GLOSSARY

APAs are the breathable plastic shapes welded into Mandeville London wigs as a base to stick your wig to your scalp using double sided medical tape. PU (polyurethane) is also a common material in industry used for this purpose.

Short, fine hair strands placed around the hairline of a wig to create a more natural and subtle look. Baby hair can help blend the wig with the wearer’s natural hairline.

A darker ash root added to hair to give a more realistic, growing appearance once knotted into a wig.

A wig made to fit the specific measurements and style preferences of the client. Custom wigs are tailored to the client’s head size, shape, hairline and personal style, offering the best fit and appearance.

Hair that has been collected from a donor that undergoes rigorous prep work to painstakingly remove all short lengths naturally present in a growing head of hair. A wig made from double drawn hair will be more expensive but will retain its thickness from roots to ends.

Hair that has been double knotted, refers to a few hairs tied in a double knot at the base of the wig cap. Double knots are more bulky and visible when the hair is parted, but they are much more durable than single knots.

A measurement used during wig template taking; abbreviation of ‘Ear to base of nape.’

Sections on each side of a wig near the ears that help align and secure the wig for a comfortable, natural fit.

A wig where the entire cap is made from lace, allowing for greater versatility in styling. Full lace wigs can be worn in updos or ponytails and offer a natural look all around the scalp.

A wig designed to be worn without adhesive, featuring adjustable straps or combs to hold it in place comfortably.

A haircut technique where the hair is cut shorter at the back and gradually lengthens toward the front, often used in wigs for added dimension and style.

The amount of hair attached to the wig cap, which affects the fullness of the wig. Wigs can range from light density for a natural, thin look to heavy density for a fuller, more voluminous style.

A hair system is a broad term that signifies a semi-permanent method of adding hair. This can be a glued on system (popular with men) or a system that is woven into your own natural hair to add volume.

A technique in which additional hair (wefts or extensions) is sewn into the natural hair, often used to add volume, length, or fullness.

The edge of the wig that mimics the natural hairline. Lace front wigs and other types of wigs are designed to provide a seamless transition between the wig and the natural scalp for a realistic appearance.

A hairpiece is designed to cover a small patch of hair loss or thinning. It gives coverage and volume to a specific area rather than all over the head, and should blend into the rest of your own hair.

A wig where each individual hair strand is hand-knotted onto the cap, creating the most natural movement and appearance. Hand-tied wigs are lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for clients with sensitive scalps.

A synthetic wig made from fibres that can withstand low heat. These wigs can be styled with heat tools such as curling irons or flat irons but should be handled with care.

A wig made from 100% natural human hair offers the most realistic look and feel, though there can be lots of variation depending on the type of human hair used, as well as how it’s processed. Human hair wigs can be styled with heat tools, dyed, and treated like natural hair.

A type of ultra-thin lace used in wigs that blends seamlessly with the scalp, creating an “invisible” hairline for a more realistic look.

A hair-smoothing process that infuses keratin protein to reduce frizz and enhance shine.

A wig with a lace material at the front allows for a more natural-looking, graduated hairline. Lace front wigs can be styled away from the face, offering a realistic appearance. They can be pre-made or custom-made to replicate your exact hairline.

A wig or topper whereby the cap construction features a U shaped lace section from the front hairline to the crown that is hand-knotted, revealing the individual's natural scalp when the hair is parted, for natural results. The materials for the rest of the cap construction can vary.

A wig featuring a monofilament (a fine mesh) cap, which gives the appearance of natural hair growth at the parting. The hair strands are individually tied to the monofilament, offering a realistic look.

The hair at the back of the neck on a wig, most prone to tangling.

A wig parting designed to mimic the natural scalp, giving a realistic appearance to the wig.

A hair colouring technique where the hair gradually transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the ends.

A material commonly used inside a wig cap to adhere tape, glue or improve grip against the skin.

A wig that features darker roots that gradually transition to lighter ends, mimicking the look of natural hair growth and creating a more realistic appearance.

A wig or topper where hair is drawn through a layer of silk on top of the head to hide the knot, giving the appearance of natural hair growth from the scalp when parted. This is a U-shaped feature from the front hairline to the crown - the rest of the cap construction can vary.

A lightweight, breathable barrier that can be worn between your scalp and your wig for extra comfort. This is especially useful for those with very sensitive scalps.

Hair that has been collected from a donor and is knotted into a wig or hairpiece without removing all the shorter lengths naturally present in a bundle of naturally growing hair. A wig made from single drawn hair will be thinner towards the ends than at the roots.

Hair that has been singly knotted refers to one or a few hairs tied in one single knot at the base of your wig cap. A single knot is smaller therefore more realistic looking than a double-knot, but is less durable and more prone to loosening over time.

Human hair that has been stripped refers to the removal of the natural hair cuticle. Stripping hair is easier and cheaper for many suppliers, as it means hair from lots of different sources can be mixed together without matting or tangling in order to be sold for wigs or hair extensions. However, keeping the cuticle intact retains the most natural look and healthful quality of the hair.

A wig made from synthetic fibres designed to mimic the look of natural hair for less. Synthetic wigs are pre-styled and maintain their shape even after washing but cannot be heat-styled like human hair wigs.

Also known as a half wig, a topper is a hairpiece designed to add volume to the crown or cover thinning areas. Toppers are smaller than full wigs and clip onto the natural hair for extra coverage and fullness, designed to blend into the rest of your own hair.

A wig with a U-shaped opening at the top, allowing the wearer’s natural hair to be blended through for a more natural look.

Also known as knotting, ventilating is the process by which individual hair strands are hand-tied or sewn into the wig cap. Different ventilation methods, such as single knotting or double knotting, can affect the durability and realism of the wig.

Human hair that has not been stripped or colour processed, in it’s most natural state.

A weft is a section of wig hair sewn or glued together. In a wefted wig, the hair is sewn into a fabric base in rows, which is usually more affordable than a fully hand-knotted wig, but can be more bulky and have less styling flexibility.

Special glue or product used to secure some types of wig to the scalp, commonly lace front wigs. Adhesives provide extra security and ensure that the wig stays in place during wear.

An elasticated band worn around the head underneath the wig, providing extra security and comfort. Wig bands are ideal for ensuring a snug fit, especially for clients with sensitive scalps or those experiencing hair loss.

A head shaped block designed to be used when washing, styling or storing your wig. Wig blocks can vary in material from polystyrene to plastic to rubber, but a high quality block should be a good fit, waterproof and enable you to pin your wig down securely.

A base material that forms the foundation of a wig, to which the hair is attached. Wig caps can be made from lace, monofilament, or other materials, each offering different levels of comfort, breathability, and realism. They can be both handmade, or machine made.

Small clips attached inside the wig cap that help secure the wig to the wearer’s natural hair roots. Wig clips are often used in toppers or half wigs for extra stability.

The short, spiky hair that sometimes stands up throughout a hand-knotted wig. Wig returns are the result of the knotting process, whereby a few inches of hair length are lost when securing each knot to the base of the wig cap foundation. Though they might look dramatic to begin with, the wig returns will settle with use and can help with volume and root lift.

The natural process in which individual hair strands come loose from the wig cap over time. Proper maintenance and gentle handling can help minimise shedding and prolong the life of the wig.

Double-sided medical grade tape used to bond your wig securely to your scalp without irritation for a strong hold.

Natural hair sourced from yaks, often used in theatrical wig-making for its texture, colour and durability.

A product used to neutralise yellow or brassy tones in blonde or grey wigs, helping to maintain a cool, natural colour over time.