The four main categories that wigs fall into are synthetic wigs or polyurethane wigs, mesh wigs or lace and monofilament pieces, combos, and units with an open weft. These can be further classified into full wigs, toppers or partial wigs and hair pieces.

Polyurethane wigs have bases made to look like your skin tone. This makes them hotter to wear since the base is not breathable. Many complain that this type of wig looks too unnatural.

Mesh wigs have thin bases made of full lace, monofilament, of polyester or nylon. This base is lighter and very breathable. This base will show the wearer’s scalp color through its fibers blending it well and appearing more like natural hair. This type of hair can be sewn into the hairline to appear even more natural.

A combination wig will put a mesh front with a machine made back to give the look of natural hair. The front may be welded lace, which allows a part to be placed anywhere the lace lies giving the wearer a natural look. Another natural base is French drawn which combines two layers of glass silk with one layer of Swiss lace. This creates a natural hairline if you choose to wear your hair in an updo.

Hair can be natural hair harvested from those who donate their hair. Human hair requires more care and tends to last one year or more with proper care. Virgin hair is also human hair, but it has never been dyed, bleached, or permed. Virgin hair can also carry the name, ‘Remy hair’, but all Remy hair is not virgin hair. This type of hair tends to be less likely to tangle and knot. Synthetic hair is made from a manufactured material. These wigs are ready to wear straight out of the package. They have a shorter lifespan than natural hair wigs, lasting only 4 to 6 months. Heat Friendly synthetic hair can be styled with flat irons. With proper care these wigs will last two to three months.

Human hair is harvested from all over the earth. Most human hair comes from India and China. In a ritual of devotion, pilgrims arriving at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, India shave their heads and donate their hair. Much of the hair is sold after being cut off for devotion, but in some cases a woman’s hair is cut off by gangs and sold at auction.