What density wig should I get? Before you take the plunge on a new purchase and risk being stuck with a wig that you hate, take a second to read this article! Today, we're going to explain everything you've ever wanted to know about wig densities.
We'll break down what wig density means and walk you through how to decide which particular hair density is best suited to you. So sit back, get comfortable, and get ready to become a wig-density expert!
What Is Wig Density?
For those who aren't familiar with the term, wig density describes a wig's thickness or fullness, written as a percentage such as 130%, 150%, or 180%. The higher the density is, the more hairs the wig has (i.e., how much hair is tied or sewn onto the cap).
However, no industry standard sits behind those percentages. Every store sets its own scale, so a wig one brand sells as 150% can be about as full as another brand's 130%. The ranges on this page are how stores usually label their wigs, not exact amounts of hair. If you're comparing two stores, our guide to what wig density means shows you how to line their numbers up.
The density of the wig plays a major role in how a wig looks, feels, and can even affect your styling options. For example, the wefts (i.e., the strips of hair sewn onto the cap) will be more visible on lower-density wigs. That means some parts and updos can show the wefts on a low-density wig. Whether you can pull a wig up at all also depends on its cap: 360 lace and full lace wigs are the ones sold for high ponytails, because the lace runs around the whole hairline.
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What Density Wig Should I Get?
For a natural look, start with a 130% to 150% density wig. If you want more volume, go for 180% or higher. Your own hair, the wig's texture, and its length can all move that number up or down.
Most wig retailers offer a selection of different wig densities in an effort to meet everyone's needs. In this section, we'll walk you through the most common wig densities and explain their benefits and drawbacks.
The ideal wig density depends on various factors, including natural hair density, lifestyle, texture, and age. Here's a wig density chart that will help you choose the right wig density for your needs:
Wig Density Chart
| Wig Density | Density Percentage | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Extra Light-Density | 60% - 90% (a few stores go as low as 50%) | Natural-looking wigs, suitable for elderly or thin hair | Limited styles, not suitable for all |
| Low-Density | 100% - 110% | Lightweight wigs, realistic for fine or thin hair | Less volume, fewer styling options |
| Natural to Medium-Density | 120% - 130% natural, 150% medium | Natural-looking wigs, versatile, the usual pick for a first wig | 130% is hard to find online, and 150% can look full on a curly wig |
| High-Density | 180% - 250%, with a few stores going up to 350% | Lots of volume and drama, the most styling options | Heavier, warmer, and less likely to look like your own hair |
Extra-Light Hair Density Wigs: 60% - 90%
We'll kick things off with extra light-density wigs. These units have the fewest strands, and they're usually chosen by older wig wearers or people with very thin hair, since hair gets less dense with age.
Wig makers also use a lighter density right at the hairline. Many wigs come pre-plucked, which means some hair has been thinned out along the front so the density builds gradually toward the crown. That way, the wig has a natural look and won't appear too wig-like.
Low Hair Density Wigs: 100% - 110%
The second lowest classification of wig densities is low-density wigs. These wigs are extremely lightweight. A few stores say 100% is about the same as an average head of hair, while others put average at 120% or 130%, so check where the store you're buying from draws that line.
While anyone can wear a low-density wig, they'll give you the most realistic-looking results if your hair is naturally fine or thin.
Medium Hair Density Wigs: 120% - 150%
Medium-density wigs are more full and voluminous than low-density wigs but still look natural. Medium-density wigs give you more styling options than low-density wigs and are an excellent middle ground between low and high density.
Stores don't agree on exactly where medium starts, though. Many call 120% to 130% natural or standard and treat 150% as medium. And 130% has become hard to find online. When we pulled the catalogs of six online human hair wig stores in September 2026, 130% showed up on 6 of their 1,653 density-labeled wigs, while 776 were offered at 150%. So if you shop online, 150% is the medium density you'll see most.
Medium-density wigs are the usual pick for a first wig, and they come with plenty of bounce, movement, and versatility.
High Hair Density Wigs: 160% - 250%
High-density wigs give you the most fullness and volume and are perfect for when you want to feel a bit more glam. Due to the number of hair fibers, these wigs can be heavier and less breathable than lower-density wigs. And although high-density wigs will give you a ton of styling options, they can be more challenging to manage.
Most stores start their high-density range at 180%, although a few still call 180% medium. 200% and 250% count as high density at the stores we've checked, and some stores sell wigs as full as 300% or 350%.
What Is the Best Density for Wigs?
One reason wigs come in so many options is that everyone's needs are different. While high-density wigs are great for some, they can easily overwhelm others. However, most people find that medium-density wigs are the most beginner friendly.
Medium-density wigs give you some of the fullness of a high-density wig while still looking natural like a low-density one. 130 to 150% density wigs, in particular, tend to be the right combination of natural, versatile, and beginner-friendly. Of the two, 150% is far easier to find in online stores.
How to Choose the Right Wig Density
Looking for a bit more help in deciding which wig density to buy? In this section, we'll take a closer look at how different factors determine which density is right for you.
- Consider your lifestyle - Although it's easy to overlook, your lifestyle can have a dramatic effect on which wig density is right for you. High-density wigs are heavier and less breathable, so these wigs aren't always suitable for super-active people. In one wig store's weight table, a 22-inch wig weighs 257 grams at 180% and 210 grams at 130%, and that difference sits on your head all day. But if you go out often and want your hair to have a little extra drama, high-density wigs will help you turn heads.
- Think about the texture - Hair texture can play a significant role in which wig density you should choose. Higher densities look best on long and straight wigs, since straight hair lies flat and a long wig spreads its hair over more length. On the other hand, curly and coily hair takes up more space, so a curly wig looks fuller than a straight one at the same density. So if you're looking to buy a curly or wavy wig, opt for one that's a step lower in density than you'd pick for straight hair.
- Your natural hair density - One of the best ways to make your wigs look realistic is to match it to your natural hair. So if your hair is on the fine, thin side, opt for medium or low-density wigs. But if your hair is naturally full and thick, higher-density wigs will look more natural. If you leave some of your own hair out at the front, pick the texture that matches your leave-out first, and then a density close to your own hair, so the spot where they meet doesn't stand out.
- Pick a density that flatters your age - As we get older, our hair naturally starts to thin out. A study of 377 women found about 28% fewer hairs on each square centimeter of scalp at age 70 than at age 35. So if you're older, choose wigs with a lower density. In addition to looking more natural, lower-density wigs are easier to manage and don't require much manipulation to style.
What If Your New Wig Is Too Full or Too Thin?
If your new wig looks too full or too thin, decide whether to keep it, have it adjusted, or send it back before you wear it out or cut it. Many stores won't take back a wig that's been worn or altered, and some charge a restocking fee or don't accept returns at all. So try it on at home first and read the return policy while you still can.
If it's a little too full, you can often fix that with styling. Tuck the hair behind your ears, and then bring forward only as much hair as you need around your face. A hairstylist can also thin the wig or trim it once you know you're keeping it. Just don't let anyone cut into the cap, since that can make the wig shed.
If it's a little too thin, a bit of backcombing at the crown can help. Many wigs also look thinnest at the ends, because their bundles mix long and short strands and fewer of them reach the bottom, so a trim of the thinnest ends can make the whole wig look fuller. Our 130% vs. 150% density wig guide walks you through both. But if you can see the wefts wherever you part it, there isn't enough hair on the cap for the way you want to wear it. That's not something styling can fix, so exchange it for a fuller density.
Original Curl Centric chart
Is your new wig the wrong density?
Try the wig on at home before you wear it out, then find the row that matches what you see. Green rows: keep it and style it. Amber rows: it needs an adjustment, from you or a hairstylist. Red rows: exchange it while you still can.
| Your call | What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep it and restyle it | It looks too full around your face, but the rest of the wig looks right. | Too much hair is sitting forward at the front. | Tuck the hair behind your ears, then bring forward only as much as you need around your face. |
| Keep it if you like the shape | Your curly wig looks fuller than the straight wig you wore at the same density. | Curly and coily hair takes up more space than straight hair, so it looks fuller at the same percentage. | If you like it, keep it. For your next curly wig, start a step lower than you’d pick for straight hair. |
| Have it thinned | It looks too full all over, no matter how you style it. | There’s more hair on the cap than you need for how full you want the wig to look. | Once you know you’re keeping it, have a hairstylist thin or trim it. Don’t let anyone cut into the cap, since that can make the wig shed. |
| Trim or backcomb it | It looks full at the top but thin at the ends. | Bundles mix long and short strands, so fewer of them reach the bottom. | Trim the thinnest ends, or backcomb a few sections at the crown for more fullness. |
| Exchange it | You can see the wefts wherever you part it or when you pull it up. | There isn’t enough hair on the cap for the way you want to wear it. | Exchange it for a fuller density before you wear or cut it. For high ponytails, look for a 360 lace or full lace wig. |
| Exchange it | It stands out against the hair you leave out at the front. | The wig’s texture or density doesn’t match your own hair. | Exchange it for a texture that matches your leave-out first, then a density close to your own hair. |
Read the return policy before you wear, cut, or thin a new wig. Many stores won’t take back a wig that’s been worn or altered, and some charge a restocking fee or don’t accept returns at all.
How to Maintain Your Wig's Density Over Time
Whether you buy a low, medium, or high-density wig, proper care is essential to maintain that density. The time you take to care for your wig will be reflected in how your unit looks, feels, and lasts. So in this section, we'll walk you through everything you need to give your wig the TLC it deserves.
Be Gentle with the Hair Fibers
Unlike your real hair, wig fibers don't grow back. So when caring for and styling your wig, be careful to avoid hair loss and breakage. Whenever possible, comb your wig with a wide-tooth comb, and always detangle your wig before you style it.
You should also avoid heat styling whenever possible and, instead, opt for more gentle styling methods like roller sets, braid outs, and sock curls.
If your wig is synthetic, only use a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron if the label says it's heat-friendly. Heat reshapes synthetic fiber for good, and even the blast of hot air from an open oven door can damage it.
Cleanse Your Wig the Right Way
Washing and drying your wig the right way keeps its hair from tangling and shedding, so it holds on to its density longer. Hot water, long soaks, and rubbing can all damage a wig.
A wig picks up sweat, scalp oil, and styling product every time you wear it, and that buildup leaves it dull and heavy. Wig makers recommend washing it about every six to eight wears.
For a synthetic wig, the American Cancer Society says to mix wig shampoo into cold water, never hot, then soak the wig for three to five minutes and gently dip it up and down instead of rubbing it. Don't leave it longer, since one wig maker warns that soaking past five minutes can damage the wig. A human hair wig shouldn't be soaked at all. Wash it under cool or lukewarm running water instead.
Then, rinse well and follow up with a wig-safe conditioner on the ends only. Keep it off the cap, since conditioner there can loosen the knots that hold the hair on and make your wig shed. Gently detangle the unit from the ends up before rinsing well with cool water.
Be careful not to rub, twist, or agitate the wig while wet, or it may lead to breakage and hair loss. Once your wig is clean, place it on a wig stand and allow it to air dry overnight.
Buy and Use the Right Products
When it comes to caring for your wigs, the products you use can be incredibly helpful. Wig hair doesn't get any natural oil from a scalp, so it needs gentle products that match what it's made of. Many wig shampoos leave out sulfates (i.e., strong foaming cleansers), and at least one wig maker also rules out parabens and sodium chloride (i.e., salt) for its synthetic wigs.
If your wig came with care directions, follow those first. Our guide on washing a wig with regular shampoo goes through which products suit which wig. So make sure that you're using the right products for your wigs.
Though many regular products are acceptable for human hair wigs, synthetic fibers have completely different needs. So, if your wig is synthetic, invest in synthetic wig haircare products.
Is 150 or 180 Density Better?
There isn't a definitive answer on whether 150 or 180 density is better, as the ideal wig density depends on personal preferences and individual needs. A 150-density wig falls within the medium-density range (120%-150%), which is considered natural-looking, versatile, and beginner-friendly.
On the other hand, most stores call 180% high density. A 180-density wig offers more fullness and volume, but these wigs may be heavier and less breathable. When choosing between the two densities, you should consider your lifestyle, natural hair density, and personal preferences.
Is 150 Density Good for a Wig?
A 150% density is considered good for a wig. It falls within the medium-density range (120%-150%), which offers a natural look, versatility, and more styling options.
Medium-density wigs are generally an excellent middle ground between low- and high-density wigs and are often beginner-friendly, making them a popular choice for many people.
Is 200 Density Good for a Wig?
Stores treat a 200% density wig as high density. High-density wigs offer more fullness, volume, and a glamorous look, making them ideal for those who want to make a statement. These wigs also provide many styling options.
However, high-density wigs can be heavier, less breathable, and more challenging to manage than lower-density wigs. Whether a 200% density is good for you depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and desired look.
Is 180 or 250 Density Good for a Wig?
Most stores call both 180% and 250% high density, though a few call 180% medium. High-density wigs offer more fullness and volume, along with many styling options. However, these wigs can be heavier, less breathable, and more challenging to manage compared to lower-density wigs.
Whether 180% or 250% density is good for a wig depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and desired look. If you prefer wigs with slightly less volume and weight, 180% density might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you desire a full and bold look, a 250% density wig could be a better choice.
Is 250 Density Good for a Wig?
A 250% density wig is near the top of what most stores sell, though a few go up to 300% or 350%. High-density wigs are voluminous and thick, making them ideal for those who want to make a statement.
High-density wigs also provide many styling options. However, these wigs can be heavier, less breathable, and more challenging to manage compared to lower-density wigs. Whether a 250% density is good for a wig depends on your desired look and preferences.
What Density Wig Looks the Most Natural?
Generally, a medium-density wig looks the most natural, and most people choose 130% to 150% for a natural look. Stores set their own density scales, though, so the same number can look a little different from brand to brand. A density in that range is thick enough to look voluminous and full but not so thick that the wig looks fake or heavy on the head.
What Is a Low Density Wig?
A low-density wig has less hair than a medium-density wig. The density of a low-density wig typically ranges from 100-110%, or as low as 60% if you count extra-light wigs. This density is ideal for those who want a more natural and lightweight wig that mimics the look of fine or thin hair. Low-density wigs allow for a more natural and realistic hairline.
What Is a High Density Wig?
A high-density wig usually starts at 180% and runs to 250% or more, making it a good option for those who want a dramatic and bold look. High-density wigs are often used in the entertainment industry for performers and models who need to stand out on stage or on camera. Remember, high-density wigs may not always look natural.
What Is the Lowest Density Wig?
The lowest-density wigs most stores sell are 60% to 90%, and a few stores go as low as 50%. This density is ideal for those who want a wig that looks extremely lightweight. It provides a subtle and realistic hairline, perfect for those who have very fine or thin hair. Wigs with such a low density will not be best for thick or coarse hair.
What Is the Best Density for a Deep Wave Wig?
The best density for a deep wave wig or any curly hair wig is typically around 130-150%. This wig density allows for the curls to be more defined and full, creating a natural and voluminous look. Wigs with a lower density may cause the curls to look limp and lifeless, while a higher density wig may create an unnatural appearance.
What Is the Best Density for a Straight Wig?
For a natural-looking straight wig, 130% to 150% is a good place to start. Straight hair lies flat, so a straight wig looks less full than a curly one at the same density, and you may want a step higher than you would pick for curls. Lower density wigs may look too thin or flat, while a much higher density wig may look artificial.
What Is the Best Density for a Bob Wig?
For a bob wig, the ideal hair density depends on the length and style of the bob. For a natural-looking bob, 130% to 150% is a good place to start. A short wig looks fuller than a long one at the same density because its hair isn't spread over as much length, so you only need to go higher if you want a big, rounded shape. It's also important to consider personal preferences and natural hair density.
Related Articles
- What Does Wig Density Mean?
- What Does 180 Density Wig Mean?
- Is 150 Density Good for a Wig?
- What Is a Melted Hairline Wig?
Now that you've learned a little more about wig density, you should feel well-equipped to find the right one for you. As a reminder, stick with wig densities that are on the lower end of the spectrum for a softer, more natural look.
If you're after big, bold hair with plenty of personality, opt for wigs with higher hair densities. We hope the information we've gone over today has been helpful to you, and we wish you the best with your hair!
