Wig Guide: Lace, Sizes & Density

New to wigs, or not sure which one to choose? This guide explains the terms you'll see on our product pages in plain language, with pictures. If you still have questions, email us at info@braidsandwigs.ca and we'll help you pick.

Lace types

The lace is the sheer mesh at the front or top of a wig where the hair is knotted in by hand. It's what makes the hairline look natural. The numbers are in inches: the first number is how wide the lace is, the second is how deep it goes back from your hairline.

How to read the pictures: you are looking down at the top of the head, with the forehead at the top. LaceWig hairYour own hair

13x4 lace front
13x4 lace front
13" ear to ear, 4" deep. A natural hairline you can part at the front.
13x6 lace front
13x6 lace front
13" ear to ear, 6" deep. More room for deep side or middle parts.
4x4 lace closure
4x4 closure
A 4" x 4" square at the top. Good for a middle or small side part.
5x5 lace closure
5x5 closure
A 5" x 5" square, a little more room to part than a 4x4.
360 lace
360 lace
Lace all the way around, so you can wear high ponytails and buns.
Full lace
Full lace
The whole cap is lace. Part it anywhere and style it any way.

See it on our bestsellers:

Latisha 13x6 HD lace frontal wig
Latisha
13x6 HD lace frontal, 24"
Lilith 13x4 HD lace wig
Lilith
13x4 HD lace, glueless, 30"
Water Deep Wave 360 human hair wig
Water Deep Wave
360 glueless human hair wig
  • HD lace: A thinner, more see-through lace that blends with most skin tones. It looks very natural but is more delicate, so handle it gently.
  • Transparent lace: Clear lace that suits most skin tones and is a bit sturdier than HD lace.

Wig styles that need no lace work

These are quick to put on and great if you're new to wigs. Where it helps, the left picture shows how the wig sits on your head and the right one shows our bestseller in that style.

Glueless wigs

Held in place with adjustable straps, combs or an elastic band, so no glue or tape is needed. A great choice for beginners. Many of our lace front wigs are glueless too.

Oceana glueless HD lace front wig
Oceana
Bestseller: glueless HD lace front
Lilith glueless 13x4 HD lace wig
Lilith
Bestseller: glueless 13x4 HD lace

Half wigs

Cover the back and crown of your head. You leave out your own hair at the front and blend it in.

Half wig diagram
How it sits
Neesha H301 half wig
Neesha H301 half wig
Bestseller

U-part wigs

A U-shaped opening at the top lets you pull some of your own hair through and blend it over the wig, so the part looks like your own scalp. Choose a colour close to your hair.

U-part wig diagram
How it sits
Coily Fro U-part leave out wig
Coily Fro 14" U-part
Bestseller

V-part wigs

Like a U-part, but the opening is a small V at the front, so you only leave out a little of your own hair. Less leave-out means less blending and less heat on your hair.

V-part wig diagram
How it sits
V-Unit 2 V-part wig
V-Unit 2 V-part
Bestseller

Headband wigs

Come with an attached headband or scarf that covers the hairline. Slip it on, adjust the band and go. Very beginner-friendly.

Headband wig diagram
How it sits
Kinky human hair headband wig
Kinky headband wig
Bestseller

Cap size

Most of our wigs come in an average cap size, which fits most heads and usually has adjustable straps to tighten the fit.

How to measure your head: Wrap a soft measuring tape around your head, starting at the front hairline, going above the ears and around the back at the nape of your neck, then back to the start.

  • Small: about 21" (53 cm)
  • Average: about 21.5"–22.5" (55–57 cm)
  • Large: about 23" (58 cm) and up

Sizes can vary slightly by brand, so check the product description where a cap size is listed.

Length

Length is measured from the top of the wig straight down to the ends. Use the chart to see roughly where each length falls. Curly and wavy hair looks shorter than its listed length because the curls pull it up.

Hair length chart from 8 inches (ear) to 30 inches (hips)

Density

Density means how much hair is on the wig.

  • 130%–150%: light to medium, the most natural everyday look
  • 180%: full and voluminous
  • 200%–250%: extra full, glam volume

Synthetic vs. human hair

  • Synthetic: Comes pre-styled and keeps its style after washing. Avoid hot tools unless the product says it's heat-friendly.
  • Human hair and human hair blends: Can be heat styled and usually lasts longer with good care. Human hair can also be coloured.

Before you buy

Wigs, half wigs, ponytails and all hair extensions are final sale and can't be returned or exchanged. If your item arrives damaged or isn't what you ordered, email info@braidsandwigs.ca within 48 hours of delivery with photos and your order number. See our Refund Policy.