Welcome to the Wig Dictionary! - An easy guide to the many hair and wig terms.

  • 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).

  • Antioxidants:

    Ingredients (like vitamin C or E) that protect hair and scalp cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

  • Baby Hairs:

    Short, fine hairs along the hairline that mimic natural growth; often pre-plucked into lace wigs for a realistic finish.

  • Base Cap:

    The foundation or structure of a wig to which hair is attached.

  • 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.

  • Cap Construction:

    The internal design and materials used to build the base of a wig, determines comfort, ventilation, and realism.

  • Clips:

    Small comb-like fasteners sewn inside wigs or toppers for secure attachment to existing hair.

  • Closed Weft:

    A weft sewn without visible spacing, offering more coverage and density.

  • Cuticle:

    The outer layer of each hair strand that determines shine and smoothness; intact cuticles indicate higher-quality hair.

  • Density:

    Refers to the amount of hair on a wig cap. Expressed as a percentage (e.g., 130% = natural, 180% = full).

  • Double Knotted:

    A method where two knots secure each hair strand — more durable but slightly less natural-looking.

  • Elastic Band:

    A strap sewn into the inside of a wig for added security and comfort.

  • Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF):

    Proteins that stimulate hair follicle and skin cell regeneration; often used in scalp treatments.

  • Frontal (Lace Frontal):

    A lace piece covering the front hairline (ear-to-ear), allowing flexible styling and natural appearance.

  • Free Part:

    A wig with no fixed parting, allowing the wearer to style the hair in any direction.

  • Glueless Wig:

    A lace wig designed to be worn securely without adhesive, using combs, bands, or clips instead.

  • Graft:

    In medical hair restoration, refers to a transplanted hair follicle unit.

  • Hair Follicle:

    The cells and connective tissue which surrounds the root of a hair.

  • HD Lace:

    “High Definition” lace that’s ultra-thin and nearly invisible when applied to the scalp. Used in Haló wigs for undetectable hairlines.

  • Human Hair:

    Real hair collected from donors; the most natural-looking and versatile option for wigs.

  • Inverted Knots:

    A ventilation technique where knots are tied underneath the lace to make them less visible.

  • Integration System:

    A hairpiece designed with open wefts or mesh that allows blending with the wearer’s natural hair.

  • Keratin:

    A structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails; keratin treatments can smooth or strengthen hair shafts

  • Knots:

    The small ties securing each hair strand to the lace base.

  • Lace Closure:

    A lace piece used at the crown to create a natural parting.

  • Lace Front:

    A wig with lace at the front hairline and machine-sewn wefts at the back.

  • Machine Weft:

    Hair sewn together using a machine to form a track, commonly used in sew-in extensions or the back of wigs.

  • Medical Wig (Cranial Prosthesis):

    A wig specifically designed for those experiencing medical hair loss — breathable, hypoallergenic, and secure.

  • Monofilament Cap:

    A soft, transparent mesh base that allows each hair to move naturally and mimics scalp appearance.

  • Non Surgical Hair Replacement

    Any hair restoration method (e.g., wigs, toppers, bonding systems) that doesn’t require surgery.

  • Oxidative Stress:

    A process linked to inflammation and follicle damage that can contribute to hair loss.

  • Pre Plucked Hairline

    A wig hairline that has been thinned out to look more realistic and less dense.

  • Grade:

    A classification system for hair extensions and wigs (e.g., 8A, 9A, 10A), with higher grades indicating more durable and natural hair.

  • Raw Hair:

    100% unprocessed human hair, often from a single donor, with intact cuticles, the highest quality available.

  • Remy Hair:

    Human hair with cuticles aligned in one direction, reducing tangling and maintaining softness.

  • Rogaine (Minoxidil):

    A topical medication approved for stimulating hair regrowth in some forms of hair loss.

  • Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP):

    A non-surgical cosmetic tattooing technique to mimic hair follicles on the scalp.

  • Single Knotted Hairline

    Each hair is hand tied individually for the most realistic and delicate finish , used in Haló wigs.

  • Synthetic Hair:

    Man-made fibres designed to mimic human hair; lower maintenance but less versatile.

  • Tape/Tabs:

    Adhesive strips used to secure wigs or hair systems temporarily.

  • Traction Alopecia:

    Hair loss caused by chronic pulling from tight hairstyles or extensions.

  • Transparent Lace:

    Light-toned lace that blends easily with fair to medium skin tones.

  • 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.

  • U Part Wig:

    A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to blend through.

  • Ventilation:

    The hand-tying process of securing individual hairs to the wig base.

  • Virgin Hair:

    Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, or perm).

  • Weft:

    A continuous track of hair sewn together at the top, used to create wigs or extensions.

  • Widow's Peak:

    A naturally pointed shape at the center of the hairline; some wigs replicate this for realism.

  • 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.

  • U Part Wig:

    A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to blend through.

  • Ventilation:

    The hand-tying process of securing individual hairs to the wig base.

  • Virgin Hair:

    Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, or perm).

  • Weft:

    A continuous track of hair sewn together at the top, used to create wigs or extensions.

  • Wig Grip Band:

    A velvet band worn under wigs to prevent slipping without adhesives.