Welcome to the Wig Dictionary! – An easy guide to the many hair and wig terms.

• Alopecia: A medical term for hair loss. There are different types, including alopecia areata (patchy loss), alopecia totalis (total scalp loss), and alopecia universalis (complete body hair loss).
• Antioxidants: Ingredients (like vitamin C or E) that protect hair and scalp cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Baby Hairs: Short, fine hairs along the hairline that mimic natural growth; often pre-plucked into lace wigs for a realistic finish.
• Base Cap: The foundation or structure of a wig to which hair is attached.
• Bleached Knots: A technique that lightens the visible dark knots where hair is tied into lace, creating the illusion of hair growing directly from the scalp.
• Cap Construction: The internal design and materials used to build the base of a wig, determines comfort, ventilation, and realism.
• Clips: Small comb-like fasteners sewn inside wigs or toppers for secure attachment to existing hair.
• Closed Weft: A weft sewn without visible spacing, offering more coverage and density.
• Cuticle: The outer layer of each hair strand that determines shine and smoothness; intact cuticles indicate higher-quality hair.
• Density: Refers to the amount of hair on a wig cap. Expressed as a percentage (e.g., 130% = natural, 180% = full).
• Double Knotted: A method where two knots secure each hair strand — more durable but slightly less natural-looking.
• Elastic Band: A strap sewn into the inside of a wig for added security and comfort.
• Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF): Proteins that stimulate hair follicle and skin cell regeneration; often used in scalp treatments.
• Frontal (Lace Frontal): A lace piece covering the front hairline (ear-to-ear), allowing flexible styling and natural appearance.
• Free Part: A wig with no fixed parting, allowing the wearer to style the hair in any direction.
• Glueless Wig: A lace wig designed to be worn securely without adhesive, using combs, bands, or clips instead.
• Graft: In medical hair restoration, refers to a transplanted hair follicle unit.
• Hair Follicle: The cells and connective tissue which surrounds the root of a hair.
• HD Lace: “High Definition” lace that’s ultra-thin and nearly invisible when applied to the scalp. Used in Haló wigs for undetectable hairlines.
• Human Hair: Real hair collected from donors; the most natural-looking and versatile option for wigs.
• Inverted Knots: A ventilation technique where knots are tied underneath the lace to make them less visible.
• Integration System: A hairpiece designed with open wefts or mesh that allows blending with the wearer’s natural hair.
• Keratin: A structural protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails; keratin treatments can smooth or strengthen hair shafts
• Knots: The small ties securing each hair strand to the lace base.
• Lace Closure: A lace piece used at the crown to create a natural parting.
• Lace Front: A wig with lace at the front hairline and machine-sewn wefts at the back.
• Machine Weft: Hair sewn together using a machine to form a track, commonly used in sew-in extensions or the back of wigs.
• Medical Wig (Cranial Prosthesis): A wig specifically designed for those experiencing medical hair loss — breathable, hypoallergenic, and secure.
• Monofilament Cap: A soft, transparent mesh base that allows each hair to move naturally and mimics scalp appearance.
• Non Surgical Hair Replacement: Any hair restoration method (e.g., wigs, toppers, bonding systems) that doesn’t require surgery.
• Oxidative Stress: A process linked to inflammation and follicle damage that can contribute to hair loss.
• Pre Plucked Hairline: A wig hairline that has been thinned out to look more realistic and less dense.
• Grade: A classification system for hair extensions and wigs (e.g., 8A, 9A, 10A), with higher grades indicating more durable and natural hair.
• Raw Hair: 100% unprocessed human hair, often from a single donor, with intact cuticles, the highest quality available.
• Remy Hair: Human hair with cuticles aligned in one direction, reducing tangling and maintaining softness.
• Rogaine (Minoxidil): A topical medication approved for stimulating hair regrowth in some forms of hair loss.
• Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP): A non-surgical cosmetic tattooing technique to mimic hair follicles on the scalp.
• Single Knotted Hairline: Each hair is hand tied individually for the most realistic and delicate finish , used in Haló wigs.
• Synthetic Hair: Man-made fibres designed to mimic human hair; lower maintenance but less versatile.
• Tape/Tabs: Adhesive strips used to secure wigs or hair systems temporarily.
• Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by chronic pulling from tight hairstyles or extensions.
• Transparent Lace: Light-toned lace that blends easily with fair to medium skin tones.
• Undetectable Lace: Lace that seamlessly blends with the scalp, making it virtually invisible once applied. Usually referring to HD lace which is used in Haló wigs.
• U Part Wig: A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to blend through.
• Ventilation: The hand-tying process of securing individual hairs to the wig base.
• Virgin Hair: Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, or perm).
• Widow’s Peak: A naturally pointed shape at the centre of the hairline; some wigs replicate this for realism.
• Undetectable Lace: Lace that seamlessly blends with the scalp, making it virtually invisible once applied. Usually referring to HD lace which is used in Haló wigs.
• U Part Wig: A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to blend through.
• Ventilation: The hand-tying process of securing individual hairs to the wig base.
• Virgin Hair: Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, or perm).
• Weft: A continuous track of hair sewn together at the top, used to create wigs or extensions.
• Wig Grip Band: A velvet band worn under wigs to prevent slipping without adhesives.