Wig Words Made Simple | Wig Encyclopedia

A 🍎

  • Adjustable Straps – Tabs or Velcro inside the wig cap that allow for size customization to fit securely.
  • Alopecia – A medical condition that causes hair loss; often leads individuals to wear wigs or hairpieces.
  • Alopecia Areata – An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss on the scalp or body. It can progress to alopecia totalis (total scalp hair loss) or alopecia universalis (total body hair loss).
  • Androgenetic Alopecia – Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this is a genetic condition influenced by hormones, leading to a receding hairline, thinning crown, or general thinning in women. 
  • Alopecia Barbae – A localized form of alopecia areata affecting the beard area. 
  • Anagen Effluvium – A type of hair loss that occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, often due to chemotherapy or other medication
  • Average Cap Size – The standard wig cap size that fits a head circumference of approximately 21.5"–22.5".

B 🐝

  • Basic Cap – Also called a capless or traditional cap; machine-sewn wefts with open wefting for ventilation.
  • Bob Wig – A classic wig style cut straight around the head at jaw-level or slightly below.
  • Bang (Fringe) – Hair at the front of the wig that covers part or all of the forehead.

C 🚗

  • Cap Construction – Refers to how the base of the wig is made (e.g., monofilament, lace front, hand-tied).
  • Cap Size – The circumference of the wig base (typically Petite, Average, Large).
  • Capless Wig – A lightweight wig style with open wefting; more breathable and often more affordable.
  • Cuticle Aligned – Human hair with all cuticles facing the same direction, reducing tangling.

D 🌼

  • Density – Refers to how thick or full the hair on the wig appears. Common densities range from light to heavy.

E 🍳

  • Ear Tabs – Small flaps on each side of the wig that help position the wig correctly and secure it near the ears.
  • Extended Nape – A longer section at the back of the wig that offers more coverage and security at the neckline.

F 🍟

  • Fiber – The type of hair used in the wig: synthetic, heat resistant fibers, a blend of heat-friendly synthetic and human hair fibers, or human hair.
  • French Drawn Top – A luxurious cap style with multiple layers of hand-tied material, concealing knots for a natural scalp appearance.

H ❤️

  • Hand-Tied Wig – Each hair is individually sewn onto the cap by hand, offering the most natural movement and comfort.
  • Heat-Friendly Fiber – Synthetic fibers that can be styled with heat tools at low temperatures (usually up to 300°F).
  • Human Hair Wig – Made from real human hair, offering natural movement, styling versatility, and longevity.

L 🦁

  • Lace Front – A sheer lace panel at the front hairline that allows for a natural-looking, off-the-face style.
  • Length – Measurement of hair from crown to tip. Common categories: short (above chin), medium (chin to shoulders), long (below shoulders).
  • Layered Cut – A style in which the hair is cut at different lengths for volume, shape, or movement.
  • Large Cap Wigs - Large cap wigs are designed for individuals with larger head circumferences, typically measuring 22.5 to 24 inches.

M 🌛

  • Monofilament Top (Mono Top) – A cap construction that allows multi-directional parting and the look of natural hair growth at the scalp.
  • Machine-Made – A wig made with sewing machines, often with open wefted caps.
  • Memory Cap® – A proprietary cap that molds to the shape of your head for a custom-like fit.

N 🥷

  • Nape – the area of the wig that lays on the back of your neck.
  • Natural Hairline – A realistic-looking edge along the forehead, often achieved with lace fronts or hand-tying.
  • Neutral Undertone – one of the possible underlying hues of your skin and is different from your surface skin color. To identify your undertone, check the veins on the inside of your wrist. If your veins appear to be a mix of blue, purple, and green, you likely have a neutral undertone.

O 🍊

  • Open Wefting – Machine-sewn rows of hair that create better air circulation and a lighter cap feel.
  • Open Ear Tabs – Wig ear tabs that do not include a velvet or fabric lining. They typically feature openings or mesh construction, making them more breathable and lightweight. Some styles may include flexible stays for shaping, but the absence of velvet gives a less bulky feel behind the ears.

P 🐼

  • Parting Space – The area where the hair can be parted to mimic natural scalp. Varies by cap type.
  • Permatease – Teasing at the base of the wig to add volume; commonly found in machine-made caps.
  • Petite Cap Size – Fits a head circumference of 20"–21".
  • Pre-Styled – Wigs that are ready to wear out of the box with minimal or no styling required. Pre-styled wigs are typically synthetic wigs and heat resistant wigs. 

R 🌈

  • Rooted Colors – Wig colors that mimic natural hair growth by featuring darker roots and lighter ends.
  • Remy Human Hair – High-quality human hair with cuticles intact and aligned for natural shine and reduced tangling.

S 🍓

  • Silk Top – A cap construction with a silk layer on top of the lace or monofilament for the most realistic scalp appearance.
  • Synthetic Wig – Made from man-made fibers designed to look like natural hair; typically low-maintenance and color-retentive.

T 🚕

  • Hair Toppers – Hairpieces designed to cover thinning areas on the crown or part; come in various base sizes and lengths.
  • Temple-to-Temple Lace – Lace front that spans from one temple to the other for an extended natural hairline.
  • Tangle-Free Hair – Hair that resists matting and tangling, often found in high-grade synthetic or Remy hair.
  • Trichotillomania (pronounced trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh) - A hair-pulling disorder that is a mental health condition characterized by the recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair, leading to noticeable hair loss.
  • Under-Knotting – Technique in which knots are tied under a lace layer to conceal them and provide a natural look.

V 📼

  • Ventilation – The way hair is tied or sewn into the cap. Affects movement, breathability, and realism.
  • Velcro Adjusters – Adjustable tabs at the back of the cap that allow for a customized fit.

W 🐋

  • Wig Grip – A headband or silicone band worn under a wig to keep it secure without adhesives.
  • Wefted Wig – A cap construction made from sewn rows of hair (wefts), often found in machine-made or capless wigs.