LA Alternative Hair Design key terms

A wig whose front edge is built on sheer lace that is trimmed back so each knot mimics a natural hairline; the lace is bonded to skin with adhesive and must be handled gently.

A cap construction using a fine, transparent mesh at the crown through which hair is hand-knotted, allowing multidirectional parting and a scalp-like appearance at the part line.

A wig cap in which strands are individually knotted to mesh by hand rather than sewn to wefts, giving flexible movement and natural density but lower durability and higher cost.

A strip of strands sewn or bonded together at one end so they can be attached to a cap or track; wefts create volume and are the basic building unit of most machine-made wigs.

The measured circumference and front-to-nape dimensions used to select a wig or hairpiece; a cap that is too small causes tension and headaches, while an oversized cap slips and rubs.

The distance measured across the top of the head from the front of one ear to the front of the other, used with circumference and front-to-nape to confirm cap fit.

The distance from the front hairline over the crown to the natural hairline at the back of the neck; it determines where the rear edge of a cap or hairpiece will sit.

The amount of strand volume per square inch on a wig or hairpiece; density is chosen during consultation to match the client's age, natural density, and desired look, and it affects styling and weight.

The process of trimming lace, plucking knots, and thinning the front edge so a wig's hairline reads as natural skin growth rather than a hard, straight edge.

A sheer, skin-toned or clear mesh used at hairlines and partings; the color must be matched to the client's scalp tone so knots and mesh do not appear dark or shiny.

Lightening the dark knots on a lace hairpiece with a mild bleach solution so they blend with the scalp; over-processing weakens the knot and causes shedding, so timing must be controlled.

Donor hair used in wigs and extensions; it accepts thermal styling and oxidative color but reacts to humidity, requires conditioning, and may be Remy (cuticle aligned) or non-Remy.

Human hair collected with cuticles aligned in one direction and kept intact, which reduces tangling and matting; the term describes cuticle alignment, not necessarily a specific donor origin.

Manufactured polymer strand used in wigs and hairpieces; it holds a set well and resists humidity but melts at low heat, so thermal tools must stay well below the fiber's safe temperature.

Synthetic strand engineered to tolerate higher thermal tool temperatures, typically up to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit; the manufacturer's stated limit must be followed exactly to avoid melting or crimping.

A trial application of a heated tool to a small, hidden strand to determine whether the fiber can tolerate heat and at what temperature, done before styling any unfamiliar unit.

The hand technique of knotting strands into a fine mesh or net with a ventilating needle to build a hairline, part, or full hairpiece; knot direction and density control naturalness.

A liquid or gel glue applied to the scalp or to a unit's edge to secure a hairpiece for extended wear; it requires a clean, dry, oil-free surface and careful removal to protect skin.

A pre-cut double-sided adhesive strip used to attach a unit at the perimeter; it offers quicker, cleaner removal than liquid bond but holds for a shorter period and lifts with sweat.

A solvent formulated to break down wig adhesive or tape residue without damaging lace or skin; it is applied sparingly, kept away from knots, and followed by cleansing of the scalp.

Cleansing and drying the scalp and removing oils before applying adhesive or a unit; improper preparation is a leading cause of premature lifting and irritation under a hairpiece.

A small application of adhesive or color product to a discreet skin area, observed for 24 to 48 hours, to detect allergic reaction before full application.

The process of destroying most pathogenic organisms on tools and surfaces using an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant, following the label's contact time after cleaning.

The physical removal of visible debris, oils, and product residue from tools, caps, and surfaces with soap or detergent and water before any disinfection step can be effective.

Reusable tools such as shears, combs, clips, and brushes; items that contact skin or scalp must be cleaned and disinfected between clients, and porous items that cannot be disinfected are discarded.

The procedure after a cut or blood contact: stop service, wash hands, wear gloves, clean and disinfect the area and tools, and dispose of contaminated materials according to bloodborne pathogen rules.

Permanent or demi-permanent color mixed with developer that lifts or deposits pigment inside the strand; on human hair units it behaves like natural hair, but on synthetic fiber it generally cannot be used.

A deposit-only color without developer that stains the outer layer of the strand and fades over several shampoos; it is used on human hair units for tone refresh and low-commitment change.

A trial of color, bleach, or relaxer on a small hidden section of a wig or hairpiece to predict result, processing time, and fiber damage before treating the whole unit.

Pre-pigmenting a lightened or porous unit before depositing the target shade so the result does not turn muddy, green, or overly cool, especially on previously bleached human hair.

A mild shampoo formulated without harsh detergents, used on wigs and hairpieces to preserve color, cuticle, and adhesive bonds while removing oils and styling residue.

The structured conversation before service that covers the client's goals, lifestyle, budget, medical or scalp conditions, expectations, and maintenance plan, documented before any work begins.

A condition such as open scalp lesions, active infection, or known adhesive allergy that makes a service unsafe or inadvisable until resolved or cleared by a physician.

The client's documented agreement to a service after being told the technique, realistic outcome, risks, cost, and maintenance requirements in language they understand.

Hair loss caused by prolonged pulling from tight braids, clips, or heavy attachment; it is a fitting concern because excessive tension on a unit can worsen or cause permanent follicle damage.

The requirement that a Louisiana licensee keep the current license conspicuously posted at the work location and produce it on request of a board inspector or authorized representative.

The services a Louisiana alternative hair design licensee is authorized to perform under the applicable rules; performing services outside that boundary can bring disciplinary action.

Required periodic training hours a Louisiana licensee must complete and document to renew a license, covering safety, sanitation, and updated technical or regulatory content.