Monofilament Wigs Vs Lace Wigs – Key Differences [Which Is Better?]

Thanks to the growing popularity of wigs, you’ll find several types of wigs in the market and different construction styles.

For instance, two of the most popular wigs are monofilament wigs and lace wigs. Many women opt for one or both wigs to suit their beauty needs.

But which would you choose if you could only choose one between monofilament wigs and lace wigs?

Before making such a decision, you need to know how these wigs compare to each other, and which one is better for you based on several conditions.

Let us explore monofilament and lace wigs and see how they compare to each other.

What Is the Difference Between a Monofilament Wig and a Lace Wig?

Monofilament wigs and lace wigs have some differences, and we will be highlighting these differences below so that you can understand how they compare to each other.

1. Base

The base of a monofilament wig allows it to look really natural like the hair is coming right out of the scalp. The wig also has a weft opening at the back that allows the wig to be breathable and avoid heat.

Monofilament wig also uses a base made from monofilament fiber, which makes it even more comfortable. However, the base of the lace wig is made of lace, and it is not as breathable or comfortable as a monofilament wig.

Also, monofilament wigs are hand-made; that is, the individual hair strand is tied to the wig cap which is usually made of sheer lace. What this achieves is that you can part your monofilament wig at any point and it will still look natural.

As for lace wigs, they are mostly sewn to the wig caps, except for full lace wigs where the entire cap is mostly made from lace. In that instance, it is made similarly to monofilament wigs as each strand of hair is tied to the lace by hand.

On another hand, lace front wigs are often machine-made. Lace front wigs have only the front of the wig cap made of lace, while the rest of the cap is made from a thicker, cloth-like material.

Lace front wigs only have the hair in front individually hand-tied, while the other parts are sewn as usual.

2. Wig Wearing/Application

Another major difference between monofilament wigs and lace wigs is the application.

Lace wigs mostly require the use of glue or adhesive tapes to get secured to your head, although recently, we have seen a few glueless lace wigs.

For lace front wigs, you’ll need to apply glue to the front of the hair, while full lace wigs would need adhesives to be applied all around.

On the other hand, a monofilament cap is conventionally called a glueless wig because you need neither glue nor adhesive tape to secure it.

That’s why monofilament wigs are the most beginner-friendly wigs because you don’t need to be skilled at wig application to wear them. As for lace wigs, you need to learn the wig application skill to get it done right.

3. Styling and Appearance

With monofilament wigs, there is no limit to the styling options that wearers can explore. Thanks to its construction process that has individual strands hand-sewn on a monofilament cap, wherever you part your hair looks natural like the hair is growing right out of your scalp.

As for lace wigs, you can only part and style your hair in the direction that the lace allows. For instance, with lace front wigs, you can get creative with the front of the hair, but not all through the hair.

Also, you can easily run your hands through your hair when you have a monofilament wig on, but you cannot do the same smoothly when you’re wearing a lace wig.

4. Usage Frequency

Monofilament wigs can be worn every day and taken off at the end of the day. You can even take them off during the day if necessary. This is because monofilament wigs don’t need glue to be applied. You can also change your wigs every day if you use monofilament wigs.

On the other hand, lace wigs can stay on your head for days, or even weeks, depending on the kind of adhesive or glue you use. Lace wigs are often worn for an extended period before being taken off, provided the wearer uses glue that is strong enough to secure the wigs.

The advantage of lace wigs over monofilament wigs in this regard is that they are best suited for very active lifestyles, especially if you visit the gym often or go swimming frequently.

Although monofilament wigs come with wefts that secure them strongly to your head, they cannot offer the same secure hold as wig glues.

5. Cost

Monofilament wigs are generally more expensive than lace wigs, although consideration must be given to the material used to construct both wigs.

For instance, the average cost of a synthetic monofilament wig ranges between $100 and $300, while the average synthetic lace wig costs between $20 and $70.

On the higher end, human hair monofilament wigs cost between $900 to $3000, while human hair lace wigs range anywhere from $100 to $300.

Of course, as we said earlier, several factors can affect the cost of these wigs. But all things considered, monofilament wigs are often more expensive than lace wigs.

Which Is Better Monofilament Wig or Lace Wig?

Choosing between lace wigs and monofilament wigs is not in black and white. That is to say, no wig is primarily better than the other because both wigs have their advantages and disadvantages.

Your decision to choose either monofilament or lace wigs will depend on several factors and what you’re looking for.

If you have a sensitive scalp, you cannot deal with heat, or you need wigs that offer the most breathability and comfort, then a monofilament wig is the best choice for you. Lace wigs are also comfortable and easy, but they don’t compete with monofilament when it comes to scalp sensitivity.

Also, if you need a wig that you’ll wear for a long time and has a firm hold, lace wigs are the best option because they have a firm hold on your head and won’t slip easily. If you have a very active daily life, lace wigs are also best for you. But, if you want a wig that you will take off every day, or frequently, the monofilament wig is your best choice.

If you want hair that looks natural at the hairline, but you don’t want to invest in a wig that’s individually constructed all through, then a lace wig is the best option for you. However, if you want a wig that looks 100% natural and feels the same, then a monofilament wig is your best option.

If you want to enjoy unlimited styling options, monofilaments are the best option because they support multidirectional styling. However, lace wigs also have versatile styling options, depending on your preferences.

If you’re on a light budget, but you want to get a comfortable and beautiful wig, then a lace wig is best for you. However, if you can afford to invest in a 100% natural and breathable wig with multiple features, then a monofilament wig is best for you.

For beginners who don’t know how to use glues and adhesives, or handle complex wig applications, a monofilament wig is best. However, if you have no issues fixing up wigs, then you can opt for a lace wig.

In the end, the best wig for you depends on what you need and how much you can afford to spend. However, both wigs are beautiful and will look good on you.

Top 3 Monofilament Wigs

Top 3 Lace Wigs

Final words:

Now that you know the differences between monofilament and lace wigs, you know which features you like, and which one best suits your needs. So, feel free to explore that.

Interestingly, you can even find wigs that incorporate both monofilament and lace wig features within a single cap. You can get something like that customized if that’s what you want.

For instance, many wig wearers create a cap wig with a lace front and monofilament part that give you the cool and comfortable wig you want, while still looking natural. In the end, it is all about what you want, and what best suits you.