Wig Knotting Explained: What They Mean for Your Hair System

Creating a hair system that is durable and natural-looking whilst matching your everyday needs is a work of art. One question we are asked regularly is how hair systems are made, and what makes a good hair system.

As a customer, you have a range of base options to choose from, including skin, lace, mono or hybrid. You need to select the correct size and match your hair colour and density. But how do you know if the system you choose is right for you? 

In this blog, we look at different wig knotting methods. How is the hair attached to the base material? What makes the systems durable and suitable for your needs?

Always remember, our experienced team is on hand to assist you with these decisions, but we also know you like to do your own research. Let’s get started!

The wig-making process

The material you select for your hair system base is an important factor in the wig-making process. There are a number of different hair attachment options, and they directly relate to how durable the hair system will be. Attaching the hair to the base and the hair knotting technique, or the ventilation method, are incredibly important in ensuring that your hair system performs in the way you expect it to. It determines the look and the lifespan of your hair system. 

Below, we focus on the different types of wig-making techniques, bleached knots versus unbleached knots, and highlight the benefits and considerations.

So, what is wig knotting?

Wig knotting, or hair knotting, refers to the ventilation method of applying the hair to the base material. It depends on the base you select. We take a strand of hair, our base material - skin, lace, mono, for example - and use a ventilating needle that helps to pull out hair from the base holes and tie it with a knot.

There are 5 main types of knots:

• Single knot

• Single Split Knot

• Double knot

• Double split knots

• V-loop

Let’s look at them one by one.

Single Knots

In this method, the hair is tied to the base with a single knot. They are small but not as strong as other methods. The technique allows the hair to remain flat and easy to comb, so it is likely to be found at the temple or side of the scalp. Shedding can be more likely; therefore, this method is perhaps not used as often.

The single knot method is most suitable for lace or skin base systems where a natural appearance is required.

ADVANTAGES: The hair can be easily combed   

DISADVANTAGES: It is prone to get loose

Single Split Knot

These knots are stronger and a bit larger than single knots. They work best on skin and lace base materials, and the method provides two strands out of the insert area. It’s much more durable than single knots and less visible than double knots.

In lace hair systems, you will find this knotting method at the front because it results in a more natural, gradual hairline. On skin systems, they are ideal alternatives if you are looking for durability.

Single split knots are good for a hair system that can be combed in any direction because the hair strands sit at different angles. This is a better choice for slightly longer hairstyles rather than short hair.

ADVANTAGES: Less visible than double knots, more durable than single knots,

and can be combed in any direction.

DISADVANTAGES: Not the best choice for short hair

New Single Split Knot

The name says it all! It develops from the single split knot, but it’s more durable and stronger than it. This wig knotting technique allows hair to be more undetectable than double or double split knots and can be styled the way you want. 

ADVANTAGES: New single split knot is stronger than single split knot.

DISADVANTAGES: It is less durable than double or double split knot.

Double Knot

The double knot is stronger and larger than the previous two knots. It can be more difficult to hide within the hair, therefore this method tends to be used for the very top or back of hair systems, especially for the lace and mono base. This knot does make styling the hair system easier.

ADVANTAGES: This knot is durable and easy to style.

DISADVANTAGES: Highly detectable knot.

Double Split Knot

This technique sits between double knots and single split knots in strength and size. It tends to be used with the lace and mono base. The thicker texture means that they are usually a good option for the top of a hair system, rather than the front.

Hair systems with double split knots are durable and can be combed in any direction. They are also more likely to be seen than some of the previous knot options.

ADVANTAGES: It is durable and can be combed in any direction.

 DISADVANTAGES: Highly detectable.

V-Looped Knot

Some system bases allow for the V-loop method of hair insertion and avoid any hair knotting. You can brush your hair in any direction you want, making this ventilation method very popular. They are only available on the skin systems, though; hair is threaded through the skin, then passed back again to create the V form.

It’s fully undetectable and looks very natural, although important to note that this requires careful maintenance because V-looping is not as durable as other knotting techniques.

ADVANTAGES: It is highly undetectable, as hair seems to grow naturally from the scalp.

 DISADVANTAGES: V-looped is not very durable.

Bleached knots vs unbleached knots

Bleached knots look great and are very popular, and good for camouflaging knots within darker hair systems. Please note, they are only available with lace material, e.g. French lace, Swiss lace, mono lace bases. Other bases are not suitable.

Hair is put through a delicate root bleaching process after being knotted to the base. Bleaching the knots removes most of the dark color pigment from the hair, making the knots look translucent. It’s great for helping the knots fade away because it mimics how hair is often slightly lighter at the root, growing darker as it grows longer. 

Bleached knots are not recommended for people with dark complexions because the knots will look white or yellowish, which means they will be more noticeable.

If your hair colour is light brown or blonde then unbleached knots are more suitable and open up far more choice of base options. Skin and mono bases have no need for knot bleaching.

You should also consider that the lifespan of bleached knots on a hair system can be affected. The bleaching process can make the hair break more easily due to the chemicals involved. Read more information about whether you should choose bleached notes.

Bleached Knots

ADVANTAGES: Bleached knots give a completely undetectable hairline

DISADVANTAGES: Chemicals are used for bleaching, which may cause damage to hair

Injected knots

Skin, silicon or PU base designs are best for injected knots. The base is placed on a mould and a special needle is used to inject the hair into the base. Once the hair has been added, the base is turned over and the extra hairs are clipped off. The hair is then secured with a thin layer of glue.

There are two options for injected knots: flat injected and lift injected. 

Flat injected knots is where the hair is injected into the base at acute angles so it falls to one side or the other. It’s natural looking and highly undetectable, however it must be combed at the injection angle.

ADVANTAGES: Natural and highly undetectable

DISADVANTAGES: Hair cannot be combed freely due to the injection angle.

Lift injected knots allow the hair to be styled in any direction because the hair is injected into the skin or silicon base at a right angle. Hair can be styled however you prefer, although this is only an option for thicker bases, which can be more detectable.

You can read more information about Differences between Flat Injected Hair Systems and Lift Injected Hair Systems.

 ADVANTAGES: Hair can be styled as you wish

 DISADVANTAGES: You get a thicker base which is more detectable.

What’s next?

Now you have a clearer understanding of different types of knotting techniques, and this will help in the selection of your hair system. If you still have any questions, remember our team of experts is always on hand to help. Just contact us via our website or our socials.

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FAQs

How does learning about the hair ventilation process help me?

By learning about the hair ventilation process, you will have a better understanding of a hairpiece. It will help you make the right choice for a hair system that suits your lifestyle.

What are the most durable hair knotting techniques?

Double knots are definitely the strongest, most durable of all the knots. It allows for hair to be brushed in any direction. They are, however, bigger and more noticeable than some of the other knotting techniques, though.

I’m looking for a hair system that looks really natural, that I can brush in any direction. Shall I choose a skin system with a V-loop?

This is a great option because the V-loop is fully undetectable and looks very natural. It does require careful maintenance, so we recommend chatting to our experts to make sure this type of system will be suitable for your lifestyle.

Should I choose bleached or unbleached knots? 

That depends on your hair color, skin tone, and base material. Bleached knots are only available on lace bases, so if you're considering a skin or mono base, this won't be an option. For those with lace bases with darker hair and lighter skin, bleached knots help the knots blend in naturally. If you have lighter hair or a darker complexion, unbleached knots are the safer, more natural-looking choice.