Wig shopping is super exciting when you consider the possibilities each wig affords you. But when you get down to the nitty-gritty of wig density, things can very quickly get hairy.
If you're stuck choosing between a 150% and 180% density curly wig, you're in the right place. We'll tell you everything you need to know about these wig types and what makes them different. Let's get right into it!
Wig densities can be extremely confusing for those new to the concept. Before we jump into the differences between 150 and 180% densities, we'll touch on wig density in general.
What Is a Wig's Density?
The density of a wig is a measure of how thick and full it feels and looks. Stores write density as a percentage, like 150% or 180%, but each store decides for itself what those numbers mean. Nothing in the wig industry sets the scale, so a 150% wig from one shop might hold no more hair than a 130% wig from another.
Here's how most stores group them. Low-density wigs (usually 60% to 110%, and as low as 50% at a few stores) don't have very many strands of hair attached to the wig cap.
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Normal-density wigs (120 to 130%) are what many stores call natural, though stores put a natural head of hair anywhere from 100% to 130%. Thicker-density wigs (150% and up) have a lot of hair attached to the wig cap. Within this category are wigs that are just a little fuller than what's considered to be normal density, as well as those that are extremely thick and grand.
Many stores call 150% medium density, and most call 180% high. One store's own chart labels 180% "heavy density." The scale usually stops at 250%, though a few stores sell 300% and even 350% wigs.
What Is a 150-Density Curly Wig?
A 150-density curly wig is a curly wig with a medium amount of hair, one step fuller than what most stores call natural. It's not considered super thick by any means, but it's a little fuller than an average head of hair. But when you add curls to the mix, the perceived thickness of the wig becomes inflated.
Furthermore, the tighter and springier the curls are, the thicker and more voluminous the wig will seem. A 150% density curly wig is great for anyone who likes big hair but doesn't want a lot of weight on their head. The wig density gives you enough hair to play around with a ton of voluminous styles.
What Is a 180-Density Curly Wig?
A 180-density curly wig is noticeably thicker than a 150-density wig. It's considered very dense and will have a ton of height because of the texture of the curls.
Choosing this wig density is a bold move because it's not the most natural wig density. When you put on your 180% density wig, others may be able to tell you're wearing one, especially if your own hair is fine. You'll have to be okay with that.
Though 180% density wigs aren't the most natural-looking wigs on the market, they more than make up for this in the pure flavor and styling possibilities.
150% vs. 180% Density Curly Wig: The Differences
By this point, you might have a general idea of the difference between 150 and 180% density curly wigs. To ensure you have a good understanding, we'll highlight it in this section.
The difference between 150 and 180% density wigs, of course, is the number of hair strands that are attached to the wig cap. From the same store, the 150% density wig won't have as many hair strands as the 180% density wig. Between two different stores, the gap can be smaller or bigger, since each store sets its own scale.
Because of the difference in wig density, you'll notice the following:
- The 180% density wig will be noticeably more voluminous than the 150% density wig.
- The 150% density wig will not look as wiggy (unnatural) as the 180% density wig.
- You'll likely spend more on the 180% density wig than the 150% density wig from the same store.
Do Higher Density Wigs Weigh More?
Yes, a higher density wig weighs more, but the gap between 150% and 180% is smaller than the numbers make it sound. The percentages are labels, not hair counts, so the weight on a listing is a better way to see the difference.
One wig store's published weight table lists a 16-inch wig as 176 grams at 150% and 200 grams at 180%. That's about 24 grams more, roughly the weight of five sheets of printer paper. At 24 inches, the gap grows to 31 grams (246 grams against 277 grams).
Those weights include the wig cap and lace, and they come from one store. So if you're comparing two wigs, compare ones of the same length and cap type, and check the weight on each listing if the store gives it.
A couple dozen grams won't feel like much when you first put the wig on. You may notice it by the end of a long day of wear, though, especially on a long wig, since every extra inch of length adds weight at any density. If comfort matters most to you, that's one more point in favor of lower-density wigs.
If you're making your own wig, the gap shows up as bundles instead of grams. One wig store suggests about 3 to 3.5 bundles of hair for a 150% wig and 3.5 to 4 bundles for a 180% wig. The exact count depends on the length and on how much each bundle weighs.
Is More Density Better in a Wig?
Those who aren't well-versed in wigs may look at the numbers and automatically think that 180% density wigs are better than 150% density wigs. That's not necessarily the case.
Some people prefer thinner wigs over thicker ones, and vice versa.
Also, more hair means a heavier wig and more hair to detangle and style. So, you'll have to decide whether you personally like thicker wigs because more density isn't always better.
If this is your first curly wig, start with 150%. Curls take up more space than straight hair, so a curly wig already looks fuller than a straight wig at the same density. That means a curly 150% wig will likely give you plenty of volume and can still pass for your own hair.
Go with 180% if you want big, glam curls, a long wig that stays full down to the ends, or a wig that matches naturally thick hair. If you're torn and the store takes returns, try the 150% first. It's easier to add volume to a wig with products than to take hair away.
How Your Wig's Texture Changes How Full Each Density Looks
The curlier the texture, the fuller a wig looks at the same density. Straight hair lies flat against your head, so a straight wig needs more hair to look full. Body wave and loose wave textures sit a little fuller than straight hair, and deep wave, water wave, and kinky curly textures take up the most space of all.
So the same number can look very different from one texture to the next. A 150% kinky curly wig can look as full as a straight wig with more hair on it. If you want a big look from a straight or body wave wig, 180% is often the better pick, while 150% is often enough for deep wave, water wave, and kinky curly textures.
Is 180% Density Too Thick?
When it comes to wig thickness, 180% density is considered quite thick. That being said, it's not so thick that it looks completely unnatural. If you naturally have a full, thick head of hair, this wig density level might look quite natural on you.
If you like big hair but don't want to tease and volumize a wig every morning to get it, this density level might be for you. If you prefer something closer to a natural thickness and don't want others to know you're wearing a wig, then opt for a 150% density wig instead.
How Your Own Hair Density Changes How Full a Wig Looks
Your own hair density, meaning how many hairs grow on your scalp, makes a big difference here, and it varies a lot from person to person. When researchers counted the hairs on 38 adults' scalps, they found anywhere from 90 to 290 hairs in each square centimeter, a patch about the size of a fingernail. So a 180% wig that looks huge on someone with fine hair can look like it grew there on someone whose own hair is thick.
If you'll leave some of your own hair out at the front, think about texture before density. Pick a curl pattern that matches your leave-out first, then choose a wig density close to your own hair density, so the spot where your hair meets the wig doesn't stand out.
How to Make a 150% Wig Look Thicker
If you've opted for a 150% wig but have been left feeling underwhelmed, it's possible to make your wig look thicker. Here are some tips that can help:
- Use volumizing products - A good way to add volume and body to your wig is by using volumizing products such as mousses and sprays. These will help lift the roots of the hair, creating more volume in your wig.
- Tease the hair - Teasing is another great way to make a wig look thicker. It involves backcombing the roots of the wig with a teasing comb. The tool essentially tangles the hair, creating a bit more body and visible thickness. It won't actually add more hair, but it does make the wig look fuller.
- Add layers - Adding some layers to your wig with hair-cutting shears can also help create more volume and body. But you'll have to be strategic with the way you cut the layers. Focus on adding layers throughout the crown for the best results.
How to Make a 180% Density Wig Look Thinner
If you've bought a 180% wig and feel like it's too dense, don't worry! It's possible to make it look thinner. Here are some tips that can help:
- Thin out the ends - Thinning out the ends of your wig can help create a more natural look. You can either do this yourself with some scissors or take it to a trusted stylist. Just make sure you don't take too much off, or your wig may look stringy.
- Use styling products - Styling products such as pomades, gels, and waxes can also help to make a wig look less thick. These products weigh down the hair and keep it in place, creating a smoother and more natural look.
- Use a flat iron - Using a flat iron on your wig can help make it look less wiggy and more natural, but it also smooths out the curls you bought the wig for. Only use heat on a human hair wig or a synthetic wig labeled "heat friendly," since a standard synthetic wig can melt. Either way, use a heat protectant, because too much heat can damage the wig hair.
Before you cut, thin, or heat a new wig, try it on at home and make sure you're keeping it. The three online wig stores we checked in October 2026 only take back wigs that haven't been worn or cut, and one also wants the curls left in their original pattern. If you want layers or thinning, have the wig professionally styled once you know it's staying with you. Products that wash out are the safest place to start, and the chart below puts every fix on this page in that order.
Original Curl Centric chart
Your curly wig looks too thin or too full: what to try first
Work down from the top. The green rows wash or comb out, so they’re safe to try on a wig you might still return. The amber rows are permanent. The pink row can ruin the curls, or the whole wig, if it isn’t made for heat.
| The fix | What it does | Can you undo it? | Before you try it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mousse or volumizing spray | Lifts the roots so your 150% wig looks fuller. | Yes. It washes out. | Start with a small amount at the roots. You can always add more. |
| Teasing | Tangles the hair near the roots with a teasing comb, so your 150% wig looks fuller. It doesn’t add any hair. | Yes. Comb it out gently, starting at the ends and working up to the roots. | Tease just a few sections at the crown, not the whole wig. |
| Pomade, gel, or wax | Weighs the curls down so your 180% wig sits smoother and closer to your head. | Yes. It washes out. | Smooth a little over the roots and the top layer first, then add more if you need it. |
| Layers at the crown | Shapes the curls so the top of your 150% wig looks fuller. | No. Cut hair doesn’t grow back on a wig. | Make sure you’re keeping the wig first. The stores we checked won’t take back a wig that’s been cut. |
| Thinning the ends | Takes bulk out of the bottom of your 180% wig. | No. Once it’s cut, it’s gone. | Take off a little at a time, or let a stylist do it. Too much, and the ends look stringy. |
| Flat iron | Smooths your 180% wig so it looks less full, but it also straightens out the curls. | Not always. A heat-friendly synthetic wig keeps its new shape even after you wash it, and a standard synthetic wig can melt. | Use it only on a human hair wig or a synthetic wig labeled “heat friendly,” with a heat protectant. |
If none of these give you the fullness you want and the wig is still unworn, swapping it for the other density may be the better fix. The return rules come from three online wig stores we checked in October 2026, and the heat advice comes from Breastcancer.org and one wig maker’s care guide.
Where to Get a High-Quality Curly Wig
After settling on your wig density, you may be wondering where to get your curly unit. If you're looking for a high-quality wig available in 150% or 180% density levels, you may need to look online for your unit.
Online, 150% and 180% are the two densities you'll see most. Across six online human hair wig stores we checked in September 2026, 1,074 wigs came in 180% and 776 came in 150%.
Do your research and shop around for the best deals before committing to a purchase. There are plenty of reliable wig vendors available online, so you're sure to find something that works for you.
Before you pay, find out how long you have to send the wig back and whether the store charges a restocking fee, which is what the American Cancer Society advises for anyone buying a wig. And since every store runs its own density scale, compare a 150% and a 180% wig from the same store when you can, or check each store's density chart to see where it puts natural.
You can also shop around on Amazon, as they have a wide range of curly wigs in both 150% and 180% density. There's no need to rush when choosing a unit - when you find the perfect one, you'll be glad you were thorough in the selection process.
Choosing the Lace on a 150% or 180% Density Wig
You'll find both densities on lace front wigs, closure wigs, and glueless wigs, so the lace is a separate choice. The lace is the sheer panel at the front where the hair is knotted in by hand, so your hairline looks like it's growing from your scalp.
On a lace front wig (usually sold as 13x4 or 13x6), the lace runs ear to ear across your hairline and reaches 4 or 6 inches back. A closure wig has a smaller square of lace, usually 4x4 or 5x5 inches, at the front where your part sits. Behind the lace, both are built from wefts, the sewn strips that carry most of the hair.
If you love high ponytails and buns, look at 360 lace or full lace wigs instead. A lace front or closure can show the wefts when you pull all that hair up, while 360 lace runs around your whole hairline and full lace covers the entire cap.
Lace and the cap also count toward the weight on a listing. So when you compare a 150% and a 180% wig by grams, compare two wigs with the same lace, such as two 13x4 lace front wigs.
Related Articles
- What Does 180 Density Wig Mean?
- How Thick Is 150 Density Wig
- What Does Density Mean When Buying a Wig?
- Best Lace Front Wigs
No matter where you purchase your curly wig from, make sure you read reviews and check the product details before committing to a purchase. A well-made human hair wig usually lasts about a year of daily wear, and longer if you wear it less often and care for it well. A synthetic wig wears out sooner, often within a few months.
We hope you found this guide helpful in understanding the difference between 150% and 180% density wigs. Happy shopping!
