Choosing a Cranial Prosthesis, Wig, or Topper
When buying a real human hair cranial prosthesis, wig, or topper, it's essential to gather the right information to ensure you get the perfect piece that meets your needs for quality, fit, and style.
1. Hair Type and Quality
Virgin Hair: This is hair that has never been dyed, permed, or chemically treated. It's considered the highest quality and can be styled or colored as desired.
Remy Hair: Remy hair is collected from a single donor, and the cuticles are intact, meaning the hair has a natural alignment that helps reduce tangling and gives it a shiny, smooth look.
Non-Remy Hair: This hair may have been collected from multiple sources and doesn’t have aligned cuticles, leading to more tangling and a lower price point.
Type of hair: hair wigs, toppers, systems and pieces can come from different ethic sources. Each have their pros and cons. The hair can be Chiense, European, Malaysian, Peruvian, Cambodian, Indian, or Indonesian hair.
| Hair Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Hair | Durable, affordable, smooth when treated, strong. | Less natural movement, requires more maintenance, prone to tangling. |
| Indian Hair |
Versatile, soft, manageable, natural shine, good durability. | More expensive, texture variety can be challenging to match. |
| Brazilian Hair | Full and thick, durable, natural texture, great volume. | More expensive, can feel heavy compared to finer hair types. |
| Peruvian Hair | Lightweight, soft, silky, blends well with finer hair, natural volume. | Not as thick, requires more maintenance. |
| European Hair | Luxurious, natural look, soft, lightweight, versatile. | Most expensive, may lack volume, requires additional styling |
2. Hair Texture and Style
Natural Texture: Make sure the texture (straight, wavy, curly, etc.) matches what you want, as some wigs can be styled, but starting with the right texture will save you effort.
Customizable Styling: Human hair wigs are versatile and can be curled, straightened, or dyed, but be sure that you’re comfortable with the wig's natural texture before purchasing.
3. Cap Construction
Construction may vary based on your specific needs. For those suffering with hair loss as a result of medical conditions or treatments, you would be looking at a cranial prosthesis, or medical grade wig. For those looking for a cosmetic wig to change up their look, then there are different cap constructions based on what you are looking for. Call us (801-899-9183) to make an appointment and let us help you figure out what best for you!
Lace Front Wigs: These wigs have a lace material along the front of the wig, giving a natural-looking hairline and allowing the wearer to pull the wig back for a more realistic look.
Full Lace Wigs: These have lace all over the cap, giving full flexibility in styling and offering a natural scalp appearance.
Wefted Wigs: These are made with hair sewn onto wefts (strips of fabric), and the cap may be more structured. They’re less versatile than lace wigs but can be a good option for those seeking a sturdy and comfortable fit.
Glueless Wigs: These wigs are designed to be worn without adhesive, which is ideal if you want a wig that can be easily taken off and put on. They can use a rubbery strip lining to help grip or clips for easy attachment.
Thin Skin: This is a type of flexible see-through plastic giving a very natural and realistic look.
Netted Toppers: These are caps with light netting that your natural hair is pulled through to blend into your natural hair.
Combination: We often do these types of pieces that combine different cap and base constructions to give the best fit for our clients.
4. Wig Length and Density
Length: Wigs come in a variety of lengths, from short bobs to long flowing locks. We will help you pick out a good length for your face shape and desired result.
Density: Wig density refers to how thick or full the wig looks. A standard density is about 130%, but you can find options ranging from light (100%) to thick/full (150%-180%) depending on the look you want. We can help you decide what would feel most natural for you.
5. Cap Size and Fit
Custom Fit: Although there are standard wig sizing that works with most people, we prefer custom fits. This helps to give a more natural look and feel, and is often more comfortable to wear. This also is an ideal option if you have a unique head size or shape. We will measure your head for the best fit.
6. Color and Highlights
Custom Dyeing: There are often many standard colors to choose from that can be mixed and matched, but we go a step further by giving an option of personalized color to match your current hair color. Real hair wigs can be dyed or highlighted to create a seamless blend.
7. Maintenance and Care
Care Requirements: Human hair wigs and toppers require more maintenance than synthetic wigs. Make sure you’re prepared for regular washing, conditioning, and styling. You'll need to keep up with proper care to maintain the wig's quality. But we show you how to do this at your personalized appointment(s) so you feel confident on how to take care of your hair piece.
Styling Tools: You can use heat styling tools (curling irons, straighteners, etc.) on human hair wigs, but remember to use heat protectant products to preserve the hair. We show you the proper way to use heat for your hair piece.
Long-Term Care: Over time, hair wigs and toppers wear out (just like your real hair), you may need to replace the wig if the hair begins to show wear. Consider how much you’re willing to invest in keeping the wig in great shape over time.
8. Price and Budget
Budget: Real human hair wigs can be expensive, especially if they are made with high-quality materials (like Remy or virgin hair). Set a budget that balances quality and affordability, and keep in mind that cheaper wigs may not last as long.
Value for Money: A higher initial investment in a good-quality wig will likely save you money in the long run, as the wig will last longer and look more natural.
9. Purpose and Usage
Everyday Use or Special Occasions: If you need a wig or topper for everyday wear, you might want something lightweight and easy to maintain. For special occasions, you might be more open to a high-density or custom-styled wig or topper.
Cranial Prosthesis or Medical Wigs: If purchasing a wig for medical reasons (like hair loss from chemotherapy), look for wigs specifically designed for comfort, such as those with breathable caps or options that are lighter.
10. Why Real Human Hair Wigs are undeniably better than synthetic wigs
Natural Look and Feel
Real human hair wigs and toppers are the gold standard for a luxurious, natural appearance. They mimic the natural movement, texture, and shine of your own hair, offering a level of authenticity that synthetic wigs just can’t match. Whether you prefer sleek, straight hair or voluminous curls, human hair wigs seamlessly blend with your natural hair for a flawless look that’s impossible to distinguish from the real thing.
Unmatched Versatility
Unlike synthetic wigs and toppers, that have a set style with little flexibility, a real hair wig gives an huge advantages for style flexibility. You can treat them just like your natural hair. Want to switch from sleek and straight to bouncy curls? Go ahead! With human hair wigs, you can use heat styling tools (curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers) to achieve the exact look you want. You can also color them, highlighting or dyeing your wig to match your own hair color or even experiment with fun new shades.
Long-Lasting Investment
While synthetic wigs typically need replacing every 6 months to a year, real human hair wigs can last 1 to 3 years or longer, especially with proper care. Their durability makes them a great investment for anyone looking for a wig that holds up over time. With the right maintenance, a human hair wig can stay looking fresh and natural for years.
Heat Resistance and Weather Adaptability
Real human hair can withstand heat, humidity, and changing weather conditions. Unlike synthetic wigs, which can lose their shape in humid weather or become damaged by heat, human hair will continue to look great regardless of the temperature or climate. Whether you’re caught in a summer downpour or facing dry, hot weather, your human hair wig will maintain its quality.
Customization and Personalization
Real hair wigs and toppers offer endless possibilities when it comes to personalization. From custom cuts and colors to the freedom of styling, you have complete control over your look. Whether you want to wear your wig or topper long, short, curly, or straight, you can adjust your wig to perfectly match your desired style and personality. Plus, you can restyle it again and again, allowing for fresh looks without compromising on quality.
Superior Comfort and Breathability
Real hair wigs and toppers are breathable and much more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Because real hair wigs and toppers aer made from natural fibers they allow air to flow through, helping to keep your scalp cool and preventing the feeling of overheating or itchiness, being more gentle on the scalp. This makes human hair wigs and toppers an excellent option for those who need to wear them all day, whether for work, special occasions, or daily wear. This is unlike synthetic wigs and toppers which are usually less breathable and more uncomfortable for extended wear especially in hot or humid conditions because of the fibers they use to make the wigs make for a more scratchy feel, and more irritation the longer you wear it.
