Wig Frequently Asked Questions

What different man-made fibres are used for the ‘hair’ part of a wig?
What different caps are available and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
What is meant by the term ‘monofilament’?
How can I tell the difference between a machine and a hand made wig? What are the advantages of each?
Supplex and Dermalite wigs are advertised as suitable for people with complete hair loss. Why are they only suitable for people with complete hair loss? What is the difference between the two?
What should I consider when deciding whether to have a man made fibre or a real hair wig?
How can the different types of wigs be cared for, washed and styled?
Are there products for covering small patches of hair loss?
What financial assistance is available when buying a wig?
What other products are available for people with alopecia?
Is there such a thing as an NHS wig?
Are there special ranges of wigs for children and people with small heads?

What different man-made fibres are used for the ‘hair’ part of a wig?

There are 2 different types of man made fibre, Modacrylic and Kanekalon, these are both polymer fibres which are basically a tube filled with colour.

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What different caps are available and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

There are 3 types of cap available. These are machine wefted, hand knotted and monofilament foundations. All 3 types of foundation are all adjustable for size. Hand knotted foundations are very lightweight. Monofilament top wigs look very natural and the parting can be changed. Machine wefted wigs come in a vast selection.

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What is meant by the term ‘monofilament’?

Monofilament is a clear material into which the hair is hand knotted, giving a natural appearance of hair growing from the scalp.

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How can I tell the difference between a machine and a hand made wig? What are the advantages of each?

Machine wefted wigs are made on a wefted foundation, hand knotted wigs are made on a light net foundation, the advantages of machine wefted wigs are the huge selection of styles and colours. Hand knotted wigs are lightweight but come in a smaller number of off-the-peg styles.

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Supplex and Dermalite wigs are advertised as suitable for people with complete hair loss. Why are they only suitable for people with complete hair loss? What is the difference between the two?

The Dermalite is a completely custom made wig, made to a client's individual specifications, and a template is taken for size. This wig, due to it’s construction, is only suitable for people with 100% hair loss. However very small amounts of hair still growing can be removed if the client is happy about it. The Supplex is a piece, kept as a stock item in shops and comes in 2 sizes, and a selection of colours, and can be worn with complete or partial hair loss.

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What should I consider when deciding whether to have a man made fibre or a real hair wig?

Colours and style availability, your lifestyle and whether you have the time to care for a human hair wig.

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How can the different types of wigs be cared for, washed and styled?

All good wigs should come with washing instructions! Fibre wigs are left to dry naturally and human hair w

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