Accent Hair is pleased to provide you with this list of frequently asked questions to help you better understand how to wash or shampoo your wig, products to use to care for your wig, colors and sizes, and different types of wig caps and hair. Please feel free to contact Customer Service with any questions not answered by the following information. We're here to help and appreciate your questions!

WHAT KINDS OF WIGS ARE AVAILABLE?

Basically, there are three kinds of wigs available, “stock” (meaning machine made and mass-produced), semi-custom, and custom made.

There are many different kind of wig bases, or “caps”, varying in construction and size. Also, there are several different kinds of “hair”, meaning human hair versus synthetic fibers. Within these terms, there are vast differences in the texture and quality of the hair.

Wig Bases or Caps

Basically, there are three types of wig bases or caps. The cap can be machine made, hand made, or a combination of machine made and hand made.

Machine made caps are the most durable and the hair is sewn onto the cap using a sewing machine. The hair, synthetic or human, is attached to a “weft”, which is a long string on which the hair has first been sewn prior to sewing the “weft” onto the machine made cap. These types of wigs are pre-designed into a specific style and are generally the least expensive because they can be mass-produced.   

The combination wig cap varies between manufacturers as to the construction of the cap. In general, the crown is a fine mesh net, a monofilament fabric, or a polyurethane material, and may or may not have mesh net sides with a wefted back.  

This picture represents a combination cap, meaning it has a hand tied top with wefted sides and back. Individual hairs are hand tied to the mesh net. The top, or crown, is a fine mesh and only one to two hairs are hand tied into the holes in the mesh. This type cap may or may not have a monofilament top.

These wigs are available styled, semi-styled or unstyled.  This type of wig is less expensive than a fully hand tied wig, while offering some of the finer features of the hand tied wig.

A hand-tied wig cap is a slightly stretchy mesh net on which hair, synthetic or human, is tied, or knotted, by hand into the mesh netting of the wig cap. It can be semi-custom or custom made.  

The crown, or top, of the wig may is made of a finer mesh net, a monofilament fabric or a thin polyurethane material. The advantage of the monofilament or polyurethane top is that the natural skin color shows through the cap and therefore is the most natural looking. These wigs are generally semi-custom or custom, and either “raw” (meaning not pre-styled), or semi-styled from the manufacturer. Because of the cost of labor, these wigs are more expensive.   

The monofilament top wig cap is the most natural looking wig cap available. Like the combination cap, it also varies in construction between manufacturers; however, the basic function remains the same. It allows for the natural scalp color to be revealed, which is why it is the cap that best simulates a natural looking head of hair. The hair is hand tied into the monofilament fabric and gives the illusion of hair growing out of the scalp. The entire wig may be hand tied, or the wig may have a monofilament top with wefted sides and back.

This picture, courtesy of R. Anzivino, illustrates the translucent quality of a monofilament top wig cap. The material used to construct the top varies between manufacturers.

 These wigs are available styled, semi styled or unstyled, depending on the manufacturer. This type of wig is the most requested and the one our owner recommends the most. Prices vary, depending on manufacturer and whether the wig is partially or fully hand tied. 

HOW DO I KEEP THE WIG SECURE TO MY HEAD?

How a wig is secured to the head varies between manufacturers as well. Getting the right size to start with is perhaps the most important step in keeing a wig secure to your head. Please refer to our Colors and Sizes page by clicking on the link above. In general, all wigs will have some type of adjustable hook or Velcro strap along the nape of the neck to tighten or loosen the fit around the circumference of the head.  Wigs can be altered at the crown and the back to a smaller size, but can not be made bigger. For people with partial hair loss, the wig may be secured to the hair with small combs or clips sewn into the crown, sides or back of the cap.  The cap may have a polyurethane tape tab along the front, sides, or nape of the wig to allow the wig to be taped to the head when there is significant or complete hair loss. If the style you choose does not have this feature, it can be added for you. Some manufacturers will use a soft velvet-like material inside the cap to promote comfort in wearing the wig when the scalp has become tender due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For those with complete and permanent hair loss, there are wigs (or hairpieces for partial hair loss areas) that are made with a special base that can be bonded, or glued to the head. These are semi-permanent attachments and must be removed periodically to take proper care of the scalp.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SYNTHETIC AND HUMAN HAIR WIGS?

Synthetic Hair

There is a variety of synthetic fibers used to make a synthetic wig, but all fibers are fine threads of fiber made to resemble human hair. The manufacturer may use a single type of fiber or a combination of two or three different fibers. Some of the fibers used are modacrylic and polyester. The synthetic wigs made today are more natural looking than ever before; however, as with all products, there is exceptional quality, good and poor quality synthetic wigs.

Synthetic wigs are pre-styled from the manufacturer and require very little effort on the part of the wearer with regard to combing and styling the wig when worn. These wigs are easily shampooed and should be allowed to air dry. The synthetic wig is designed to retain the original style and will not accept a permanent wave or color change. Moderate style changes can be achieved by a professional wig stylist; however, this should not be attempted by someone not trained in wig care as it is easy to permanently damage a synthetic wig by the use of curling irons, blow dryers or hot rollers.

Human Hair

A human hair wig is the most natural looking option available to you when you have lost your own hair. Like your own natural hair, a human hair wig can be cut, styled, permed or colored to suit your personal taste. Human hair wigs are more durable than a synthetic wig. The down side to using a human hair wig is that it requires more care than a synthetic wig. However, in our owner’s opinion, the additional effort is worth the benefit of the more natural look. When shampooed, a human hair wig will need to be restyled, just as your own natural hair. You may use curling irons, blow dryers or hot rollers to style a human hair wig. If you prefer to use rollers, brush type or Velcro rollers should be avoided because it is easy to “pull” the hair out when removing this type of roller. If you feel that you are not able to provide the care required of a human hair wig, there are human hair-synthetic blended wigs that offer a more natural look than a synthetic wig, and will retain the style better than a 100% human hair wig.

Just as there are different types of synthetic hair, there are different types of human hair used to make wigs today. Before the investment is made in a human hair wig, you should know what type of human hair is used to make the wig. Just because the label indicates that the wig is made from 100% human hair, it does not mean that the quality of the hair is acceptable or compatible with your complexion type.

Types of Human Hair

Human hair is classified into four basic types: Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Caucasian also called European hair. Each of these hair types has different genetic material, which affects the color and texture of the hair. The majority of human hair wigs are made from Chinese or Indian hair. These two hair types are widely used in the wig making industry because the hair shaft is stronger and can withstand the chemical processes used to make the hair softer, smoother and tangle free. It is also less expensive than Indonesian or Caucasian hair.

Indonesian hair is naturally softer than Chinese or Indian hair and is more expensive. Like Chinese and Indian hair, Indonesian hair requires some chemical processing to make it suitable for wig making; however, the chemical processes used for Indonesian hair are less harsh.

Caucasian, European or Remy (sometimes spelled Remi) hair, is the softest texture of hair available. It generally requires little or no chemical processing, therefore, it is the strongest, most durable human hair available for wig making. This type of hair is not as readily available as the three other types of hair. Remy hair is kept in the same direction when making a wig or hairpiece as when cut from the donor's head. This additional attention to detail maintains the hair cuticle in the same direction for each hair, which, in turn, reduces tangling.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN THE CARE OF A SYNTHETIC VERSUS HUMAN HAIR WIGS?

Wig Salons are able to help you with the care of your wig; however, this can be costly over time. With a little instruction and practice, you can take care of shampooing and styling your own wig. One basic principle of wig care applies to both human and synthetic wigs. Resist the urge to shampoo! Depending on environmental conditions, a wig needs shampooing only after 10-14 days of use. Most people wash their hair 2-4 times a week, if not daily, and think that their wig needs the same shampooing schedule. Many nice wigs have been ruined by over shampooing. By keeping your scalp clean, you will reduce the need to shampoo your wig.

Another basic principle common to both types of wigs is to store your wig on a wire wig stand. This type of stand allows air to circulate through the wig and helps the wig to stay styled.

Synthetic Wigs and Human Hair/Synthetic Blend Wigs

A synthetic wig requires special care. Shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays and other styling accessories designed specifically for synthetic wigs are available and should be used to take care of a synthetic wig. Synthetic wigs are fibers and can not absorb conditioning agents, as does human hair, even though your wig may be a human hair/synthetic blend. The important fact to remember when caring for a human hair/synthetic blend wig is that the wig is predominately synthetic fiber and the care given should be directed towards care of the synthetic fiber.  All products used on synthetic wigs should have a water-soluble base. Each manufacturer has a line of products designed for the care of their wigs. Synthetic wig care products are made specifically for the care of synthetic hair. Human hair wigs can be washed, shampooed and conditioned using any high quality shampoo, conditioner and other hair care products found in your local salons or beauty supply stores, such as Sally Beauty Supply Company stores.

Regardless of what brand of synthetic wig you purchase, the following guidelines regarding care and maintenance apply. These guidelines are especially important if you have a hand tied, also called all hand made, wig. The knots in a hand tied wig will loosen when left in soapy water, or water mixed with conditioner.

1. Using a large pitcher or jug, mix shampoo with COOL/COLD WATER as instructed by the manufacturer. (Hint: a teaspoon of baking soda will boost the cleaning power of the shampoo. This trick works with laundry soap when washing clothes as well!)

2. Holding the wig in one hand under the crown, use a wide tooth comb or pick to gently remove all tangles.

3. If you have a monofilament top, hand tied, or combination cap wig, turn the wig inside out before pouring on the shampoo water.. This step will protect the knots from coming undone.

4. Gently pour a little bit of the shampoo water through the cap of wig, taking care not to “rub” the cap, then turn your wig right side out again if you have a monofilament, hand tied or combination cap wig. If you have make-up around the edges of your wig, gently clean these areas with a more concentrated shampoo solution.

5. Gently work the shampoo thru the hair, stroking the hair from the root to the tip. Rinse well with a gentle stream of cool water.

6. After rinsing, follow manufacturer’s instructions for conditioning. Some manufacturers recommend saturating the wig briefly in a solution of conditioner and water in a basin (this could tangle the hair), while others recommend mixing the conditioner with water, and using a spray bottle, gently misting the wig with the conditioner solution.

7. Lay wig on a soft absorbent towel and blot dry.

8. Place wig on wire wig stand. Starting at the ends of the fibers, using a wide tooth comb or pick, GENTLY rearrange hair into desired style. Remember that a synthetic wig is pre-styled and you should not have to use much effort to rearrange the hair back into the original style.

9. Let dry overnight. If you are in a hurry, a blow dryer with a COLD SETTING may be used to quicken the drying process; however, be aware that any heat applied close to the fiber will put you at risk of melting the fiber which will make it look “frizzy”.

10. After repeated washings, your wig will loose its’ original curl and style. To re-style, you should contact a professional for the best results. You can re-style your wig yourself using magnetic (plastic) rollers and wig setting lotions. Using a plastic roller, wrap ends with wrap paper (like the ones used with permanent solutions) around strands of hair fibers to keep ends of fiber smooth, and gently wrap around roller, then secure with clips. When dry, style as usual.

An important fact to remember when wearing a synthetic wig is that heat will damage the fiber. Exposure to sources of high heat will cause the wig fibers to melt and frizz. Caution should be taken when opening oven doors and cooking on the stovetop, smoking, sitting by the fireplace, grilling outdoors, et.

Human Hair

Although made of human hair, unless it is a custom-made virgin hair wig, special products should be used on human hair wigs. Only those products formulated for colored, permed or “processed” hair should be used because the hair in human hair wigs has been processed several times. These processes damage the cuticle of the hair and leave it vulnerable to more damage by harsh shampoos. Any high quality shampoo formulated for processed hair may be used, however, Accent Hair recommends the shampoos made by Georgie and Look of Love because of their vast experience in the care of human hair wigs.

Regardless what manufacturer’s human hair wig you purchase, the following guidelines regarding care and maintenance apply:

1. Using a large pitcher or jug, mix about a teaspoon of shampoo with COOL/COLD WATER. (Hint: a teaspoon of baking soda will boost the cleaning power of the shampoo. This trick works with laundry soap when washing clothes as well!)

2. Using a wide tooth comb or pick, gently remove all tangles.

3. If you have a monofilament top, hand tied, or combination cap wig, turn the wig inside out before pouring the shampoo thru the wig. This step will protect the knots from coming undone.

4. Turn the wig right side out again and gently work suds through the wig from the "root" to the "ends" taking care not to “rub” the cap if you have a monofilament, hand tied or combination cap wig. If you have make-up around the edges of your wig, gently clean these areas with a more concentrated shampoo solution.

5. Rinse the wig well with a gentle stream of cool water

6. After rinsing, prepare for conditioning. If you are using a conditioner that must be rinsed out, mix conditioner with cool water, pour the solution thru the wig and let it set for a few minutes, then rinse well. Lay wig on a soft absorbent towel and blot dry. If you use a “leave in” conditioner, mix a tablespoon of conditioner with a quart of cool water. Using a spray bottle, gently mist wig with the conditioner solution.

7. Place wig on wig stand or wig block. (Never use wig T-pins to secure areas that are monofilament or polyurethane as this will create a hole where the pin is used. Thin dressmaker straight pins may be used carefully on these areas) Starting at the ends of the hair, using a wide tooth comb or pick, GENTLY rearrange hair with respect to center or side part. You may now set hair using magnetic rollers or blow dry hair on medium to low setting and use electric rollers or a curling iron.

8. Style as usual.

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