Different Types of Wigs

In today's society, wearing wigs is becoming more and more popular than ever before. Women in particular are attracted to the wearing of wigs, and celebrities, including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Jenna Jameson, Tyra Banks, and Britney Spears, have furthered the popularity of fake hairpieces by sporting wigs in their everyday lives.

Of course, most people who wear wigs do so because of a severe hair loss brought on by aging or a variety of illnesses. Women who undergo chemo treatments and experience hair loss also frequently wear wigs. But aside from hiding baldness, people are beginning to wear wigs for fashion purposes. Wigs offer an easy way to change a style or to don an already perfectly cut and styled hairdo. Additionally, some religious and cultural practices require the wearing of wigs.

No matter the reason for why people (and women in particular) wear wigs, there are a variety of different wigs that range in material and fit that people should be aware of before they purchase a wig for themselves. Above all, if you're looking for a wig, you will want one that feels comfortable and looks natural.

Standard Cap Wigs

First of all, if you're thinking about purchasing a wig, it's important to know about the different parts of the wig. And aside from the hair, most important part of the wig is the cap. The cap is the base of the wig that sits on the head and is what the hair is attached to. There are variety of different caps that are used on wigs, including the standard cap, which is the most common and the most affordable type of wig cap. On a standard cap, the hair is machine-sewn onto the cap. The layers of hair on the cap are pre-designed into a particular style, and the crown of the cap is frequently teased or crimped so that onlookers are unable to see through the hair and see the cap. People like this standard-cap wigs because they give the hair a lift that makes the hair seem more voluminous.

Monofilament Cap Wigs

Another type of cap is the monofilament cap which incorporates a thin piece of material at the crown that is made of nylon or polyester mesh. The mesh is breathable and presents an illusion of skin, and because its mesh, the wearer's scalp is partially revealed, which is beneficial in that the base of the wig naturally reveals the scalp like normal hair does. With a monofilament cap, the scalp revealed is the wearer's natural skin color.

People love these types of wigs because they look very natural and are versatile. They can be styled in a variety of different ways because each hair on a monofilament cap is individually hand tied at the crown so that the hair can be brushed or parted in any direction. The monofilament cap is also soft and is more comfortable to wear than other types of wigs.


Capless Wigs

Some wigs are also capless. These wigs are lighter than capped wigs and are not as warm when wearing. In place of a cap, they have vertical lace strips, with spaces between the strips, which make them one of the most breathable types of wigs.

Human Hair Wigs

Wigs also range widely in material. Some of the best wigs are made of human hair. Human hair wigs are the most natural looking wigs, but are more expensive than wigs made of synthetic materials. With human hair wigs, the hair can be cut, styled, dyed, or permed just like naturally-grown hair. There are basically four different types of human hair used on wigs, and they are Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Caucasian, so that people of many different ethnicities can find a wig that is perfect for them. But because they are made of real human hair, these wigs must also be cared for as if they were the result of naturally grown hair, which means they must be shampooed, dried, styled, and conditioned. Essentially, these wigs offer all of the benefits and work of having real human hair.

Synthetic Wigs

Wigs can also be made of a variety of other materials including horse hair, wool, feathers, or buffalo hair. But aside from human hair, the most popular types of materials used in making wigs are synthetic fibers. And many of the higher quality synthetic wigs are almost indistinguishable from human hair wigs. And synthetic wigs offer the benefits of being easier to care for and costing less than human hair wigs. However, they are not meant to styled and can be damaged if a person used curling irons, blow dryers, or hot rollers to style them.

Lace Wigs

Lace wigs are a particularly popular type of wig because it provides for a more natural look than many other wigs. More often than not, this is the type of wig that celebrities typically wear. Lace wigs are full wigs that have some mesh lace attached to the front of the wig just beyond the hairline. The mesh lace on the wig is custom fitted to the wearer's head and is trimmed and glued (temporarily) to a person's skin right around the hairline. The hair of the wig prevents anyone from seeing the mesh lace, and it is the lace that allows the hair to part naturally on a person's head.


Vacuum Wigs

Vacuum wigs are another popular type of wig that are custom designed to fit the wearer's head. First, a plaster mold is taken of a person's head so that professionals can create a wig that will provide the proper fit and produce suction on the head. Vacuum wigs have a silicone base on which hair is injected. Because the base is solid, these wigs can be quite warm and may take some time getting adjusted to; however, their custom design and high detailing make vacuum wigs some of the most expensive wigs on the market, as well as some of the most sought after.

So, whether you're looking for a wig to cover baldness or just to change your hair style, knowing more about the different types of wigs available can help you figure out which type of wig is right for you.

All About Lace Fronts

Whether you are experiencing hair loss, or just want a fabulous new look, a lace front wig is a great hair option. Once a secret among celebrities, lace wigs are now widely available and affordable.

A lace front wig is a wig made with human hair tied to a lace base. The two types of lace used in lace front wigs are French lace and Swiss lace. A "lace front" wig has lace at the hairline that is secured with liquid adhesive or tape. When the lace is adhered to your own hairline, it gives an invisible hairline, making it look as though the hair is growing out of your scalp.

wigs are made with Remy hair. Remy (or Remi) hair is the complete hair strand and
has not been weakened by stripping. Remy hair is created by careful processing which leaves the cuticle in place. The result is stronger, superior hair. Still, this hair has undergone
some processing (such as cleaning, curly perming or dyeing), so it should also be treated gently. Remy hair is often referred to as "cuticle hair" because the cuticle is left intact. Hair
that is stripped of the cuticle is often chemically treated to give the hair an artificial softness
and shine, which wears down over time, causing tangling and a poor appearance. Remy hair
does not have this problem and is the highest quality hair you can purchase.

Each wig is handmade, with experienced wig makers securing one or more hair strands at a
time, to the lace base. Our knotting technique creates a multi-directional hairstyling, with a natural hair flow. Knots are lightened for a realistic looking "scalp". Each wig takes over thirty hours of labor to complete.

The additional lace in the front of the wig is not meant to be left on for wear. Lace front units are designed to have the additional
material trimmed prior to wear, what is left is a natural hairline which appears to grown from
your scalp.

All

What is a full lace wig?

Full lace wigs are manufactured with a cap, and a thin lace sewn on top of the cap.

* Individual hairs are then sewn into the thin lace

* Full lace wigs will have lace all around the unit, and require the lace to be cut all around
the unit.

* You will be cutting a hairline around your entire head. By doing so, once done you can
wear your hair anyway you like, ponytails, up-dos etc. Think about it. With the wig,
you have just cut yourself a new hairline around your entire head.

* Once the unit is applied, you will have on a full hair wig - but the front , back, and sides
of the hair wig will not be like a regular wig. The wig will appear that all of the hair is
growing directly from your head.

What is a Lace Front ?

Lace front wigs are manufactured with a thin lace that extends from ear to ear across the hairline.
　
*

Lace front wigs are made similar to a regular ladies wig along the back and sides of the unit.
　
*

When you receive the unit the lace will be really long in the front, you will cut the lace along the front of the unit. The goal here is to create yourself a new hairline. You will not cut all of the lace, as you will apply adhesive to the lace/your new hairline.
　
*

Once the unit is applied, you will have on a full hair wig - but the front of the hair wig will not be like a regular wig. The wig will appear that it is growing directly from your head.

Learning the Different Hair Types and there Orgins

Their are many different types of Hair. I hope this will shed some light and that you will gain some knowledge about the different hair that it is on the market.

Indian Remy: This is 100% Indian remy human hair and it comes from the Indian Race.

● It is processed hair, colored and curled.
● It is very soft and lustrous, and thinner than Chinese hair.
● The natural straight hair texture can wave up when wet.
● Great for all textures ( yaki/wavy/curly )

Indian Virgin: This is 100% Indian virgin human hair and it comes from the Indian Race.

● It is unprocessed hair, no colored, no curled
● It is has more cuticle than Indian remy, collected from one donor, it is the same direction hair.
● It is very soft and lustrous, and thinner than Chinese hair.
● The natural straight hair texture can wave up when wet.
● Great for all textures ( yaki/wavy/curly ), specially for natural wave and natural straight.

Chinese Virgin: This is 100% Chinese virgin human hair and it comes from the Asian Race.

● It is unprocessed hair, no colored, no curled.
● It is has more cuticle, collected from one donor, it is the same direction hair.
● It is very silky and smooth, and thicker than Indian hair.
● Texture feels nice and smooth.
● The straight texture waves up slightly when wet.
● Great for silky straight, light yaki and all wavy textures.

European Virgin: This is 100% European virgin human hair and it comes from the Caucasian Race.

● It is unprocessed hair, no colored, no curled.
● It is has more cuticle, collected from one donor, it is the same direction hair.
● It is very silky and smooth, lighter and thinner than Asian and Indian hair.
● It has a butter soft silky feel
● Great for silky straight and European virgin straight.

Malaysian Virgin: This is 100% Malaysian virgin human hair and it comes from the Malaysian Race.

● It is unprocessed hair, no colored, no curled.
● It is has more cuticle, collected from one donor, it is the same direction hair.
● It feels very soft and smooth, and thicker than Indian hair.
● It has a lot of body
● The straight texture waves up slightly when wet.
● Great for all textures
● Makes a gorgeous smooth and soft Yaki texture

Brazilian Virgin: This is 100% Brazilian virgin human hair and it comes from the Brazilian Race.

● It is unprocessed hair, no colored, no curled.
● It is has more cuticle, collected from one donor, it is the same direction hair.
● It feels very soft and smooth, and thicker than Indian hair.
● It has a lot of body
● The straight texture waves up slightly when wet.
● Great for all wavy and curly textures
● Makes a gorgeous smooth and soft natural wave texture

Mongolian Virgin: This is 100% Mongolian virgin human hair and it comes from the Mongolian Race.

● It is unprocessed hair, no colored, no curled.
● It is has more cuticle, collected from one donor, it is the same direction hair.
● It is similar to Caucasian Hair
● It is lighter and thinner than the European hair
● It is a very soft and silky
● The straight texture waves up slightly when wet.
● Great for straight or natural straight textures
　

Curling My Hair With A Ceramic Curling Iron, Remy Lace Front

Janet Collection "Shakira" whole lace wig

"Shakira" is from the Janet collection is a whole lace wig. She comes with baby hairs from ear to ear she has the new Futura premium heat resistant synthetic Hair .

she can be curled up to 350 -180 degrees. She is not recommended to thermal curling iron.

http://www.hairstopandshop.com/shop/p...


Coupon *****$5 off on orders of $50.00 or more

Shakira ---- sale Price $82.00

Vivia Fox Collection

A Fox has teamed with top hair stylists to create a complete line of Wigs & Extensions that provide you with the superstar style you want and deserve.








Abigail


Vivica


Aisha

"Wig Out"

There's nothing worse than a wig that looks like one-extra shiny and stitting to highon top of your head. Here are some tips on how to make your hair accessory look more natural. 1. Seclect a Style- That you're comfortable with or one you've worn before.

2. GO WITH A HAIR COLOR that is one shade lighter or darker than your natral hair color.

3. Select a human hair wig because it looks more natural and last long as 24 months with proper care.

4. Thin it out. Visit a stylist familiar whit wigs to shape the wig if necesary.

5. Spend less on trends. synthetic for thredy looks with out the commitment it should last from three weeks to a month with daily wear.

6. Minimize the shine. For a wig that looks too shiny, sprinkle a bit of talcum powder ( baby powder ) on it and then bursh off the excess before wearing.

7. Sheild Hair. Always wear a some type of cap underneath such as a fishnet cap to protect hair from the wig cap. Other wise this could cause breakage and hair loss at the edges.

8. Beware of LACEFRONTS. Lacefront wig are a temporary fix, and where truly made for entertainers and hair loss patinets." It is not for everyday wear, becasue the glue will destroy your hairline".

9. check the price TAG. Human-hair wigs start at $25 and up for a basic hairstyle. $250 and up for a Remi wigh and $1,000 and up for a custom -made wig. Synthetic range from $20- $50.

The Mane Invesment

Get schooled on acquring the best hair extentions, pieces and wigs for your budget.

For way to long you've been a spectator at the hair game. From afar you've secretly admired the instantaneous transformation of that "Fly Girl "who can fiercely and shamelessly rock a Cleopatra wig to club hop, sport a Rapunzel pony tail to brunch with her girls to lenthen hair with a few tracks for that big job intreview.

So maybe it's time to swithc it up - but not with not a little guidance. Fortunatley, the art of buying hair doesn't have to be daunting, Once you're educated about quality and textures and cost, your shopping spree can begein,

Here the industry's master weavers,wig makers and hair suppiers provide smart tips on investing in hair additions.

Living with alopecia

Paparazzi photos of supermodel Naomi Campbell revealed severe hair loss from Traction Alopecia. There were lots of murmurs online about a woman who is prized for her looks being "imperfect." But for many Black women, seeing Campbell's scalp was sadly familiar...

It's believed that Campbell's hair loss came from years of damaging hair weaves that eventually broke away the root of her hair along the sides -- one of the most common forms of hair loss for Black women.

It's a scary reality for a woman to witness her hair thin, break off or fall out. In many cases, a change in treatment gave the hair a second chance at becoming healthy or growing back. But for too many Black women this hair loss becomes permanent. In most cases it comes from years of hair "abuse" -- from bad weaves, too-tight braids, too heavy or tight locs and the misuse of perms, dyes and chemical treatments -- or from the actual autoimmune skin condition of Alopecia Areata, which affects more than 4.7 million in the United States alone.

New York-based interior designer Sheila Bridges suffers from Alopecia Areata. At the time she was diagnosed with the disease, she was busy with her career, filming episodes for her design show.

Bridges, who choose to shave her head after turning 40, when the hair loss was at its worst, was very frank about living with the disease, admitting that while it is not life-threatening, it is "life-altering."

Bridges had been diagnosed with Alopecia years before, but it wasn't until her late 30s, when it started coming out in bunches, that she realized she had a serious problem. For years, Bridges was known for her full, curly hair. When the hair loss was small and dime-sized, it had been easy to hide. Now she was filming a TV show where it was important for her look stay consistent. While she wanted to grieve the loss of her hair, she had to contend with her TV show being up for renewal that year.


"I couldn't have different looking hair. I hadn't finished producing the actual shows yet," she said. "There's already a lot of shame associated with it anyway, but it made me feel even worse that I had to keep it a secret. I wasn't ashamed because of what was happening because it wasn't not the person fault. No one knows what the person is going through ."

Some days it is still very hard for a person who suffers from alopecia.

But it's very, very hard. Some days it's a piece of cake and other days you're sort of brought to your knees. People can be very cruel. They make a lot of assumptions about you. And that's I think that is a very difficult thing to live with, always living with this cloud that hovers over -- that you're sick or that you're dying and there's a lot of emotional baggage for the people you interact with. How they deal with you. How they approach you. Navigating your way through this thing is really tough."

"They taught me that hair is more like an accessory. You won't die if you don't have any hair. It's just something on your head. It doesn't define you as a person. It doesn't make you who you are," she said.

Gale is also married and found her husband's love and support very helpful. "He knows all about my condition," she said. "He doesn't really care if I don't have hair or not."

Gale thinks hair loss can be very different psychologically for Black women, many of whom deal with negative views about their natural hair or pine for longer hair. She said when in school, almost every girl she knew permed her hair, wore extensions or did both -- many wanting long hair.

"Long hair was considered beautiful and on some levels it still is,". "Long hair is considered good hair. Basically some people believed that if you have really short hair it's not feminine."

That desire for long hair can have dire consequences if hair isn't cared for properly. A stylist for more than 20 years, Black women and baldness is a reality she confronts daily at her boutique, New York New York Hair Design in St. Louis.

"I see it all the time," Small said. "Due to artificial hair, due to bonding, braids and stress. Misuse of brushing hair."

Small, who is running a healthy hair campaign to educate Black women about their hair, vigorously consults her clients to find ways to get the look they want without damaging their hair.

Of her clients who receive chemical relaxers, Small is encourages them to reduce the number of relaxers they have a year (from one every four-to-six weeks, to 12 weeks without a touch-up). Also, 25 percent of Small's relaxer clients are transitioning to wearing their hair natural.

"When you apply the relaxer there really isn't that much leeway (in a four-to-six week cycle). Hair only grows one-fourth of an inch per month," Small said, adding that our hair is at its strongest at the root, but if relaxers are applied with too much frequency hair will "get weaker and weaker at the root.

"If you condition your hair you can train it to go longer over a period time, seeing the hair get longer. In extending the relaxer the hair is growing," she said.

There are many causes of hair loss in women. Even changes in hormone levels due to menopause can cause hair loss, but so much of the loss Small sees as a beautician is preventable.

Small suggests that people who wear their hair in braids or use weaves pay attention to their hair -- if it seems to be braided too tight. Blisters will form at the root of the scalp, meaning there isn't enough blood circulation, which leads to hair damage. Small also stresses that people watch their diet. Hair is 97 percent protein and various vitamin deficiencies, like not enough Vitamin B, will cause problems as well. Small also recommends roller sets to dry hair, weekly deep conditioners and dressing the hair at night.

"Use a polyester scarf so natural oils will stay in your hair. Use less gel and brushes, but if you use gel, use non-alcohol based gel," Small said. "Put on light oil, like jojoba oil or olive oil to create moisture retention."

Small also recommends that if you do use hair weaves to stay away from bonding. Bonding should never be placed on hair or scalp because when the hair is removed it rips hair out, snatching it out from the root. For those who have sewn-in weaves, Small recommends that women should visit their salon every two weeks for maintenance. Often it is hard for women with weaves to properly shampoo their hair and it's best to have the hair stylist do it. Improperly washed hair that has a weave sewn in can cause other problems, like mildewing of the scalp, leading to dandruff and other scalp problems.

By going to a stylist to help you maintain your weave, Small points out they can fix any damaged threads and prevent the hair from becoming matted. She also says women should not comb or brush their hair too strenuously if they have a weave, as that too can cause damage. Women should also be mindful to secure their hair at night by tying it up to also prevent damage. Weaves also shouldn't be worn for longer than six-to-eight weeks, says Small.

Hair loss doesn't have to be permanent. It can be preventable. But even if strikes, women have options on how to deal and cope with such a loss. It's not the end of anything. For Sheila Bridges she saw her hair loss as an opportunity to show women how they are more than their hair.

You have to be able to hold your head up high. .Some people don't even have Alopecia. It makes an impact. In my own small way, I feel like I'm doing the right thing because it's helpful for people to see women without hair."

ESSENCE Launches 'Hot Hair': To Hit Newsstands October 2010

ESSENCE Launches 'Hot Hair': To Hit Newsstands October 2010

NEW YORK, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- ESSENCE, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women for the past 40 years, has served as the definitive beauty bible for its audience of more than 8 million. Continuing in this role, ESSENCE will highlight the unique relationship between African-American women and their hair with the launch of Hot Hair -- a cross-platform, interactive experience covering all things hair, from root to tip, for African-American women. The Hot Hair special issue, which hits newsstands on October 8th, will cover all of the beauty needs, questions, concerns and triumphs of African-American hair care and style. The cover price will be $4.99.

The Hot Hair issue will include features on the best beauty salons and a "40 Years of Hair" retrospective -- in honor of the magazine's 40th anniversary. In addition, the issue will feature the latest in coloring, styling, hair accessories, healthy hair rituals, money-saving tips, and so much more.

"ESSENCE understands the special relationship African-American women have with their hair. We know that she will travel to the far corners of the globe for the perfect product and hairstyle," said ESSENCE Beauty Director Corynne Corbett. "It is our goal to have Hot Hair to serve as a one-stop resource for African-American women to help her find timeless tips on keeping her hair healthy and gorgeous."

Hair enthusiasts will be able to further enhance their hair experience by immersing themselves within a variety of engaging, informative, trend-focused experiences on ESSENCE.com via its Hot Hair Destination page -- which will feature look books, hair tips, shopping lists, a "try on" tool where readers can experiment with new looks at no cost and other insights into African-American hair.

Hot Hair's digital extension speaks to ESSENCE.com's track record of leading the way in technology innovation for the African-American audience. The web site will offer a robust digital platform to enhance both consumers and advertisers buying into the issue. The pillars of the digital program will include an application for the iPad/iPhone, 2D bar codes, and a Hot Hair database launching in Beta in June. The paid application will allow women to try on hairstyles featured in the special with subsequent themed updates available for seasons or special occasions (including summer hair, wedding hair, etc.) These styles can also be activated using 2D barcodes by either launching the application -- which will allow you to purchase the application -- or by accessing additional content such as video or text tips on how getting and maintaining a particular hairstyle. Hot Hair will also leverage ESSENCE's extensive Facebook and Twitter presence to promote and allow for engagement where ever our audience is.

According to MRI Spring 2009, African-American women over-index in hair care product purchases -- including home perms and relaxers, shampoos/conditioners and hair coloring products -- as compared to their counterparts in the general market.

"African-Americans spend $1.7 billion on their hair annually, and African-American women are leading the way when it comes to these purchases -- which account for 30% of all hair products sold in the United States," said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. "ESSENCE knows that African-American women are leading consumers in this market, and that is why we are committed to creating this richer, deeper interactive experience to feed her passion when it comes to her hair. We are also excited about joining with our marketing partners to give our audience a more personalized experience for our audience."

For more details on ESSENCE's "Hot Hair" issue, visit www.essence.com.