What Are Return Hairs on a Human Hair Wig?

Have you ever noticed tiny, shorter hairs at the roots of a human hair wig and wondered why they’re there? These are called return hairs, and they’re a natural part of the wig-making process. While some people worry that return hairs mean a wig is low quality, they’re actually found in all human hair wigs—even the most premium ones.

Knowing what return hairs are and why they exist can help you feel more confident when choosing a wig. In this article, we’ll explain their purpose, how they affect the overall look of a wig, and share simple tips to manage them for a smooth, natural finish.

What Are Return Hairs?

Return hairs are the shorter hairs you may notice at the roots of a hand-tied human hair wig. They’re not a flaw - they’re simply a natural part of how many wigs are made.

When individual strands of hair are hand-knotted onto the wig cap, each strand is folded over to secure the knot. This fold creates return hairs, which are the shorter sections you see near the roots. While return hairs are common in hand-tied wigs, not all hand-tied wigs have them - some are designed without return hairs for a sleeker look. However, their presence is not an indication of quality, as even the most premium hand-tied wigs may have return hairs depending on their construction.

How Do Return Hairs Affect the Look of a Wig?

Return hairs can play a role in how a wig looks and feels. Depending on how they’re placed, they can add volume, create a bit of texture, or, in some cases, cause flyaways.

Natural Volume & Lift 

Return hairs help prevent the hair from sitting too flat by adding a bit of lift at the roots. This can make the wig look fuller and more natural.

Frizz & Flyaways 

Since return hairs are shorter than the rest of the strands, they can sometimes stick up or create a bit of frizz, especially in humid weather or after washing.

Blending with the Wig 

In well-made wigs, return hairs are carefully placed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair. Skilled craftsmanship ensures they don’t stand out too much, but give the wig a smooth and polished finish.

Managing Return Hairs for a Smooth Finish

If you’ve noticed return hairs sticking up or creating a bit of frizz, don’t worry—there are easy ways to manage them and keep your wig looking sleek and natural.

Styling Tips:

Use a lightweight styling cream or serum – A small amount can help smooth flyaways without making the hair greasy.

Flat iron on low heat – Gently passing a flat iron over the roots can help tame return hairs, but always use a heat protectant to keep the hair healthy.

Brush or style the hair downward – This helps return hairs lie flat and blend in with the rest of the hair.

Return Hairs Can Make a Wig Look More Natural

Believe it or not, return hairs can actually make a wig look more realistic. In natural hair, shorter strands and flyaways are common, so having some return hairs can help a wig mimic the look of real, growing hair. They add a soft, natural texture that prevents the wig from looking too perfect or artificial.

However, if you prefer a sleeker, ultra-smooth finish, you may want to choose a wig designed without visible return hairs. Follea by Daniel Alain’s Chic and Grandeur wigs are crafted to provide a polished, refined look with minimal return hair visibility. These styles are ideal for those who love a sleek, smooth appearance without the added texture of shorter strands.

Are Return Hairs a Sign of Poor Wig Quality?

Not at all! Return hairs are a natural part of many hand-tied human hair wigs and are simply a result of how the hair is knotted. Even the finest quality wigs can have return hairs - it’s not a sign of poor craftsmanship.

Premium-quality human hair wigs have return hairs placed carefully to blend in with the rest of the hair, adding natural-looking volume without causing excessive flyaways while lower-quality wigs may have return hairs that are uneven or stick out noticeably, making them harder to manage.

A well-made wig will ensure that return hairs contribute to a natural, beautiful look rather than being a distraction. If you’re unsure, looking at high-end brands like Follea by Daniel Alain can give you a good idea of how return hairs should be handled in a quality wig.

Should I Be Concerned About Return Hairs on a Wig?

Return hairs are nothing to worry about - they're simply part of how many hand-tied human hair wigs are made. In fact, they can enhance a wig’s appearance by adding subtle texture and movement, helping it look more natural.

That said, if you prefer a sleek, polished finish, there are wigs designed with minimal return hairs, like Follea by Daniel Alain’s Chic and Grandeur collections. Understanding return hairs can help you set realistic expectations and choose the wig that best fits your style and preferences. 

The way a wig looks and feels also depends on the type of human hair used. Factors like whether the hair is Remy, virgin, or 100% human hair influence how well a wig mimics natural hair and how long it lasts. Understanding these differences can help you choose a wig that aligns with your needs and expectations, ensuring a beautiful, natural look that suits your style.