The U-part wig is a revolutionary type of wig design, invented by Ms Simi Belo in London, UK, in 2003. Belo had noticed that in an attempt to deliver realism, especially at the hairline at the front, existing wig brands who used the traditional oval wig cap were adding more and more features, for instance baby fine hair, hair bands, plastic scalps (monofilament caps), lace fronts and fringes. A hair extensions, wig and weave wearer for over 25 years, Belo was convinced, however, that when it came to delivering a realistic hairline, less could mean more, and instead of adding new features, the opposite could be the ultimate solution, and that the removal of features was required. So she cut and removed a rectangular piece of hair and wig cap from the front of an old wig, creating a ‘U’ shaped gap in the hairline in the process.

Belo’s idea was so fantastic in delivering realistic hairlines that it was an instant success amongst the hair industry, hair specialists, retailers, the media, customers and celebrities alike. Now women could bring out a tiny amount of their own hair through the u-shaped gap at the front within seconds, part it and blend it with the wig hair and deliver a completely realistic result. Belo ensured that flat, comfortable and discreet clips were used, to secure the wig and maintain the illusion. Not only did Belo’s u-part wig design deliver a new dimension of realism to the wig design, it saved the wearer a phenomonal amount of time and money when compared to weaves, which have to be installed intricately, a single weft / track of hair at a time. Also, Belo’s design did not require glue or thread so did not cause damage like lace front wigs and bonded weaves either. So Belo’s design addressed many of the problems of wigs, but also of other forms of hair extensions.

Belo patented her unique design and initially called it ‘NewHair’ in 2004, and then renamed it as the ‘SimiWeave’ in 2008, and the global wig industry was changed for ever. Full oval caps were destined to become a thing of the past and by September 2013, over 1,650 wig brands across the globe were already copying Belo’s design illegally and giving it the general name ‘U-part wig’. The U-part wig is now universally accepted as the only type of hair extension to deliver the ultimate in realism and that owing to its other benefits (saves money and time, no damage from the use of glue or thread, etc.) it is a superior product to weaves, half wigs, three-quarter wigs (falls), and lace fronts.

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22 December 2014