Emma is a dedicated content writer passionate about helping people embrace their best selves through hair care and styling. At Hermosa Hair, she brings the brand's motto – "Look good, feel great" – to life by creating engaging and insightful content. With a focus on addressing diverse hair needs, Emma strives to inspire confidence and empower readers to see their hair as a reflection of their lifestyle and individuality.
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Wigs and weaves – are they the same or different?
Wigs and weaves are popular hair extension choices for many women. However, they are not only about increasing hair’s length and volume – wigs and weaves have become a successful length retention strategy that works. But what’s the difference between the two?
This article will teach you everything you need to know about wigs and weaves, helping you decide which option suits you best.
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A wig is a head covering made from hair – synthetic or human – that is sewn onto a wig cap. Wigs usually cover the entire head, so they are more like hats since none of your natural hair will show.
These hairpieces come in different colors, lengths, volumes, and textures. That means they give you the flexibility of switching up your hairstyle without any need to manipulate your natural hair.
There are different types of wigs categorized based on their materials and wig caps. Wigs made from synthetic hair are affordable and pre-styled. Human hair wigs are more expensive and natural-looking. Based on caps, wigs are classified into:
This wig type features a mesh lace base at the front for a natural-looking hairline. This way, lace front wigs let you mimic your edges and switch the parting, making it unnoticeable that you are wearing a wig.
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From the image below, you can already tell that this type of wig is different. Full lace wigs have their entire cap made with lace. So, they are more versatile and last much longer. You can style them in ponytails, half-up, half-down styles, and many more hairstyles that are impossible with other wig types.
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These wigs have lace closures that close off the wigs. The laces are attached only at the crown to give a natural parting around the area. So, there are limited styles you can achieve with closure wigs.
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Weaves are hair extensions or bundles added to the natural hair for a full, lengthy, and natural look. They extend your hair length and are most often attached to your hair by sewing or bonding. This makes the style last for weeks or months without shifting or removing.
Just like wigs, weaves can be made of synthetic and human hair. Human hair will offer you a natural, long-lasting style, while synthetic options are easier to manage. You can also choose between full and half weaves. Full weave involves attaching the hair wefts to cover your entire hair, and half weave leaves some of your hair out to cover the tracks.
While wig styles differ in terms of cap construction, weaves’ durability and the final look depend on the installation method. Here are the top types you should know about:
This is just as the name suggests – sew-in weaves are sewn using thread and needle onto the cornrows. It is the most popular type of weave, and quite versatile too. It depends on what you want and if you like to leave out a part of your hair for a more natural look.
Unlike sew-in weave, crochet weave is another fun method for adding hair extensions to your cornrow – with the help of a hook and needles. It’s very versatile yet protective.
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This type doesn’t sew the weaves to your hair. Instead, they are attached using an adhesive. What the adhesive does is glue the hair extensions to your hair. Though this method is faster, it is not as long-lasting as sew-ins. Bonded weaves are a short-term option for a change of look. They can also cause more damage than sew-ins if not applied properly.
Now that you have a rough idea of wigs and weaves, let’s point out the major differences:
Weaves and wigs are easily thought to be the same thing, each type enjoying the ever-increasing popularity, especially among black women. While they both offer their wearers enhanced hair fullness and length, there are also unavoidable differences that set them apart. We hope this article clarifies that and assists you in making the best choice based on your needs.
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