What Density Should You Choose for your Wig
Planning to buy a wig? Just remember to choose the right wig density. This article answers your questions on what wig density to choose and how to do it.
Choosing the right wig for yourself is always a hard task because getting a wig involves getting the right fit along with the accurate hair density to match your face cut.
Another important thing you would always consider is making sure your wig looks most natural.
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Wearing wigs can be for different reasons like wearing a wig because you’ve gone bald or started balding. Or maybe even just to change up your look for a bit to get a new hairstyle!
Some people even want to just increase hair density as they want their hair to look more voluminous.
In this latter case (or generally) you need to keep in mind the wig density before buying.
So if you’re wondering what wig density you should choose, and how to choose wig density, then I’ve got you covered.
What Wig Density Should You Choose?
The better it is the more volume you can get for sure.
150 vs 180% Density?
What does hair density mean?
Hair density is calculated as per square inches of one’s scalp. It refers to the number of hair strands growing in every square inch of one’s scalp.
The higher the hair density, the thicker your hair and the lower your hair density the thinner your hair.
According to research, individuals have around 80,000 to 1, 20,000 strands of hair on their scalp where the most strands lie at the crown.
This being said, it is important to know that hair density can vary by ethnicity, gender, age, hormonal and genetic factors etc.
All You Need To Know About Wig Density
Wig hair is generally sewed onto a wig cap that enhances the look while a person wears it in order to make one’s hair look fuller and thicker.
So your wig density will all depend on the number of hair strands present on your wig cap, making it look thicker or thinner.
There is a difference between one’s hair being dense and being thick. When a person’s hair is considered thick, it is referring to the width of each individual strand of hair.
So if the hair strands are thicker, then the wig density can be lower. Therefore, wig density is referring to the amount of hair present in the wig cap. The thicker the wig density, the thicker the hair will look.
Commonly Recommended Wig Densities
Wig densities are measured in terms of percentages ranging from 60% to 200% wig density from low to high density respectively.
One of the standard densities of wigs is the natural or medium hair density of 120%, which is similar to that of the average density of human hair which ranges between 100% to 120%.
This will make the wig look more natural and realistic, while also making the head look full of hair. It is neither too heavy a wig on the head and is relatively comfortable than heavier wigs.
But people often do choose wig densities of 100% or 130% based on their personal requirements.
While a 100% density wig will be more light in weight and is used by people who would have originally had thinner less dense hair, so that it gives the personal a more realistic look.
People who choose to use a 130% density wig, will go in for more of a voluminous look, but the wig will be slightly heavier than usual.
Since these two wig densities are the closest to the natural wig density of 120%, it is very often considered as ideal.
Types Of Hair Wig Densities
To break it down for you guys, I have classified these wigs into categories based on their weight and density.
Light wigs
Density of 60% – 90%: These wigs are considered to have very low density and are very light in weight.
Density of 100%: This wig too is light in weight and is very often used by people with fine hair, as it makes your hair look full, with also matching to your natural hair density. It also provides the hair with sufficient coverage as compared to the wigs with 60 to 90% densities.
Natural or medium wigs
Density of 120%: Considered the wig density closest to natural human hair density, not too light or heavy in weight.
Densities of 130%, 150% and 180%: These wigs gradually increase in wig density and make one’s hair look thicker and fuller as the density increases, while also gradually increasing the weight of the wig.
Heavy wigs
Densities of 200% or 250%: These wigs are the heaviest and most dense wigs available for purchase. They make the hair look very voluminous and therefore result in the wigs being heavier. But these wigs are very rarely used, unless someone is looking to create a particular style.
Things You Should Consider While Choosing Wig Density
Your hair type:
If you are someone with naturally thin and fine hair, then choosing a wig with lower density is always recommended to make your hairstyle look more natural and realistic.
If your hair comes under the normal category, then choosing medium wigs will help cover up your head with hair, still keeping the look realistic and natural.
There are people who naturally have thicker and voluminous hair types. Therefore, for such people, choosing higher density wigs will be ideal.
The cost factor
Well, using a higher density wig will definitely cost you more compared to other types of wigs.
Therefore, choosing the wig that suits your budget needs to be considered.
The same goes with wig lengths, the longer the wig hair length, the higher it will cost you.
Type of hairstyle
If you are looking out to have a short hairstyle within 10 inches of length, then choosing a wig density between 120 – 150% will give your hairstyle a more natural look, while not making it appear too bulked up.
If you have medium length hair up to 16 inches, then wig densities between 130 to 180% will be recommended.
For longer hair within 22 inches of length, choosing more voluminous wigs with higher densities like 200% density, can give you the perfect look.
For hair that is very long, 30 inches and above, then a 250% density wig will make your hair look full right from the scalp downwards.
Your way of life
If you are someone who often engages in physical activity like sports and or going to the gym, the wig density will differ.
Also if your job entails working in hotter environments. The chances of you sweating excessively can not only ruin your wig, but will also make you feel uncomfortable and hotter.
Therefore, for such people, choosing wig densities of a lower range is often recommended.
If you are someone who does both physical activity, apart from your full-time office job and social gatherings, then keeping two sets of wigs could also be suitable.
The age factor
Well, this one should be one of the main considerations. Now, wigs are usually worn when the hair thins out or in order to get a desired hairstyle.
So if you are on the older side and decide to wear a wig before your hair thins out further and looks more obvious that you are wearing a wig. In this case be mindful to choose a wig with lower density, so that it gives you a more realistic look.
Type of wig hair used
Getting a with natural hair (like the Brazilian hair wigs, which are considered to be made from 100% virgin and natural hair), should be your go-to buy, in order to make your wig look more realistic and natural as compared to wigs made of synthetic hair.
FAQs about hair density
1. How do you check the natural density of your hair?
Doing a visual inspection of your scalp is the best method. When more of your scalp is visible, your hair density is lower and the lesser of your scalp is seen (which means there is more hair covering your scalp), the higher is your hair density.
Another method you can use to check your natural hair density is by doing a ponytail test. Tie your hair into a ponytail and measure its circumference.
If the circumference is less than 2 inches wide, your hair density is low. If the circumference is between 2 to 3 inches wide, the density is medium or normal. If the circumference is 4 inches and above, then the hair density is high.
Please note that these tests can be done at home but will not show 100% accurate results, as a professional test would do, because professional testing will also include considering other factors like hair thickness of individual strands of hair.
2. Is there a way to measure hair density?
Yes, there is. For research and medical purposes, a non-invasive technique of imaging is used. This technique is called ‘trichoscopy’. It refers to imaging of the scalp dermoscopically. Medical professionals often use this technique in the diagnosis of scalp and hair disorders.
3. How to determine wig density while buying a wig online?
Look for a website or a seller that provides you with a ‘Wig Density Chart’ that will give you an idea of what kind of wig you are going for. It is essential to have the right balance of weight, length and density when buying a wig.
4. What happens if your wig is not of the perfect density?
Well, there are times when we shop online and do not get the item we expected.
Well, if your wig density was lower than you expected it to be, then backcombing your hair could help provide the wig with more volume.
You could even use a hair curler or curling iron to give your wig some waves or curls to increase the hair volume.
If your wig came in with too high a density, then maybe giving your wig a good haircut to reduce the excess volume will help do the trick.
The final takeaway
I hope this article came in handy for all of you out there looking to buy the perfect wig. Follow the above tips and I hope you are able to get the perfect wig of your choice!