The Complete Guide to Wig Types and How to Use Them

A Complete Guide to Different Types of Wigs and Their Uses

In the early days of the wig market, products were limited to full wigs and hairpieces. However, manufacturers soon realized that full wigs alone couldn’t meet all customer needs. Designers across factories worked overtime to create countless sketches, eventually producing a wide variety of wigs. Today, let’s take a closer look at the main wig categories and their benefits.

1. Air Bangs (Light Fringe Wigs)

Air bangs are small fringe wigs designed to be clipped directly onto your own hair.

• How to use: The wig has a small clip at the top. Secure it to your hair, then style with a comb, straightener, or curling iron.

• Tip: Only use human hair bangs if you plan to style with heat tools.

Air bangs are convenient, quick to wear, and reasonably priced—perfect for anyone wanting to try out bangs or fix a haircut gone wrong.

2. Hair Extensions / Hair Strips

Hair strips are long, individual pieces used to add volume or cover sparse areas, such as:

• Hairline

• Crown parting

• Flattened areas at the back of the head

They are widely used by celebrities because they’re portable and easy to apply, making them ideal for home, travel, or quick styling.

Variants:

• Ponytail hair strips that add length or volume to your ponytail—great for photoshoots or special occasions.

3. Hair Toppers

Hair toppers are like simplified partial wigs, covering only the top of the head.

• Purpose: They cover thinning areas at the crown, offering more coverage than hair strips.

• Ease of use: Unlike full wigs, toppers don’t require wrapping all your hair in a wig cap. Simply place the topper on your head and secure the clips on the internal net.

Hair toppers are especially useful for those with thinning hair who want fuller coverage without wearing a full wig.

4. U-Shaped Half Wigs

U-shaped half wigs are a clever invention, perfect for adding both length and volume.

• How to wear: Create a small braid at the top of your head, then attach the U-shaped wig along the braid’s “U” part, securing it in place.

• Ideal for: Those with thinning hair who want to instantly achieve the look of long, thick hair.

5. Full Wigs

Finally, the most traditional and familiar type: full wigs.

• Usage in TV and movies: Full wigs are common in historical dramas, often made with lace or PU glue at the hairline to reveal the forehead naturally.

  • For example, recent popular dramas like The Story of Minglan used PU glue plus makeup to create seamless hairlines.

  • Older dramas often featured wigs with lace fronts and visible grid-like layering.

• How to wear:

  • First, cover your natural hair with a wig cap.

  • Initial attempts may feel unnatural or bulky, but with practice, full wigs become increasingly natural.

• Purpose: Full wigs primarily serve to change hairstyles. They’ve become common daily items, so it’s practical to have a few different styles at home to switch up your look according to mood.

Summary

Now you have an overview of the main wig types:

1. Air bangs – for quick fringe styling

2. Hair strips/extensions – for partial coverage or added length

3. Hair toppers – for crown coverage and volume

4. U-shaped half wigs – for length and density, easy to wear

5. Full wigs – for complete hairstyle transformation

Choose the type that best suits your needs, and enjoy experimenting with different looks!