Lace Confusion - Understanding Wig Materials
OK, today is lesson day. Get out your notebooks and start writing. Today's lesson is about wig materials. What is the difference between Swiss Lace, French Lace, Thin Skin, Mono-filiment, and silk?

Mono-filament (commonly called mono-top)-This material is the most commonly used material for celebrity wigs. Your average wig from the hair store is made with mono-filament top. This material does not offer a natural front, but it offers the ability to have a skin color scalp. You can select the color of mono-top that matches your skin tone, and as long as you don't get too close, it looks like scalp. The downside is that mono-top wigs are usually bulkier and not as natural looking. They also work best with bangs in front, but not everyone wants to be forced to wear a bang just for their wig to look real. My suggestion is that you purchase mono-top wigs only if you're doing a style with a bang or with a style that is curly and covers the front. Otherwise, they tend to look unnatural.

Thin Skin-This material is the closest material to human skin that has been developed so far. The feeling of it is almost like plastic. It can come in various colors so that you can match it up with your skin tone and looks like your own scalp showing through without having to wear a stocking cap. This can be great if you would like the benefit of having a thin material that does not look bulky and the ability to look like the hair is growing out of your own scalp. The downside to this material doesn't have much breathability and your scalp can become hot. Some women tend to sweat with this material. Also, the material being colored may or may not fully match your skin tone. A helpful tip for thin skin wigs is to use makeup to blend the color of the thin skin with that of your own complexion.

French Lace-This is a durable lace material that many lace front wigs are made with. It is sheer, so your own scalp can be seen underneath. When used on a lace wig, it can be glued to your hairline and with its sheerness allows a natural looking hairline.

Swiss Lace-This is a more delicate lace material that is also used in the construction of lace wigs. It is a sheer material that can be found in various skin tone colors from translucent, light brown, brown, and dark brown. It is similar to French Lace in that it is translucent and allows for a very natural looking hair line, but is softer and easier to damage if not handled carefully.

Silk-The newest innovation in lace wigs is the new Silk material. With Silk the lace wig can still maintain a natural looking hairline, excellent breathability, and looks extremely natural when parted. This material allows the wearer to wear the wig without the need for a stocking cap underneath and also comes in a variety of skin tone colors to match one's complexion.