Terms To know
Learn the lingo, shop with confidence.
WIG TYPES & CONSTRUCTION
Glueless Wig
A wig designed to fit securely without the use of adhesive. Glueless wigs typically feature adjustable straps, elastic bands, combs, or other built-in features that help secure the unit.
Frontal Wig
A wig constructed with a lace frontal that extends across the front hairline, typically from ear to ear. Lace frontals commonly measure 13×4 or 13×6 inches and provide an extended area for parting and hairline customization.
Closure Wig
A wig constructed with a lace closure that covers a specific section of the crown and front hairline. Common closure sizes include 2×6, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, and 7×7 inches. Closures provide a defined area for parting and scalp-like coverage.
Machine-Made Wig
A wig constructed using a sewing machine to attach hair wefts to a wig cap or foundation. Machine construction creates consistent stitching and securely attached wefts.
HAIR TYPES & PROCESSING
Virgin Hair
Human hair that has not undergone chemical treatments such as bleaching, permanent coloring, relaxing, or perming. In the hair-extension industry, virgin hair may undergo steam processing to create consistent wave or curl patterns. Although its texture may be altered through this process, the hair has not necessarily been chemically treated.
Raw Hair
Human hair that retains its naturally occurring texture without chemical treatments or steam processing intended to alter its original pattern. Raw hair may naturally be straight, wavy, or curly, with variations in texture and appearance depending on the donor.
Steam Processing
A hair-processing technique that uses controlled heat, moisture, and shaping methods to create or modify wave and curl patterns. Hair is typically arranged into a desired pattern and exposed to steam to help establish a more uniform texture without the use of traditional chemical perming solutions.
Understanding the Difference
Both virgin and raw hair can be free of chemical treatments. The primary distinction in common hair-extension terminology is that virgin hair may be steam-processed to achieve specific textures, while raw hair retains its original, naturally occurring texture.
Please note: The terms virgin and raw are not universally standardized across the hair industry. Processing methods and classifications may vary by supplier.
Genuine raw hair is generally collected from donors and undergoes cleaning and preparation without intentionally altering its natural texture. Its appearance, texture, and color may vary depending on the donor and origin.
SIGNATURE TEXTURES
Body Wave
A hair texture characterized by soft, flowing, S-shaped waves. The wave pattern is typically loose and uniform, creating a naturally voluminous appearance.
Straight Hair
A hair texture characterized by strands that fall without a defined wave or curl pattern. Straight hair may vary in thickness, density, and natural movement.
Deep Wave
A hair texture featuring closely spaced, defined S-shaped waves. Deep wave patterns are generally more pronounced and compact than traditional body wave textures.
Loose Wave
A hair texture characterized by soft, flowing waves with a defined, voluminous pattern. Loose wave hair typically features more bounce and fullness than traditional body wave textures while maintaining a relaxed, natural-looking appearance.
Curly Hair
A hair texture characterized by strands that form spirals, coils, or ringlets. Curl patterns can range from loose, elongated curls to tight, compact coils.
LACE TERMS & HAIRLINE
Pre-Plucked Hairline
A wig hairline that has undergone a hair-density reduction process through the removal of selected strands. This creates a gradual transition in density intended to resemble a natural hairline.
HD Lace
High-definition lace is a fine, lightweight lace material designed to create a less visible transition between the wig and the skin. Its thin construction allows the lace to blend more discreetly with a range of skin tones.
Transparent Lace
A light-colored, translucent lace material commonly used in wig construction. Transparent lace has minimal pigmentation and may require tinting to achieve a closer match to the wearer’s skin tone.
Tinted Lace
Lace that has been colored using a tinting product or dye to more closely resemble a particular skin tone. Lace tinting helps reduce the visible contrast between the lace material and the skin.
Bleached Knots
Hair knots along a lace closure or frontal that have undergone a chemical lightening process. Bleaching reduces the visibility of the dark knots where individual hair strands are secured to the lace, creating a more scalp-like appearance.
STYLING & MAINTENANCE
Hot Comb
A heated styling tool featuring a metal comb designed to straighten, smooth, or flatten hair using controlled heat.
Wig Band
An elastic band attached to or worn beneath a wig to provide additional tension and support. Wig bands help stabilize the unit and improve its fit.
Edge Brush
A small styling brush, often featuring fine bristles and a comb attachment, designed for shaping and smoothing short hairs along the hairline.
Melting Spray
A temporary lace-adhesive or holding product formulated to secure lace against the skin. Melting sprays help create a flatter, less noticeable transition between the lace and the hairline.
Plucking
A hairline customization technique involving the removal of individual hair strands from a lace closure or frontal using tweezers. Plucking reduces density in selected areas to create a more natural-looking hairline or part.
ACCESSORIES & STORAGE
Wig Cap
A lightweight covering worn over the natural hair or scalp beneath a wig. Wig caps help contain natural hair and create a smoother foundation for wig placement.
Satin Storage Bag
A storage pouch made from satin or satin-like fabric designed to hold wigs and hairpieces. Its smooth surface reduces friction against the hair during storage.
Mannequin Head
A head-shaped canvas block used to support wigs during construction, customization, styling, or display. Mannequin heads are available in various materials, including canvas, foam, and plastic.
💬 Still have questions?
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