How to choose Different Types of Wigs

Finding your ideal wig type isn’t easy. With dozens of different types of wigs to choose from, the haircare world is your oyster. If you’ve stumbled onto this article, the chances are that you want a little help in finding the right type of wig for you.

You’ll want to consider each of the features that make up your wig, from the type of cap construction to the base coverage and the hair type itself.

You might be looking to buy a wig for several different reasons. It’s an affordable way to treat hair thinning and baldness, while also giving you a while to achieve your desired look without changing your natural hair



The ancient Egyptians shaved their heads as protection from lice and from the brutal sun. However, they wore wigs made from human hair or other cheaper substitutes using sheep’s wool or palm leaf’s fiber. They also wore wigs to denote their social status.

Similarly, the ancient Romans wore wigs made of their slaves’ hair and added elaborate hairpieces for increased volume and effect. Other ancient civilizations known to have worn wigs included the Greeks, Assyrians, and the Phoenicians.


The term “wig” derives from the French word perruque, referring to a complete head of false hair, which became colloquially known as a peruke, periwyk, and periwig. During the reign of Louis XIII, who went prematurely bald, wigs became fashionable and indicated one’s class and income as well as became the target of snatchers.

On the other hand, the ancient civilizations in the Far East such as China and Japan weren’t as fond of wigs. Only their traditional actors and female entertainers such as the Japanese geisha or the Korean Kisaeng were known to wear wigs.

Related: 25 of the Best Wigs (by Style, Type and Length) | 50 of the Best Online Wig Stores | How are Human Hair Wigs Made?

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The different types of wigs
When it comes classifying wigs, there are two main distinctions – the wig hair (i.e. hair fiber) and wig cap construction.  We cover all types for both categories below.

1. Remy Human Hair Wigs
Remy human hair wig



Remy human hair wigs are the highest quality human hair wigs and the best wigs overall.

You can style it, cut, curl, straighten or dye it (amazing).


What distinguishes this type of wig from regular human hair wigs is the cuticle layer is still intact.

What’s the cuticle layer?

It’s the outer layer of each hair strand. The root and tip are in the same direction so that the cuticle doesn’t matte or tangle.

It’s smoother, healthier and shinier than non-Remy human hair wigs.

When you want the very best quality wig that not only is real hair but gives you the option to treat it like your own hair, go with a Remy human hair wig. Note that they are also more expensive than other wigs.

2. Human Hair Wigs
Human hair wig




Human hair wigs are as real and authentic looking as they come because they’re made from natural hair. The wig advancements for these types of wigs is amazing.

While human hair wigs are more expensive than wigs made of synthetic hair. If you’re wondering where they get the hair for these wigs, the answer is simple: the hair comes from all over the world, including Europe, China, Africa, and many other countries.


The price you pay for these types of wigs depends on the quality of the hair itself so the prices can vary greatly across the different wigs available. If you’re considering purchasing a wig made of real human hair, it is recommended that you research the different types of human hair first because this is the best way to ensure you get the wig that works best for you.

As a general rule, people who do best with wigs made of human hair include those who want shoulder-length or long hair, those who want to be able to change their hairstyles frequently, people wanting the best-quality hair texture available, and those who wear wigs for a very long time. Once you purchase a wig made of real human hair, you will find it difficult to go back to any other type of wig.

3. Synthetic Hair Wigs

Synthetic hair wig




Not surprisingly, wigs made out of synthetic hair called synthetic wig are a lot less expensive than those made with real human hair but these wigs are made much better nowadays and can still provide a very realistic, attractive look.

For the most part, however, synthetic hair wigs usually don’t last very long and are not good for those people who use a lot of styling tools on them even though there are “heat safe” types of synthetic hair wigs. Often, a wig made out of synthetic hair consists of many different types of hair and you can treat it just the same as you would a wig made of human hair.



Wigs made out of synthetic hair usually work best for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money, prefer short- to mid-length hair, don’t need or want much styling or care for the wig, and intend to use the wig only on a short-term basis. Synthetic wigs serve a good purpose but most people agree that for long-term use and for the most attractive look, wigs made out of real human hair are best.

4. Capless Wigs
Capless wig




What is a capless wig?

It’s a basic wig cap also referred to as a wefted or open-cap wig.

It’s machine-made where wefts are sewn onto strips of thin elastic material that becomes the cap itself. However, because it’s not a solid surface, it’s “capless” which allows for airflow.



Because there are spaces between the wefts, there is airflow to help keep from your scalp overheating.

This type of wig offers full coverage.

5. Lace Front Wigs
Lace front wig




Just as the name implies, these types of wigs have lace only in the front portion of the unit. The rest of the cap is a little thicker and there might be clips sewn into it so that the wig stays in place while you’re wearing it.

Lace front wigs are very common and the remainder of the wig usually consists of material that is unlikely to rip or tear away at the lace, in part because it is made out of a material that isn’t very fragile. With this type of wig, the wearer can actually select his or her own hairline, thanks to the way the wig is made. Because the lace is only found in the front section of the wig, you can part the wig any way you want to.



6. Monofilament Wigs
Monofilament wig




If you want the most natural-looking wig available, try the monofilament cap wig. In this type of wig, either polyester or nylon micro mesh is used and individual strands of hair are attached by hand. In fact, it even looks the same as the skin surrounding your hair and it can be parted or brushed in any direction you wish. The material used is a lot softer than the regular cap used by many wig-making companies so they are perfect if you have thinning or balding hair or a sensitive scalp.

Monofilament wigs are usually either partially or fully hand-tied and even though the fully hand-tied type is very expensive, this wig is also the most natural-looking. This is partly because the hand-tied hairs or fibers are actually found over the entirety of the wig, meaning that it costs more to make it.

If you’re interested in purchasing a monofilament wig but think that your budget won’t allow it, you can choose one that is skin-top or skin-part, which is often much cheaper. These are usually made with a wefted cap and less micro-mesh than the regular monofilament wigs, allowing them to be less expensive.