Curl Centric: Curly Hair Products, Hairstyles, and Hair Growth Techniques

  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Products
    • Shampoos
    • Conditioners
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Kenneth Byrd
    • About Kira Byrd
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Editorial Guidelines
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Products
    • Shampoos
    • Conditioners
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Kenneth Byrd
    • About Kira Byrd
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Editorial Guidelines
search icon
Homepage link
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Products
    • Shampoos
    • Conditioners
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Kenneth Byrd
    • About Kira Byrd
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Editorial Guidelines
×

What Does Wig Density Mean? Wig Density Chart with Types

Published: Mar 11, 2023 by Kenneth Byrd · This post may contain affiliate links

A cute black girl wearing a high-density wig made of fine hair strands and medium hair thickness.

There are many wig aspects that new and aspiring wig wearers need to familiarize themselves with, including wig types, wig quality, wig installation tips, and more.

All of these are important, but one little-known wig facet that can make or break your unit is wig density. Wig density varies widely, and if you want to select the right density for your next unit, you’ll need to get educated.

So, what does wig density mean? That’s where we can help! In this article, we’ll define wig density in simple terms and explain everything you need to know. 

Table of Contents

  • 1 What Does Wig Density Mean?
  • 2 Wig Density Options
    • 2.1 Natural/Lower Density Wigs
    • 2.2 Medium-Density Wigs
    • 2.3 High-Density Wigs
  • 3 Wig Density Doesn’t Consider the Texture
  • 4 How to Find out What Wig Density Works for You
  • 5 What’s a Good Starting Point for Wig Density? 
  • 6 The Wig Density You Choose Affects the Price
    • 6.1 What Density Wig Looks the Most Natural?
    • 6.2 What Is a High-Density Wig?
    • 6.3 What Is a Low-Density Wig?
    • 6.4 What Is the Best Density for a Deep Wave Wig?
    • 6.5 What Is the Lowest Density Wig?
    • 6.6 Related Articles

What Does Wig Density Mean?

Wig density refers to the number of hairs on a wig and how it affects the wig's thickness and volume. A thicker wig with a higher density will have more hair and sit higher on the head, making a bolder statement.

However, it may not look as natural as a thinner wig with a lower density. A thinner wig will look more realistic and natural but may not provide the same level of glamour and volume as a thicker wig. Therefore, the choice of wig density depends on personal preference and the desired style.

African American female wearing a lace wig with natural hair density looks very similar to human hair wigs.

Wig Density Options

When it comes to wig thickness, there’s a system. The thickness of a wig is expressed as a percentage–anywhere from 60% to 250%. As the percentage goes up, so does the density of the wig. Keep reading to learn about the wig density options available to you!

Natural/Lower Density Wigs

If you’re looking for a wig that will appear natural and never look wiggy, low density is the way to go. Here are the natural or low-density options to be on the lookout for as you shop for your wig: 

  • 60 - 90% - These are the absolute lowest-density wigs you’ll find. This density is ideal for older people since they tend to have lower-density hair as they age. 
  • 100 - 110% - These wigs are widely accepted to be low-density. If you have low-density hair naturally and will be leaving some of your natural hair out, you may want to opt for 100 - 110% density. It will match perfectly. 
  • 120 - 130% - These wig densities are standard in the wig industry. You’ll find 120 to 130% density wigs everywhere because of their popularity. This density is similar to that of the average human head. If you want a natural look, you should choose this wig density. 
A cute black girl with naturally thin hair that loves natural density wigs and wearing curvy and wavy hairstyles.

Medium-Density Wigs

Looking for something that’s a little extra? Up the density with one of the below options! They give you more styling versatility and more to work with in general. 

  • 150% - A step up from 120-130% wig densities, 150% density is still natural, but on the fuller side. Choose this wig density if you like a little extra oomph in your hairstyles but still value a natural look. Wigs of this density won’t look as natural as the previous few densities, but they won’t look completely artificial either. 
  • 180% - We’re getting into thick territory here. With one glance, onlookers will see that your 180% density wig is thick. It looks noticeably thicker than natural hair, but it’s for good reason. You need a lot of hair to achieve bolder, longer, more glamorous styles. 

High-Density Wigs

These are the highest-density wigs on the market. 

  • 200% - Even thicker than 180% density wigs, 200% density is not for the faint of heart. It’s a lot of hair. If you choose a wig with this density, you’ll need the confidence to match it!  
  • 250% - This is the absolute densest wig you can get anywhere. When you put it on, it won’t look like your natural hair, but that’s okay for people who love larger-than-life hair. It gives you all the hair you need to create virtually any look under the sun!
A pretty black female that loves wearing low-density wigs that accurately blend with her head of hair perfectly.

Wig Density Doesn’t Consider the Texture

Wig density is measured independently of the texture of the wig, and a wig’s texture can have a huge effect on how thick it appears. A straight wig and a curly wig could be the same density and look completely different.

For example, a curly 100% density wig could appear thicker than a 150% density straight wig. Since the density doesn’t account for a wig’s texture, you’ll have to.

If you normally wear a 150% density straight wig and you want a similar density in a curly wig, you’ll have to go for a lower density to pull that off. The curlier a wig is, the denser it may appear.

If you’re unsure how a wig’s texture will affect the perceived density, you can always contact the wig seller or manufacturer and see what they recommend. 

How to Find out What Wig Density Works for You

Totally new wig wearers often find it difficult to select the right wig density. The best way to do this is to try some wigs on. If you plan on buying a wig in person, you can go into the wig shop and try on a few wig options.

But keep in mind some wig shops have a wig try-on limit; two to three is about standard. While you’re there, you can also talk to the staff and get some wig-density recommendations.

African American female with a particular hair density often wears extra light hair density wigs.

In addition to trying a wig on in person, you can use your own hair density as a guide. Most people have some idea of how dense or thick their hair is.

If your hair is on the thinner side, you can go with a low-density wig if you want to keep things natural or go up to a medium-density unit for some added thickness.

For folks with medium-thick hair, a density that falls toward the middle of the range will look natural for you, but you can also graduate to high-density wigs if you want to experiment with big hair. 

What’s a Good Starting Point for Wig Density? 

Once you get your first wig, you’ll have a relatively easy time choosing a density the second time around. But where do you start if you’ve never worn a wig before? We recommend a 120% or 130% density wig for your first unit.

Not only will this density work for most, but you won’t have any trouble finding a wig you like in this density. If you’re in advanced age, you may want to start a bit lower on the density scale - around 80% to 100% density if you want your wig to look the most realistic. 

African American woman wearing a stylish light-density wig with a natural appearance.

The Wig Density You Choose Affects the Price

Budget-conscious wig shoppers will want to know that wig density affects the price of a given unit. As you might expect, the lower a wig’s density, the lower the price. The reason for this is simple: the higher the density of a wig, the more hair it has.

The more hair needed, the more a wig company will have to pay to manufacture it.

Those increased manufacturing costs are passed to the buyer in most cases, so keep your eye on the price tag when switching from a lower-density wig to a higher-density wig. 

This is not to say that you should stay away from higher-density units because of the price. If you've found that high-density wigs are your jam and would make you feel beautiful, then the price will be well worth it.

But it does help to know what you'd be getting into financially when shopping around for your next wig.

What Density Wig Looks the Most Natural?

Generally, wigs with lower density tend to look more natural than those with higher density, as they mimic the look of natural hair. A 130-150% density is often considered the sweet spot for achieving a natural-looking wig, as it provides some volume and fullness without looking too dense.

What Is a High-Density Wig?

A high-density wig typically has a 180% or higher density and is designed to provide a fuller, more voluminous look. High-density wigs can be an excellent option for those looking for a dramatic, statement-making hairstyle, but they may feel heavier and require more maintenance than lower-density wigs.

What Is a Low-Density Wig?

A low-density wig typically has a density of 80-100% and is designed to provide a natural, subtle look. Low-density wigs can be a great option for those who want to enhance their natural hair without drawing too much attention to the fact that they're wearing a wig. Keep in mind that low-density wigs may require more styling.

A young black female wearing an age realistic medium-density hair extensions with a middle-back hair length.

What Is the Best Density for a Deep Wave Wig?

When it comes to choosing the best density for a deep wave wig, it really depends on your individual preferences. A 130-150% density is often a good choice for achieving a natural-looking deep wave wig, but you may also want to consider a higher density if you want a more voluminous look.

What Is the Lowest Density Wig?

The lowest-density wig typically has a 60-70% density and is designed to provide a very natural, subtle look. These wigs are great for those who want to enhance their natural hair without drawing any attention to the fact that they are wearing a wig. But, they may not hold their shape as well as higher density wigs.

Related Articles

  • Is 150 Density Good for a Curly Wig?
  • 150 Density Wig vs. 180
  • What Is the Difference Between 130 and 150 Density Wig?

So, there you have it–all you need to know about wig density for beginners. You now know what the term is, how to find out which wig density is best for you, and more.

We hope you found all the information you needed, and we wish you the best as you shop for your first or next unit!

More Natural Hair Styles

  • A cute black female wearing a 4x4 lace closure wig with curly hair strands and a natural and beautiful hairline.
    What Is a 4x4 Lace Wig? What Does a 4x4 Lace Wig Look Like
  • A young black woman wearing micro braids that are all the rage in the natural hair community due to their modern take on a braided hairstyle.
    90s Hairstyles: The Best Retro Looks for Modern Times
  • A beautiful darks-skinned female with instant dreadlocks created with the crochet method on a type 4 hair texture using human hair extensions.
    Instant Locs vs. Starter Locs: Which Locs Method Is Better?
  • A cute black girl with light-brown skin and naturally curly hair wearing her type 3 natural hair texture in a style with effortless black curly waves and defined tight curls.
    Black Girl Curly Hairstyles: 10 Curly Hairstyles for Black Women
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Reddit

About Kenneth Byrd

Kenneth Byrd, with a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has over 15 years of experience and is a recognized authority in hair care. Co-founder of Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box, Kenneth has dedicated himself to promoting ethical and scientifically-backed hair care practices. Rigorous editorial guidelines, industry recognitions, and features in numerous media outlets evidence his expertise. Kenneth’s commitment to transparency, quality, and empowerment has positioned him as a trusted voice in the field, empowering readers to confidently embrace their natural beauty.

Kira Byrd wearing short pixie cut

Hey, I'm Kira!

Curl Centric is a curly hair blog created by husband-and-wife team Kenneth and Kira Byrd. With over 15 years of experience and a community of 10,000+ daily readers, we share trusted techniques to help you embrace and care for your natural curls with confidence.

More about us

Popular Posts

  • Black man with mature dreadlocks
    How To Get Dreadlocks: Origin, History, Hairstyles and More

  • black women wearing goddess braids locs and green shirt
    Goddess Braids: How to Create and Maintain DIY Goddess Box Braids Hairstyles

  • crochet box braids
    How to Create Cute Box Braids Hairstyles, Designs, and Ideas

  • Cute African American female with a light-brown skin tone and a TWA hair length that requires minimal styling.
    TWA Hairstyles: Short and Medium TWA Styles and Haircuts

Recent Posts

  • A cute white girl with gummy bleached hair is experiencing hair breakage and split ends from over-processing.
    How to Fix Gummy Hair After Bleaching, Perm, or Washing

  • A beautiful African American female with gorgeous curls on her 4A natural hair styled with organic styling products.
    Can You Put Mousse on Synthetic Hair? Synthetic Wigs, Weaves & Braids?

  • A cute black girl with natural curls on a type 3 hair texture styled with natural oils in a loose ponytail hairstyle that's perfect for her greasy hair.
    How to Take Care of Curly Hair: Hair Care Regimens for Curls

  • A pretty black female with natural curly hair styled with natural oils creates a soaking wet hair appearance on her dark brown thick hair.
    How to Wash Curly Hair: DIY Shampoo or Co-Wash Curly Hair

  • Why Use Microfiber Towels for Hair
    Best Microfiber Hair Towels and Turbans for Drying Curly Hair

  • A cute white lady wearing a red shirt with curly permed hair curled with perm rods.
    When Can I Wash My Hair After a Perm? Bust Permed Hair Myths

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet the Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Blog

Contact

  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Sitemap

CurlCentric.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher. Curl Centric® services, articles, content, and products are provided for informational purposes only. Curl Centric does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Curl Centric follows a strict editorial policy that produces accurate, factual, and honest content to help you make the right hair care decisions. Curl Centric has an affiliate relationship for some of the products that we recommend. We may receive compensation if purchases are made using our links, at no extra cost to you. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. To ensure that we maintain our editorial integrity, our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our sponsors and advertisers. The product recommendations and advertisers that appear on Curl Centric are from companies that compensate us through an exclusive, full-service ad management partner. This compensation does not influence the content we publish or the product reviews shown on our site.

COPYRIGHT © 2023 CURL CENTRIC® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Curl Centric®, a trademark of Natural Hair Community, LLC

1401 Doug Baker Blvd Ste 107 604 Birmingham, AL 35242 | 1 (844) 424-CURL