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ADD-ON (extensions)- Refers to any hairpiece that is meant
to be added on, or attached to, your own hair to add length,
volume, or texture. Temporary attachment methods may be
barrette clips, banana clips, wing combs, butterfly clips,
or small comb-clips. Extended wear pieces, such as weaving
hair or extensions, may be braided or sewn into the hair, or
bonded onto the hair with special adhesive.
ADHESIVE - A liquid product that is medically approved for
use in attaching wigs and hairpieces to the wearer's scalp.
A light application of a good adhesive provides a secure,
worry-free attachment. Most adhesives require a special
solvent for removal. Most adhesives can be removed with
common 99% alcohol, which can be found at your local
pharmacy.
ALOPECIA AREATA- An unpredictable and incurable hair loss
condition that, while not physically dangerous. Medical
science has not been able to come up with one specific cause
for this condition, nor is there an effective cure.
BANANA CLIP (Claw clip) - A long plastic hair clip with
teeth on the inner side of each half, which grasp the hair
between the two parts and snap closed at the top and/or
bottom. Many wig companies attach hair to these clips in
various lengths and curl patterns. When a person's own hair
is pinned up or pulled into a short ponytail and the banana
clip is snapped closed over it, it creates the illusion of a
ponytail or bustle effect down the back or side of the head.
BUTTERFLY CLIP- A two-part, plastic clip with teeth on each
half and a spring that holds the two halves together. When
the top wings are pinched, the teeth open up and are placed
over your hair. When you let go of the wings, they close on
your hair creating a very secure attachment. There are
butterfly clips available with hair attached, in several
different styles, lengths, and curl patterns.
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-C-
CAP (WIG CAP)- The foundation or base of a wig to which the
hair is attached.
CAPLESS WIG- Typical wig cap which is made by machine, and
has vertical, elastic lace strips to which wefts of hair are
horizontally sewn. The term "capless" means that there are
open spaces between the wefts.
CONDITIONER- Usually refers to a product used after
shampooing the wig, to smooth the hair or fiber and make it
easier to comb out. Available in both wet versions and
leave-in sprays.
CRANIAL PROSTHESIS- Another name for a wig, but is a term
generally used as a description for high-quality, hand-tied
and custom units. A cranial prosthesis can be made from a
combination of fabrics, mesh, silk, silicone, or
polyurethane, which are used to re-create natural hair
growth patterns, and give the illusion of hair growing out
of a scalp. All materials used in the prosthesis are
designed to provide maximum comfort and natural appearance.
CUSTOM-MADE WIG- A wig where a choice of any combination of
cap construction and size, type and quality of hair or
fiber, length, curl pattern, and color are used to create a
wig which is unique for the individual. The price of a
custom wig depends on the options you choose.
CUTICLE- The outside surface of a human hair, which contains
"imbrications" or overlapping scale-like features. In wigs,
this layer is usually removed by chemical means to minimize
tangling. Remi (Remy) hair and Virgin hair are harvested
with the cuticle going in the same direction, and the
cuticle remains intact during the wig making process.
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DEMI-WIG (Wiglet)- A partial hairpiece which covers most of
the hair, and which allows you to wear your front hair
pulled out over the cap and mixed with the wig hair to
create length and/or fullness in the style. See also
3/4-WIGS and FALLS.
DETANGLER- A spray-on, leave-in product that is used to
smooth the hair or fiber in a wig, facilitating the removal
of tangles in the hair after washing.
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-E-
ELURA®- A brand of synthetic fiber which is used to make
wigs. This fiber generally has a higher heat tolerance than
most other synthetics, and is more durable. Wig companies
may place a tag in the back of their wigs that says "ELURA",
which confuses many people into thinking that ELURA is a wig
brand name.
EUROPEAN HAIR- Hair that is obtained from people who live in
Europe. This hair is available both as virgin and processed
hair, and may have various textures depending on the
ethnicity of the growers. Not all European hair is created
equal. Like any other human hair, European hair can vary in
degree of fineness or coarseness, and the price depends on
the quality. A high quality European hair wig can be very
expensive.
EXTENSIONS- See HAIR EXTENSIONS.
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-F-
FACE SHAPE- Beauty experts conclude that the most effective
face shape is oval. However, if you do not have an oval
shaped face and most women do not, beauticians suggest that
you "silhouette" your face. As an example Round or Square
faces would benefit fro height, close to face at the sides,
Long or Narrow faces need to minimize height and add volume
to the sides face.
FALL- A partial hairpiece which generally has a round or
oval shaped base, which is used at the back of the head to
add length to the style. A fall allows the front and sides
of the wearer's own hair to show and be blended into the
hairpiece. On the other hand, it may also be worn with a
scarf or headband to hide the wearer's hair. Available in
both human hair and various synthetic fibers, falls are also
known as 3/4-hairpieces.
FIBER- Generally refers to the fine plastic filaments known
as synthetic hair. There are various qualities of fiber used
in the manufacture of wigs and hairpieces. Some synthetic
fibers are more expensive to produce because of their
texture, heat resistance, durability, and resemblance to
human hair.
FOUNDATION- Cap or other base to which the hair is attached.
FRENCH TOP- A monofilament top is an area in the top of the
wig, through which each individual hair is pulled to create
the natural appearance of a natural scalp.
FROSTED COLOR- This is a color effect that usually uses two
contrasting colors in a 50%-50% proportion to create a soft,
blended blonde effect.
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-H-
HAIR EXTENSIONS- Generically, any type of hairpiece that
adds the illusion of length to existing hair. Specifically
refers to wefts of hair that are hand-stitched or weaved
onto a tiny cornrow braid on the head. Another method uses
adhesive to bond the extension to the existing hair in order
to add length.
HAIR FIBER- Synthetic, human hair, or a combination of human
and synthetic hair.
HAIRPIECE- Generic term for any unit of faux hair that is
worn in place of growing hair. Specifically refers to a
partial piece or add-on, which is used to create more volume
or length on existing hair.
HAND-TIED- A wig or hairpiece into which the hair has been
knotted by hand into the base, usually some kind of mesh or
lace, and which creates a more naturally flowing direction
of hair. A wig with a HAND-TIED or HANDMADE TOP has a
machine-made cap but the top of the cap is hand-tied to
allow more versatility in the style.
HIGHLIGHTED COLOR- This refers to using contrasting colors
of hair to create a sparkling, sunlit appearance. Highlights
may be light or heavy, scattered throughout the entire wig
or just in the front, chunky or blended. Highlights are
generally used in less than a 50-50 proportion.
HONEYCOMB WIG or HAIRPIECE- This is a full-head or partial
hairpiece which has an open cap design with spaces through
which your own hair can be pulled to create more fullness. A
less expensive type of hair integration unit.
HUMAN HAIR- Hair that has been obtained from actual human
beings who contract with the manufacturer to grow hair
specifically for use in making wigs. Most of the hair used
for making wigs comes from Europe, Asia, Indonesia, and
India, and must be grown under very specific conditions in
order to make it strong enough to withstand the chemical
processes necessary to make it suitable for commercial wig
making. In general, American hair is not considered strong
enough to withstand these processes, and therefore, is not
in demand by the manufacturers.
HUMAN HAIR BLEND- This is a combination of human hair and
synthetic fiber, which gives the wearer the best of both
worlds. The synthetic tends to hold its shape after washing,
and the human hair looks natural and is more durable. In
addition, this combination gives the wig more versatility
and flexibility in styling. Human hair is mostly used in
25%, 35%, and 50% ratios to synthetic fiber.
HEAD SIZES- Most wigs and styles come in average head sizes
(211/2 to 22 inches). Both large (22 to 23 inches) and
petite (19 to 21 inches) sizes are available, however they
are limited in styles and colors. Measure circumferentially
with a cloth tape just above the ears. Note that most wigs
are adjustable to individual sizing.
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-I-
INDIAN HAIR- This is hair from India, which makes it similar
in texture to European hair. People from India are
Caucasians, and therefore their hair is finer in texture
than most Asian hair. This hair is in high demand for making
high quality wigs and hairpieces because of its length, fine
texture, softness and lower cost than European hair.
INDO HAIR- Human hair that comes from Indonesia. Like INDIAN
HAIR, this hair is in demand because of its fine texture and
softness, which makes it resemble high quality European
hair.
INSURANCE COVERAGE- May be available to those suffering from
medically related hair loss.
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-K-
KANEKALON- A trademark for a Japanese-made synthetic fiber
that is used extensively in the manufacture of wigs and
hairpieces. It's popularity is due to its ability to retain
its shape after washing, and also to the fine texture of the
fiber, making it a desirable choice for simulating the
texture of human hair. There are different qualities of
Kanekalon fiber.
-L-
LACE FRONT- A wig or hairpiece that is made with a mesh
insert in the front, into which individual hairs are
hand-tied. This is designed to create a realistic looking
hairline. The lace front usually has extra un-ventilated
mesh so that the front can be custom-ventilated or trimmed
to resemble an actual hairline. When properly worn with
special adhesive, the hairline can be so realistic looking
as to be undetectable that it is not the wearer's own
growing hair.
LONG WIGS- Refers to wigs whose length falls below the
shoulder.
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MACHINE-MADE CAP- The hair is attached to the wig foundation
on a special sewing machine. Most inexpensive wigs are
machine-made.
MEDIUM LENGTH- Wigs whose length falls from just below the
earlobe to the shoulder.
MICRO-SKIN TOP- See MONOFILAMENT TOP.
MONOFILAMENT or MONO TOP- Fine, transparent nylon or silk
mesh with hairs individually hand-knotted into the mesh.
Allows the hair to fall naturally and gives more versatility
in styling. Very suitable for persons with extensive hair
loss, as the color of the scalp underneath shows through,
creating the illusion of hair
growing out of your scalp.
-N-
NAPE- The area at the back of the neck, just under the
little bone that protrudes at the base of the skull
NATURAL TOP- May refer to either a mono- or microfilament
top, or a French or skin top.
-O-
OCCIPITAL BONE - The little bone that protrudes from the
bottom of the back of the skull. The nape of a wig fits just
below this bone.
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PART- Refers to a break (usually in the top) in the hair,
where the hair on each side of the parted area takes the
generally opposite direction. In the case of a skin or mono
top, the hair may be parted all the way to the base and
resemble the natural appearance of a scalp between the hair
strands.
PETITE WIG- Wigs that have a cap that is designed to fit
those with small size heads, usually about 19 to 20 inches
in circumference. Most people are under the mistaken
impression that this refers only to short, styles. There are
petite cap wigs in many styles and lengths, including medium
and long styles, in both synthetic and human hair.
PRE-MADE WIG- A ready-made wig that a supplier has in stock,
and which is available immediately. Pre-made wigs are
available in all types.
PRE-STYLED WIG- This term can be confusing, because it
implies that the wig will arrive at your door styled and
ready to wear. In reality, it only means that the wig or
hairpiece has been cut, shaped and curled at the factory,
and then folded up and placed in a little box for shipping
to the wholesaler. Typically, this is the way you will
receive your wig when you order it from most mail order wig
companies. You then have to either comb it out and style it
yourself, or take it to a local professional to have it
styled for you.
PROCESSED HAIR- In the wig business, usually refers to human
hair which has had the cuticle removed by chemical means in
order to minimize tangling. This type of hair is used
extensively in the manufacture of wigs and other hair goods
because it is easier to care for than unprocessed (virgin)
hair.
PROSTHESIS- See CRANIAL PROSTHESIS.
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-Q-
QUALITY- This term refers to the characteristics of hair or
fiber used in making wigs and hair goods. The grade of fiber
or hair used to produce the piece determines its price.
Quality depends on texture of the hair or fiber, durability,
comfort, and construction of the piece.
-R-
REMI HAIR- Refers to human hair (usually Indian in origin)
that has been harvested from root to end, with the entire
cuticle going in the same direction. It is different from
Virgin hair as it may be colored or permed, but has not had
the cuticle removed. It is generally soft and silky, and is
used in making higher quality wigs, extensions, and hair
systems.
ROOT-TIPPED COLOR- This is a color effect which uses a blend
of light and dark colors to create the appearance of hair
which is darker at the root area and lighter on the ends.
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SHORT WIGS- Refers to styles whose length falls above the
chin line.
SKIN TOP- A piece of thin latex or polyurethane inserted
into the top of a wig, with hair implanted into it, in order
to create the appearance of hair growing out of a person's
scalp.
STEAMING- The process by which most synthetic fiber is
curled at the factory. The curl pattern in a synthetic wig
or hairpiece may be changed by setting it in rollers or
clips, and using an ordinary hand-held clothing steamer on
them. After steaming the curls, let the fiber get completely
cool before removing the pins or rollers.
SYNTHETIC WIG- Any wig made from synthetic fiber. They are
available in a multitude of styles, lengths, colors, and
qualities. The prices can range from very inexpensive (under
$30) to very expensive (over $400), depending on the
quality.
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-T-
TAPE- In the wig business, this refers to cellophane tape
that is sticky on both sides for securing a wig or hairpiece
to the scalp. Most effective when used with a tape tab, and
on bare skin only.
TAPE TAB- A strip or small section of polyurethane or other
non-porous material, which is sewn or bonded to the
underside of a wig or hairpiece in order to create a surface
to which to attach tape or adhesive to the piece.
TIPPED- See ROOT-TIPPED COLOR.
T-PINS- Small, T-shaped pins that are used to secure a wig
or hairpiece to a styling block.
-U-
ULTRA-PETITE WIGS- These are wigs with extra-small caps for
children and adults whose head has a circumference of 19" to
20". There is not a large number of pre-made wigs which will
fit this head size, but there are a few. Generally, this is
a custom size.
UNPROCESSED HAIR- See VIRGIN HAIR.
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-V-
VIRGIN HAIR- This term refers to human hair which is still
in its original state as harvested from the grower, and
which has not been permed, colored, or chemically processed
in any way. It is carefully cut from the grower with the
cuticle going in the same direction and preserved to
maximize its special quality. Harvesting the hair in this
manner takes more time, which contributes to the premium
price of this hair. Virgin hair can be of any ethnic origin,
but the best quality hair used in making wigs today is of
Russian, Ukrainian, Belgian, and Turkish origin. This is the
most expensive hair of all because it is not as plentiful as
lesser quality hair. In spite of the high cost, top-quality
Virgin European hair wigs are in high demand by those who
wish to wear only the finest.
VOLUME- The amount of hair or fullness in a style.
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-W-
WEAVE, WEAVING- Refers to the process of sewing, braiding,
or crocheting loose faux hair into a person's own hair to
create more volume and length.
WEFT- An amount of hair or fiber that is doubled over and
MACHINE-SEWN along the top to create a long strand of hair.
This is also the type of hair strand used for hair
extensions and weaving. HAND-TIED WEFTS are also available
for use as hair extensions, but not generally used for
making wigs.
WIG- The term used to describe any hairpiece with a full cap
which covers the hair on the head, or the entire area where
hair normally grows, as a substitute for hair. The ideal
purpose of a wig is to create the illusion that the wig is
actually a person's own hair.
WIG CAP- The foundation or base of a wig to which the hair
is attached. See also Wig Liner.
WIGLET- A small hairpiece that is used to create more volume
in a specific area.
WIG LINER- A lightweight, stretchable cap worn under a wig,
that fits over the scalp and holds the existing hair flat,
and keeps the wisps from peeking out from under the wig.
Gives the wig a base to keep it from slipping on the head.
May be made of nylon material (like a nylon stocking) or
various types of mesh.
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-Y-
YAK HAIR- Long, coarse hair that is obtained from a special
breed of ox. Since white and silver hair is rarely found in
its natural color in usable lengths and quantities in human
hair, yak hair is substituted in wigs and hairpieces in
which the customer wishes to have real hair in white or
light gray shades.
YAKI HAIR- Hair that has a slightly rough texture, like
African American hair that has been chemically straightened.
Hair may be soft to the touch, but appears as a very light
kinky texture. Also called Kinky-Straight hair.
-Z-
ADD-ON (extensions)- Refers to any hairpiece that is meant
to be added on, or attached to, your own hair to add length,
volume, or texture. Temporary attachment methods may be
barrette clips, banana clips, wing combs, butterfly clips,
or small comb-clips. Extended wear pieces, such as weaving
hair or extensions, may be braided or sewn into the hair, or
bonded onto the hair with special adhesive.
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