The vast majority of custom-made wigs are either silk top or lace top wigs. To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared an outline of some of the pros and cons of each.
Silk Top Wigs
Pros:
- Natural appearance:
Silk top wigs are made with a double-layered base, a layer of silk on top and an extra piece of lace underneath. This construction creates the illusion of hair growing directly from the scalp.
- Concealed knots:
The top silk layer conceals the hair, which has been drawn through a mesh after ventilating the net on the underside of the grid. This technique, known as “draw-through parting,” eliminates the visible grid pattern and enhances realism. - Versatile styling:
The natural-looking multi-directional partition allows for versatile styling options. Moving the partition to the left, right, or center is easy and doesn’t require any manufacturing repairs. - Durability:
Because the knots are concealed, the hair of a silk top wig has a great deal less shedding. As well, it’s not necessary to chemically remove cuticles from the root of the hair as the knots are completely concealed. This allows the ventilator (the person tying the hair into the wig) to trim the return (the short end of the hair) down to under 1 inch, eliminating root tangling. Although this may seem like a minor detail, it ultimately makes a silk top wig last longer than a lace top wig. If you are at the point of truly choosing between these two types of wigs, it is safest to go to the best wig store in Toronto that is experienced in working with European custom-made wigs.
Cons:
- Thickness:
The triple-layered construction can make a silk top wig look slightly thicker. As well, people who have worn custom-made wigs, both with silk tops and lace tops, generally agree that a silk top wig is a little warmer, particularly in hotter weather. Having owned and operated the best wig store in Toronto for almost 30 years and being a wig wearer myself for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is very noticeable how much heavier a silk top wig is than a lace top wig. It’s not only the extra layers of fabric, but the actual amount of hair required to build a silk top wig. On average they weigh 20 to 40% more than a lace top wig!
Lace Top Wigs
Pros:
- Breathability:
Lace top wigs are revered for their lightweight and breathable qualities, providing comfort even with extended wear. - Natural hairline:
The natural hairline and the directional partition make for a super natural-looking wig. The nature of the construction allows for either volume or extreme flatness. This kind of wig looks like it’s “growing out of your head.” It even allows for styles that pull the hair completely away from the face.
Cons:
- Visible knots:
As all the ventilation (hand-knotting) is done on the surface of the single layer of lace, the knot may be visible, potentially reducing the wig’s realism up close. However, techniques like bleaching knots, concealer makeup, and specialty waxes can mitigate this issue.
- Durability:
Lace is extremely delicate and requires more careful handling to prevent tearing or fraying, which certainly could affect the wig’s longevity. The necessity of removing some cuticles from the root of the hair (to prevent tangling) also decreases the longevity of the hair, which is hand-tied on the surface. - Cost:
Overall, the cost of lace top custom-made wigs ends up being higher over time due to more frequent repairs and actual wig replacement.
Choosing the Right Wig for You
Selecting between a silk top and a lace top wig depends on one or a combination of personal preference, lifestyle, and budget. If achieving the most natural scalp appearance is your priority and you don’t mind a slightly heavier wig, then the custom-made wigs for you are silk tops. Conversely, if comfort, breathability, versatility, and a fairly open budget are your parameters, lace top custom-made wigs are your go-to.
At Paula’s wig boutique, we have invested an enormous amount of time, study, and money in becoming the best wig store in Toronto. We offer a diverse range of custom-made wigs and ready-made wigs to cater to your specific needs. We believe in educating our clientele so they can make the best decision for them.
