When looking at wigs, especially online, there are many elements that you should consider when searching for the perfect wig for you, including hair color, hairstyle, and special cap features. But, there’s another element that should be in your consideration: hair density. You may have heard this term around social media, so the Experts at Wigs.com are here to answer all of your questions about wig hair density, the categories, and which is the best density for you.
What does wig density mean?
In the wig world, density is determined by the hair knots per square inch. For example, a hand-tied wig has hairs individually hand-tied into the soft cap material throughout the entire wig. So, if you look at one square-inch section of the cap and count the hairs in that section, this would determine the density of the entire wig.
Note: The number of hair knots per square inch varies by manufacturer and their unique design standards. So, slight variations in hair density are common when looking at one hair density category.
What are the density types?
The general density categories followed by wig manufacturers are:
- - Light
- - Light-medium
- - Medium
- - Medium-heavy
- - Heavy
Each wig brand that Wigs.com carries follows these categories. Then, when it comes to creating different hairstyles, they alter the density slightly based on the hairstyle or cap materials used.
How does the density differ depending on cap construction?
Each wig has a master hair density meaning that it fits into one of the categories listed above. However, each cap construction feature is a piece in the puzzle that makes up the wig’s density. Here are some examples of cap features and materials and their density levels.
- - Lace front features have a light density to achieve the look of biological hair.
- - Monofilament tops density varies based on the hairstyle, but generally, these features have a light-medium density.
- - A wefted or basic cap construction has a medium density.
How does density affect the look of the wig?
Since density is defined by the hair knots per square inch (amount varies by manufacturer), the density equals the amount of hair in the wig. You may think that density has to do with the wig lengths, but that is not always the case. The density of the wig affects the overall look of the wig. See the images below for an example of how a light density wig looks next to a medium-density wig.
Styles Featured from left to right: Carrie Lite by Jon Renau | Carrie by Jon Renau
What is the best density for a wig?
The best density for wigs depends on your personal hairstyle preference. If you have fine hair or are of European descent, you will probably like light and light-density the best when looking for wigs, as they will give you the most natural look and feel compared to your biological hair.
Style Featured: Esprit by Ellen Wille
If you like volume at the top or crown, you will prefer medium to medium-heavy wig densities depending on the hairstyle. For example, you may prefer a medium density in wavy or curly wigs since the tendrils will add some volume, and you may prefer medium-heavy density in straight wigs.
Style Featured: Salsa by Raquel Welch
What is a high density wig?
A high-density wig is in the "heavy" density category. These wigs have the most hair on them from any selection. Perfect for those who want the most volume and body from a wig!
Do you have any questions about wig density that we haven’t answered above? Please leave them in the comments below!