Are Silk Top Wigs Better Than Lace Wigs?

Silk top wigs vs lace wigs

Which is better between silk top wigs and lace wigs depends on your specific needs and budget. Silk top wigs are more versatile and durable than lace wigs; although it’s less ‘breathable’. But silk top wigs can also be more expensive than lace wigs. Your choice should thus be based on these factors. Read this article further for a detailed answer.

Flawless hair is such an amazing asset to create impact and boost your confidence. However, not everyone is blessed with hair that they like. Hair wigs are a perfect alternative to help you in such cases.

The use of wigs isn’t a recent trend. There are records of wigs being used in ancient Egypt, although they got popular as a proxy for people with hair loss during the 16th and 17th centuries!

Today, you have a number of different wig options to pick from. Silk top wigs and lace wigs are two of the most popular forms that are also closely connected in style. They offer great comfort and form to your hair.

So which is the better one between silk top and lace wigs? We’ll discuss it in this article.

What is a silk top wig?

Silk Top Wigs, also known as Silk Base Wigs are made with a layer of lace and pure silk fabric on the top front of the cap. This layer hides the knots of strands beneath that are made of silk. This leaves no visible, giving your wig a natural look. 

Traditional wigs require the wearer to blend or bleach the know to make them invisible. That’s not required with silk top wigs as they are not noticeable.

These wigs are free from chemicals and are made purely from natural materials. Silk wigs look very much like human hair and contain 97% protein, 3% fat, and wax; They contain close to 18 amino acids and do not damage your scalp.

What is a lace wig?

Lace wigs, or lace front wigs, are made with a sheer lace base that goes through your scalp. Synthetic hair (or natural hair) is tied to this lace base with braids and the hair flows over the base hiding it from view.

How long do silk top wigs last?

Silk top wigs can last up to 1-2 years depending on how well you take care of them. At the lower end, you may also end up replacing them in as little as six months. If you have been using natural hair wigs currently, you should know that any synthetic wig; regardless of material, lasts shorter than natural hair wigs.

Compared to lace wigs, silk top wigs are more durable. They are also quite versatile which means that you can go with different styling options as you desire. 

You should however take good care of them. Pulling and plucking fronts too frequently could take away the natural appearance of the silk top wigs.

How do you make a Silk Top Wig look natural?

Wigs fall in two main categories – Synthetic and Natural. Newly purchased silk top wigs do not look any different from natural hair wigs. They are, in fact, shinier and better looking. However, since they have two layers, any damage to the transitional part can make a big impact on how natural it looks. As long as you take good care of the top front where this transition between the two layers exists, you are good. 

Are silk top wigs breathable?

Silk top wigs tend to be less breathable than lace wigs for two reasons. For one, silk, as a material, does not absorb sweat. Also, since silk top wigs are made of two layers, these wigs can be quite uncomfortable in the summer months. 

Are silk top wigs more expensive than lace wigs?

Yes, silk top wigs have two layers and this makes it more expensive than lace wigs. While it depends on the brand you go with, silk top wigs are typically around $35 more than lace wigs.

What is lace on a wig?

It is the hairpiece which ties a synthetic wig (on a natural wig) to the lace base by hand. The lace goes over the scalp, fulfilling the purpose of a smooth and natural hairline.

Full lace vs. front lace – which is better?

There are pros and cons to both and picking one of the two is purely a personal preference. As the name suggests, front lace wigs are mainly used to give your wig a natural hairline. Full lace, on the other hand, covers the entire scalp.

The full lace is worn while accompanied by a wig cap to not seem bulky. This arrangement isn’t necessary for the Front lace wig. 

However, full lace is exceedingly versatile. With pores throughout the full lace, they are also more breathable than front laces.

Coming to the price of the laces, full lace will cost you more than a front lace wig. In terms of durability, however, they are pretty similar.

What is the difference between a lace wig and a regular wig?

A regular wig generally covers the entire stretch of your synthetic hair. Lace wigs, on the other hand, is what the name suggests – they are a wig with a lace line (front or full) that gives your hair a stable look.

The problem with regular wigs is that they easily give away the fact that it’s not real hair. They are basically a mop of hair resting on your scalp. 

Lace wigs look more natural. You can also experiment a bit with your style and looks with a lace wig; something that’s not possible with regular wigs.

Regular wigs have a standard style and it is not much you can do in terms of personalizing.

Not surprisingly then, regular wigs are more affordable than lace wigs. One can buy different regular wigs to wear and switch as per requirement. Lace wigs are costlier and are also not readily available.

There are of course a few online stores that keep light stocks, but you should be clear with your specifications. One shouldn’t buy a wig just because it’s in stock.

Lastly, let’s discuss the application. Regular wigs are super easy to apply. You just need a few braids and you’re ready for a regular wig.

Lace wigs, however, need time and effort to get done. You might want to bleach the front part as the knots are visible. Also, the hairline should sit perfectly, or else the wig may easily be noticeable.

How long can you wear a lace Wig?

You may comfortably wear a lace wig for up to six weeks, at least. But, wearing a wig that long is going to be a messy affair. 

Sleeping with a wig on is okay. However, it is a good idea to bring down the frictional points between your hair and pillow by tying your wig with a silk cloth or tying your hair in a bun. Too much friction, as it happens during sleep, can reduce the longevity of your wig. 

Lace wigs may be washed and conditioned regularly to keep it clean and this makes it last longer. 

How much do Lace wigs cost?

A lace wig can cost as much as $300 apiece. Some salons also rent it out, and here, it can cost as much as $95 per month. A full lace wig comes with an optional cap too, and this costs extra

So, are silk top wigs better than lace wigs?

There are compelling arguments for and against silk tops, as well as lace wigs. Here are a few points to consider. 

  • Lace wigs may seem less bulky compared to silk top wigs. However, they have a relatively unfinished look compared to silk tops that look more natural. 
  • The silk top wigs measure 5×5 inches starting from the front of the scalp. A lace wig rests beneath the surface which hides the layer where knots are sewed together. The silk on top gives a shiny and more satisfying look to your scalp.
  • Lace provides enough breathing space to your scalp. If you use silk top wigs for the long-term, you may eventually get used to it. But again, it’s best avoided if you live in a hot or humid place.
  • Silk top wigs provide an extra layer with an extended hairline. You can trim it as required.
  • Due to the extra layer in silk top wigs, the hairline isn’t exactly equal. This can “potentially” give it a slightly bulky appearance while the lace sticks perfectly to your scalp with an intact look.
  • Lace adds volume to your hair, and this is good for people who like thick hair.
  • Silk tops are likely to last longer than lace wigs. They are also more durable. 
  • Silk tops are costlier than lace wigs.
Anand Srinivasan
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