUMAN HAIR

EUROPEAN

HUMAN HAIR

Best Traits

Least expensive – no styling necessary

Can be restyled straight or curly – can be colored but should NOT be bleached

Can be restyled straight or curly – replicates natural fine hair

If worn daily, how long will it still look nice?

6 months to 1 year

1 – 2 years depending on home care

3 – 5 years depending on home care

Considered by wig specialists as:

the “Smartcar” of wigs

the “Ford Fiesta” of wigs

the “Cadillac” of wigs

Most Natural Looking Wig Features:

  • Mono Top: A section on the top of the wig made of mesh which allows the natural scalp to be seen thru the base material
  • Lace Front: A thin, nearly invisible lace material to which hairs are tied in one by one, this creates the most natural hairline and is recommended for those who want to wear the hair away from their face
  • Hand Tied: Hairs are individually tied onto mesh replicating hair growing from the scalp 

Wig Care:

When not being worn, wigs should be stored clean and 100% dry! They should be turned inside-out and placed into a sealed Ziplock bag to prevent oxidation of color and to prevent hair fibers from drying out. We do not recommend storing a wig on a Styrofoam head as it can stretch out the base which can cause the wig to no longer fit properly. 

 

Synthetic Hair Care

  • Should be brushed well after EACH WEAR
  • Should be shampooed once every 3-5 wearings depending on the wear environment
  • Example: Wigs worn in a smoky bar will need to be shampooed more often to eliminate an unpleasant smell
  • Allow the wig to dry 100% before combing or brushing, just shake it out and allow it to dry by hanging it onto a doorknob or wig stand
  • Do not use a Styrofoam head as it may stretch out the base and cause fit issues

Human Hair Care

  • Should be brushed well after EACH WEAR
  • Should be shampooed and conditioned every 3-5 wearings depending on the wear environment.
  • Example: Wigs worn in a smoky bar will need to be shampooed more often to eliminate an unpleasant smell, allow the hair to dry naturally as much as possible
  • Use as little heat as possible when styling to ensure longevity of the hair

Pros of wearing a wig:

  • Instantly have the hair you want
  • Change hair styles every day if you like
  • Get ready quickly since there’s no need to style your own hair
  • Can be covered by insurance with doctor’s prescription for cranial prosthesis

Cons of wearing a wig:

  • Can cause hair loss to worsen if worn too tightly or worn for prolonged periods. Be sure to select a wig that isn’t too tight! Wigs that are too tight can restrict blood flow to hair follicles and cause hair loss to worsen.
  • Can look unnatural; if your goal is to be natural looking, select styles that have a lace front. Remember: Higher cost usually equals a more natural appearance
  • Can be hot; wefted wigs are typically hotter to wear than those made with a mono sheer base.
  • Wigs don’t last forever. They must be replaced regularly depending on how often it’s worn.
  • Wigs need to be cared for properly for maximum longevity. Be certain to get and follow the wig “care instructions” when you make the purchase.

hSpecial note to cancer patients:

Many drugs used to treat cancer cause a reaction in the body which can affect wig hair fibers. Everywhere the wig hair fiber comes into contact with the body, the hair fiber may become frizzy (burn) quickly. Sometimes this can happen within just a few hours of wear time. If you are buying a wig to replicate your own natural hair while undergoing cancer treatment, its best to keep the wig hair short so it doesn’t rub against any part of the body such as the shoulders. This is most important when buying a wig with synthetic hair.

If you’re wanting to replicate your own natural long hairstyle while undergoing cancer treatment, we recommend a human hair wig or European human hair wig.

Coming Soon

Recommendations near you for Professional Wig Design & Fitting Services