Wigs

Here is a glossary of terms related to wigs. You may want to familiarize yourself with these wigs before you purchase Ashley's Wigs products. You'll be able to find this in our Wig information Center when Ashley's Wigs starts selling products.

3/4 Wig - The cap of the wig covers the back, top and sides of the head. The front of the head is covered by your own hair. Your hair and the wig blend together in order to give the wig a natural look. Combs can be used to connect your hair with the wig.
Adhesive - Used to attach the wig to your hear. It comes in the form of a liquid
Alopecia - A medical term for hair loss.
Banana Clip - A clip shaped like a banana that snaps together at the ends.
C3 Construction - A form of constructing wigs that is guided by the 3 Cs - Cool, Comfortable and Capless.
Cuticle - This is the outer layer of a strand of hair. The cuticle provides protection to the hair, but can be damaged by a number of factors, including excessive brushing and too much heat.
Cap - The polyester and lace lining that hair is attached to. There are different types of caps used to create wigs.
1. Regular Cap - The head is completely covered by the cap line.
2. Capless - A varying percentage of the cap is left open. The cap is lighter than a regular cap. It is also cooler for the person since it is more open to air.
3. Monofiliment - Individual hairs are sewn into the cap which results in a more natural look. This allows more freedom for to style and part hair. This is often the most comfortable cap, but is also more expensive due to the time required to sew the individual hairs to the cap.
Cap Size - Wigs come in various sizes. The size is determined by the length around your head from your forehead to the nape of your neck. However, not all brands of wigs adhere to a standard measurement for each size:
Petite Cap - A small cap with a measurement of 21 inches.
Average Cap - A cap with a measurement of 22 inches. This is the most common size of wig.
Large Cap - A cap with a measurement of 23 inches.
free to be me! Construction - The new kathy ireland design technology that creates the lightest and most comfortable fit possible. The capless construction allows the wig to weigh nearly 50% less than a traditional wig.
Feather Extensions - Extensions made out of feathers from animals. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. They can be worn for multiple weeks and are easy to style and wash.
Hand-Tied Wig - Hair is tied onto the cap by hand. This method takes many hours and is the most expensive kind of wig.
Instant Weave - A half wig.
Kanekalon - A synthetic fiber used to create wigs.
Lace Front Wig - Individual hairs are sewn into the front of the wig. It creates a natural looking hairline.
Lob - A bob with a longer length.
Machine-Made Wigs - Hair is sewn onto the cap with a machine. This wig is considerably less expensive than a hand-tied wig.
Memory Cap - A new wig cap from Raquel Welch. This cap replaces the wide stretch lace used in most wigs. This cap creates a more secure fitting because it's made of a material that molds to the shape of your head. The stretch material is thinner and more resilient.
Nape - The back of the neck. This term is used in measuring the head for the size of the wig needed.
Open Ear Tabs - A flexible material that makes it easier for a person to wear glasses while wearing a wig.
O'Solite - A collection from Jon Renau. The caps are secure, but are also lightweight and comfortable. It features a new mix of fibers that feel naturally soft.
Permanent Life - Gaining fullness and body in your wig by backcombing.
Permanent Tease - Crimping the hair at the base in order to give it the appearance of more volume.
Remy Hair - The hair hasn't been processed and still has cuticles. Remy hair wigs are considered to have a very high quality and are expensive.
Skin Top - The top of the cap is colored to match the color of your scalp. Once the hair is attached to the top of the cap, it appears the hair is growing naturally out of your head. This is especially useful if you part your hair.
Tape - The bottom of the cape can be attached to the scalp with tape. It is sticky on top and bottom. The sticky top attaches to the cap and the sticky bottom attaches to the scalp. It helps keep the wig in place.
Thin Weft - A new type of weft that is more comfortable and easier to style. It's different from a regular weft because there is less fibers and threads used.
Vacuum Wigs - Wigs that are designed for a specific person. A plastic mold is taken of a person's bald head in order to create the wig cap. They are expensive because they have to be custom made.
Velcro® Sizing Adjustments - Tabs that allow you to adjust the size of the cap by making it 1 inch smaller or large. It helps create a more comfortable fit.
Velvet Comfort Band - A band at the front of the cap that feels like velvet. If you have a sensitive scalp, this makes the wig more comfortable.
Virgin Hair - Human hair that has not been processed or altered at all. The hair hasn't been chemically treated or stylized. It comes from a single donor and has the cuticles intact. This provides excellent protection for your hair. It is expensive, but virgin hair makes some of the best wigs.
Weaving - Creating a base along the scalp that is used to attach wefts.
Yaki - A crimped and course looking texture used to mimic African American hair.
Weft - Strands of hair are sewn together to make longer strands of hair. The wefts are then sewn into the cap, after hiding the ends of the hair that are sewn together. Since you can't see the stitches, the hair appears natural.
Wiglet - A small hairpiece instead of a full wig.