Making a monofilament wig your wig of choice means that it will be much harder for people to tell that you are wearing a wig. The reason is the material used to construct the wig. Monofilament wigs are much more comfortable, especially for those with sensitive scalps. Instead of a cloth fabric, monofilament wigs use ultra thin, breathable gauze like material. The breathable polyester or nylon mesh blends with the wearer's scalp color creating a realistic and almost undetectable look.

Monofilament wigs are the most natural looking wigs available. Each strand of hair is individually hand tied to the mesh. This creates ventilation; preventing heat and moisture build up. This construction technique also allows for much greater styling flexibility. Hair can be parted on either side and can be brushed in any direction.

Monofilament wigs come in one of two basic choices. Monofilament top wigs have machined sides and backs. These are a great choice if you are simply looking for that undetectable scalp feature. Complete monofilament wigs, more commonly known as 100% hand-tied wigs are the ultimate choice if you are looking to take advantage of all the great features that these wigs provide.

Although the cap is the part that no-one sees it is important to be knowledgeable and aware of the key differences in the way that they are made. There are several types of construction used in creating wigs, and in some cases there are multiple terms used by differing vendors and manufacturers in describing identical construction techniques.

Wefted Caps - including such terms as standard caps, capless wigs and thin-wefted.

This category contains both old and newer technologies in wig cap construction. Wefted caps are made up of a compilation of rows human or synthetic hair assembled together in the shape of a cap.

In older wigs, many costume wigs and some of today's cheaper wigs the wefts are attached to a net cap. In many cases the cap is hidden by crimping or teasing the hair at the crown. This creates a fuller look, adding lift and creating volume at the crown.

As an improvement in design, capless wigs moved away from the solid net cap by attaching the wefts to strips of lace. The result is a lighter wig that breathes more easily and is cooler to wear. Higher end capless wigs will often have a lace section at the crown allowing the wearer to part the wig to either side and brush the hair in any direction.

Broader spacing between each individual weft indicates a construction technique known as "thin-wefted". The wider the gap between weathers the greater the wig's ability to breath and disperse heat. In most cases "thin-wefting" means that there will be no lace top section. Some "thin-wefteds" are so thin that the wearer's own hair will show through.

All wigs come with adjustment straps located at the nape of the neck. Most are Velcro, although some are hook and eye. These adjusters allow the wearer to ensure that the wig fits snugly and securely.

Monofilament Caps - Including Mono-Tops, Hand-tied, and Medical Wigs.

This construction technique was originally created to help women suffering significant hair loss due to such things as chemotherapy and alopecia, hence their original title of Medical Wigs. Monofilament caps use a fine mesh that allows the color of the scalp to show through. The mesh is breathable and is the gentlest on the scalp. Rather than building the wig on a series of wefts, each individual strand of hair is hand-tied to the monofilament. It is this individual attachment process that is being referred to in the name monofilament. Some monofilament caps have a second layer of mesh added that sits under the first layer protecting the scalp from any irritation caused by the tiny knots created by the individual strand hand tying technique.

Monofilament caps offer a look that is far more natural and versatile than wefted designs. As a result many women with full heads of hair prefer monofilament construction due to its superior look and feel.

This construction technique can either be used either in part or for the whole wig. If the whole wig is made as a monofilament they are often referred to as 100% hand-tied. When only part of the wig is made using this technique it is blended with the more traditional wefted design. When the two types of construction are blended the top section is made up of the monofilament and the sides and back is made using wefts. These are known as Mono-Tops.

In all cases Monofilament caps come with tabs on the underside of the cap. These tabs are used for fixing double sided tape to the cap and the wearer's scalp to ensure a secure fit.

Pull-Through Caps - Including Honeycomb wigs and Hair Integration Systems.

This newer type of construction is designed to create a fuller look for someone who already has hair. Basically they are an exaggeration of the "Thin-Wefted" construction technique and allow the wearer to pull their own hair through the spaces in the wefting. This type of construction is growing in popularity for those that have enough hair to make them work. They are much cooler to wear in the summer. Many women are choosing colors different to their own hair to create either slight or dramatic highlights or lowlights.

The majority of these wigs are affixed using small pressure sensitive clips, often referred to as Toupee clips.

Toppers - Including Wiglets.

These are smaller pieces ranging typically in size from 3 inches to 7 inches. Their purpose is to cover thinning spots and/or to add fullness. They come in all three of the main construction types described above: Wefted, Monofilament, and Pull-Through.

Although the majority of these pieces are affixed using toupee clips, there are some drawstring options available.

¾ " Caps - Including Fall Wigs.

As the name implies this construction style is approximately ¾ of the size of a full cap, and are normally constructed using the wefting technique. They are designed to allow the wearer's own hair to show at the front and on the sides as far back as the ears. Some come with a band of fabric along the front of the piece to create a break between the color of the piece and the color of the wearer's own hair.

Half-round comes on the front and back of these pieces ensure a secure fit.

Before looking at the relevant advantages of both choices, there is one very important difference that simply can not be stressed enough. Heat! Synthetic wigs do not like heat. Any heat source will damage the fibers of a synthetic wig. Not only does this mean no blow drying, no curling irons, and no straightening irons. It also means being aware of less obvious heat sources. The most common "surprise" damage seems to occur in the kitchen. Opening the oven door or the steam from food cooking on the stove top can lead to an embarrassing dinner party. (If you are buying a synthetic wig we do recommend that you buy at least two, so that you are prepared just in case a whoops happens. With that said synthetic wigs do have many advantages.

Synthetic Wigs

Synthetic wigs are the easiest wigs to wear. Shorter styles are often referred to as "shake-n-go." Take them out of the box, give them a fluffing shake and they are good to go. Longer styles typically only need minimal combing or finger-styling.

Thanks to technological advancements the synthetic wigs we sell are almost indistinguishable from human hair. The fibers in synthetic wigs have "memory" which means that they will retain their curl and volume. Even after washing properly, (see care instructions FAQ and don't use hot water!), synthetic wigs will return to their original out of the box shape.

Human Hair Wigs

Simply put a human hair wig is like having your own hair. It will take just as much work to maintain, and has a much styling flexibility as a person's own hair. Many vendors will say that Human Hair Wigs can be colored and permed. In our experience results vary. It has to be remembered that most human hair wigs have already been bleached and re-colored.

Human Hair is more durable than Synthetic, and tends to be a bit heavier than synthetic hair. It is the most natural looking option available. So long as you understand that you will have to do as much work as you would do with your own hair, human hair wigs are a great choice if you are wanting flexibility in styling options, the most natural look available, and a longer lasting wig.

Remy hair means that when the wig was made they kept the cuticles in the same direction as when it was collected. This extra step reduces tangling.

Petite/Petite	22"
21	21"
Petite/Average	21"
Average	21 ½"
Average/Large	22 ½"
Large	23"

The vast majority of wigs sold are average sized. To take an exact measurement take a tape measure going around the head behind the ears, from the nape of the neck to the hairline. All wigs can be adjusted with the adjustment straps toward the nape of the neck. If the wig is still too loose you may want to consider purchasing a comfy grip.

There are a couple of factors here. How good is your computer monitor? If you have any doubt about the color you are looking at on screen being close enough to what you are looking for then we suggest that you pick up a color ring for the manufacturer's wig that you are interested in.

Every manufacturer has their own unique color ring. This means that you may run into a situation where you like a particular piece from one manufacturer and a specific color from a different manufacturer. Our best recommendation should you find yourself in this situation is to be flexible. Exact matching to something specific can be very hard to do. If you are thinking about something color specific then think more in terms of "blending." No-ones own hair is exactly the same color all over. Look for pieces that include elements of the color you are looking for.

The correct methods of storing, cleaning and styling will maximize the life of your wig and help to maintain the quality of its appearance.

Storing your wig

When you are not using your wig always keep it on a wig stand or ideally on a styrofoan wig styling head. This will ensure that it maintains it's shape. Store it away from windows that receive strong sunlight for most of the day.

Cleaning your wig

Guides for cleaning your wig will sometimes say you only need to clean your wig after 10-14 days of wear. That's too long. There is certainly some element of personal choice here. As a general rule of thumb consider how long you would go between washes of your own hair. Additional factors would include perspiration, where you've been wearing your wig, and how many hours per day you've been wearing it.

Cleaning your wig too often is better than cleaning it too little. It is important to note that when you wash your wig you will typically be without it for a day or two. This is a strong reason for making sure that your buy a second, or back-up wig.

Do not use regular hair cleaning products. Wig shampoos, conditioners and luster's are specifically designed to work with wigs. This is true for both synthetic and human hair wigs. The hair used on human hair wigs is processed multiple times during the wig's creation. This results in it being more susceptible to damage. The cleaning products we provide are specifically designed to clean the wigs we sell.

Washing you wig

• Remove your wig.
• Brush/comb your wig gently to remove any tangles.
• Fill a sink with cold water and add a tablespoon or capful of specially formulated wig shampoo.
• Immerse the wig in the water and swirl it around gently for a couple of minutes.
• A soft toothbrush used carefully can be a great way of dealing with make-up stains.
• Adding a little bit of baking soda to additional shampoo can make a good paste for working on extra stubborn stains.
• Leave the wig to soak for 5 minutes.
• Take the wig out and place to the side.
• Drain the sink and wipe the sides to remove any shampoo residue.
• Re-fill the sink with cold water to rinse the wig.
• Put the wig back in the water and through a combination of swishing and swirling thoroughly rinse the wig.
• Repeat steps 9 thru 11 until there is no sign of shampoo in the water.
• Place the wig in a towel and blot dry. Do not wring the wig. We recommend the use of a friction free towel. The one's we offer have twice the water absorption capacity of regular towels, and are designed to prevent damage to the hair on your wig. Do not brush or comb your wig while it is still wet as this can damage the fibers.
• Let the wig air-dry at room temperature and out of direct sunlight on a wig drying stand. Do not use a Styrofoam head on a wet wig as this can lead to the wig stretching and will also result in a much longer drying time.
• Spray wig with specially formulated wig conditioner and leave to dry. (In our experience conditioner sprayed on wet wigs can drip out. As an alternative try applying the conditioner after the wig has dried to see which technique works best for you.
• When dry:
  • For Synthetics - do not use heat!
    Shake the wig out to re-invigorate its style memory. Transfer it to a Styrofoam wig styling head and brush or comb it to its finished look. Note for curly synthetic wigs do not use a brush as this can cause it to frizz. Style this type wig with a combination of a pick comb and your fingers.
  • For Human Hair
    Shake the wig out and transfer it to a Styrofoam wig styling head. Style however you want. However if you are using any type of heat tool, we strongly recommend that you use one with a temperature control. Although temperatures vary a good rule is to only use low to medium heat. When using a hair dryer keep it about 12" from the wig and keep it moving, circulating the heat evenly.

Additional Styling Tips

• Only use styling products specifically designed for wigs. Sprays and lustres designed for wigs will leave fewer residues, contain less damaging alcohol, and will keep your wig looking fresh for longer.
• Only use wig brushes and wig combs. These are designed to prevent overstretching and damage.
• Minimize stress on the wig "roots" by starting you brushing/combing towards the end of the hair and gradually working towards the root.
• When removing your wig and storing it on your Styrofoam head apply a light mist of wig conditioner or wig lustre.