Wig Sideburns Explained- Hand-Tied, Lace, and Medical Base Options
A Professional’s Guide to Wig Sideburns: Understanding Different Base Materials
As someone who works with wigs every day, I’ve always believed that the most challenging part of a wig to manage is the sideburn area. Everyone’s natural sideburns are unique, but wig sideburns often lack this individuality. Unless you spend a lot of money on a custom wig, most mass-produced wigs have fairly stiff, uniform sideburns.
Why Wig Sideburns Are Tricky
Wig sideburns are located along the outer edges of the wig, also called the layering area (the wig’s layers refer to the edges of the wig). This layering is generally difficult to make look natural. Usually, only lace inner-net wigs achieve a truly seamless effect, while other construction methods often show subtle lines or artificial textures.
So it’s normal for wig sideburns to look slightly artificial. However, they are usually covered by natural hair, so even if you tuck your hair behind your ears, the wig’s layers are hidden. The problem only arises if you tie your hair up, in which case using a lace-base wig with adhesive tape can help secure it naturally.
Three Common Wig Sideburn Materials
Here’s a breakdown of three types of wig base materials and how they affect the sideburn area:
1. Fully Hand-Tied Wig Sideburns
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Description: The most common type in the wig world, hand-tied sideburns usually have no special treatment.
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Limitations: Cannot be tied up or exposed naturally.
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Use Case: Covered by your natural hair; in daily wear, you don’t need to worry about them being noticed.
2. Lace Wig Sideburns
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Description: Lace wigs feature extremely realistic sideburns, which is why they are often used in historical dramas where hair is tied up.
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Advantages: The lace base is thin and skin-toned, and when secured with adhesive tape, the edge blends almost invisibly with your scalp. The layering issue at the sideburns is resolved.
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Considerations: Achieving natural results requires patience. Thin lace can lift if not glued properly. Once secured with adhesive, sideburns can be exposed or tied freely.
3. Medical/PU Inner-Net Wig Sideburns
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Description: These wigs extend the simulated scalp area from the forehead all the way to the sideburns.
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Construction: Uses PU (polyurethane) adhesive technology, also known as “bio-membrane,” which adheres closely to the skin for a natural look.
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Advantages: Can be exposed or styled up. Designed for bald or medically sensitive users, the inner net is extremely soft.
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Considerations: Exposing the sideburns often requires adhesive, otherwise brushing or moving hair can cause the net to lift.
Summary
These are the three most commonly seen wig sideburn types today. In most cases, standard inner-net sideburns are sufficient, as they remain hidden under your hair and won’t look artificial. Only if you have very high expectations and don’t mind extra effort should you consider lace or medical/PU inner-net options.