Eileen Josenhans knows what it's like to be bald.
Turning heads
Monofilament/ mono-top wig: These wigs have hairs hand-knotted into breathable nylon or silk mesh. When applied, the mesh disappears against the scalp, allowing the wearer’s natural skin color to come through. The part looks more natural and gives the wearer more versatility with styling, Brown says.
Rooted/ombre wigs: Rooted wigs have dark roots at the scalp, while ombre wigs have colors graduating from dark at the base to light at the ends. These styles copy the recent trend seen on Hollywood stars and in salons across the country.
European hair wigs: Most human hair wigs are made of Asian hair, which tends to be thick with coarse cuticles. Eastern European hair wigs have a different texture, says Gilbert. “They have good movement, and they just feel like butter,” she says. They are also more expensive, starting at around $1,700.
Silver blends: Older patients who have gray or white hair can now choose blends, which mimic the natural gray progression, Cheeyou says. “They have a lighter blend of silver and gray in the front and a darker blend in the back,” she says. Wigs also come with grays mixed into black and brown shades.
Asymmetrical bob wigs: The asymmetrical bob, where hair is longer in the front than in the back, is one of the most popular wigs sold at the cancer resource center’s wig salon, Josenhans says. Women like the look both with bangs and without, she says.
Lace-front wigs: These wigs come with a meshlike ribbon attached in front of the hairline. Once the wig is applied, stylists trim the ribbon to fit the wearer’s natural hairline, Brown says. The wig’s hair line then blends with the wearer’s skin, creating an overall more natural look, she says. While they have been around for a while, lace-front wigs are becoming more popular with women who have lost hair because of cancer treatment or alopecia, experts say.