When I first started wearing wigs, I was only 13. I ordered my first wig from a hair catalog. I had picked a colour and hair style, but knew nothing about the cap or construction of the wig.
Over the last 13 years, I’ve learned a lot about wigs - however I know how confusing it can be when first starting to wear wigs.
We get a lot of questions on lace fronts with wefted caps, and while we don’t sell open wefted wigs, I wanted to share my own experience with both open vs. closed wefted wigs.
For those who don’t know, wefts are the rows of hair strands that are sewn together to create the base of the wig.
Open weft wigs, also known as machine weft wigs, are crafted using a machine-sewn technique. This construction method involves stitching hair strands onto a thin, breathable material, such as a mesh or lace-like fabric. The wefting technique leaves small gaps or openings between the rows of hair, providing ventilation and allowing air circulation to reach the scalp.
Based on my own personal experience with my open-wefted wig, I can honestly say that while my head stayed cool, I often worried someone would hook their fingers into the wefts when brushing or playing with my “hair”.
I think I would have felt more secure if I had of had my own bio hair to pull through the wefts as a way to blend my hair, as I was also worried that if the wind blew, someone may see my bald head in between the cracks.
The cap was very lightweight and breathable, however I have not ever gone back to an open wefted wig since retiring my first one two years later when turning 15, and having regrowth.
In contrast to open wefted wigs, closed wefted wigs, also referred to as hand-tied weft wigs, are constructed using a meticulous hand-sewing technique. The hair strands are individually attached to a solid material, such as a cloth or net, leaving no gaps or openings between the wefts. This creates a denser and more secure foundation for the wig.
Based on my own experience, a lace front wig with a closed weft cap tends to be more durable (as long as it’s being cared for properly).
I used to only wear fully hand tied caps, but as someone who wears their wig every day for multiple hours a day, it was not as practical - therefore I now make sure to rotate between my full lace and lace front pieces.
Many wig wearers think that it isn’t possible to wear lace front wigs with a wefted cap in different styles, however, due to having no visible gaps between the wefts, you can experiment with various hairstyles, including updos and intricate braids, without the worry of exposed wefts.
However, it’s truly about finding what works best for you. My experience may not be the same as yours, and that’s totally okay!