Welcome to the Wig Dictionary! - An easy guide to the many hair and wig terms.
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Alopecia:
A medical term for hair loss. There are different types, including alopecia areata (patchy loss), alopecia totalis (total scalp loss), and alopecia universalis (complete body hair loss).
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Antioxidants:
Ingredients (like vitamin C or E) that protect hair and scalp cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Baby Hairs:
Short, fine hairs along the hairline that mimic natural growth; often pre-plucked into lace wigs for a realistic finish.
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Base Cap:
The foundation or structure of a wig to which hair is attached.
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Bleached Knots
A technique that lightens the visible dark knots where hair is tied into lace, creating the illusion of hair growing directly from the scalp.
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Cap Construction:
The internal design and materials used to build the base of a wig, determines comfort, ventilation, and realism.
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Clips:
Small comb-like fasteners sewn inside wigs or toppers for secure attachment to existing hair.
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Closed Weft:
A weft sewn without visible spacing, offering more coverage and density.
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Cuticle:
The outer layer of each hair strand that determines shine and smoothness; intact cuticles indicate higher-quality hair.
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Density:
Refers to the amount of hair on a wig cap. Expressed as a percentage (e.g., 130% = natural, 180% = full).
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Double Knotted:
A method where two knots secure each hair strand — more durable but slightly less natural-looking.
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Elastic Band:
A strap sewn into the inside of a wig for added security and comfort.
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Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF):
Proteins that stimulate hair follicle and skin cell regeneration; often used in scalp treatments.
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Frontal (Lace Frontal):
A lace piece covering the front hairline (ear-to-ear), allowing flexible styling and natural appearance.
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Free Part:
A wig with no fixed parting, allowing the wearer to style the hair in any direction.
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Glueless Wig:
A lace wig designed to be worn securely without adhesive, using combs, bands, or clips instead.
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Graft:
In medical hair restoration, refers to a transplanted hair follicle unit.
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Hair Follicle:
The cells and connective tissue which surrounds the root of a hair.
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HD Lace:
“High Definition” lace that’s ultra-thin and nearly invisible when applied to the scalp. Used in Haló wigs for undetectable hairlines.
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Human Hair:
Real hair collected from donors; the most natural-looking and versatile option for wigs.
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Inverted Knots:
A ventilation technique where knots are tied underneath the lace to make them less visible.
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Integration System:
A hairpiece designed with open wefts or mesh that allows blending with the wearer’s natural hair.
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Keratin:
A structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails; keratin treatments can smooth or strengthen hair shafts
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Knots:
The small ties securing each hair strand to the lace base.
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Lace Closure:
A lace piece used at the crown to create a natural parting.
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Lace Front:
A wig with lace at the front hairline and machine-sewn wefts at the back.
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Machine Weft:
Hair sewn together using a machine to form a track, commonly used in sew-in extensions or the back of wigs.
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Medical Wig (Cranial Prosthesis):
A wig specifically designed for those experiencing medical hair loss — breathable, hypoallergenic, and secure.
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Monofilament Cap:
A soft, transparent mesh base that allows each hair to move naturally and mimics scalp appearance.
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Non Surgical Hair Replacement
Any hair restoration method (e.g., wigs, toppers, bonding systems) that doesn’t require surgery.
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Oxidative Stress:
A process linked to inflammation and follicle damage that can contribute to hair loss.
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Pre Plucked Hairline
A wig hairline that has been thinned out to look more realistic and less dense.
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Grade:
A classification system for hair extensions and wigs (e.g., 8A, 9A, 10A), with higher grades indicating more durable and natural hair.
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Raw Hair:
100% unprocessed human hair, often from a single donor, with intact cuticles, the highest quality available.
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Remy Hair:
Human hair with cuticles aligned in one direction, reducing tangling and maintaining softness.
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Rogaine (Minoxidil):
A topical medication approved for stimulating hair regrowth in some forms of hair loss.
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Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP):
A non-surgical cosmetic tattooing technique to mimic hair follicles on the scalp.
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Single Knotted Hairline
Each hair is hand tied individually for the most realistic and delicate finish , used in Haló wigs.
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Synthetic Hair:
Man-made fibres designed to mimic human hair; lower maintenance but less versatile.
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Tape/Tabs:
Adhesive strips used to secure wigs or hair systems temporarily.
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Traction Alopecia:
Hair loss caused by chronic pulling from tight hairstyles or extensions.
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Transparent Lace:
Light-toned lace that blends easily with fair to medium skin tones.
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Undetectable Lace:
Lace that seamlessly blends with the scalp, making it virtually invisible once applied. Usually referring to HD lace which is used in Haló wigs.
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U Part Wig:
A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to blend through.
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Ventilation:
The hand-tying process of securing individual hairs to the wig base.
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Virgin Hair:
Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, or perm).
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Weft:
A continuous track of hair sewn together at the top, used to create wigs or extensions.
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Widow's Peak:
A naturally pointed shape at the center of the hairline; some wigs replicate this for realism.
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Undetectable Lace:
Lace that seamlessly blends with the scalp, making it virtually invisible once applied. Usually referring to HD lace which is used in Haló wigs.
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U Part Wig:
A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to blend through.
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Ventilation:
The hand-tying process of securing individual hairs to the wig base.
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Virgin Hair:
Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, or perm).
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Weft:
A continuous track of hair sewn together at the top, used to create wigs or extensions.
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Wig Grip Band:
A velvet band worn under wigs to prevent slipping without adhesives.
