The Difference Between Machine-Made and Hand-Tied Wigs

If you’ve been exploring wigs, you’ve probably come across the terms machine-made and hand-tied. But what do they really mean—and which type is right for you? At Godiva’s Secret Wigs we’ve been helping women find the best wigs since 1997, and today we’ll share the pros and cons of both options, plus why machine-made wigs are usually the most practical choice.

What Are Machine-Made Wigs?

Machine-made wigs are the most common type of wig construction. Strands of synthetic fiber are sewn by machine into rows (called “wefts”), which are then sewn onto the wig cap.

Benefits of machine-made wigs:

Affordable and budget-friendly
Hold their shape and style beautifully
Can be adjusted more easily to fit your head
Huge variety of styles and colors
Perfect for everyday wear

Our best-selling Freedom Wig is a great example of a machine-made wig. It’s lightweight, natural-looking, and designed to be a true shake-and-go style.

■ Watch a client favorite: All About Freedom Wig

What Are Hand-Tied Wigs?

Hand-tied wigs are made by tying each individual hair into the cap by hand. This process takes much longer to create, which makes them significantly more expensive.

While hand-tied wigs can provide a very natural look, they do come with downsides:

Styles don’t always lay as well as machine-made wigs
Caps cannot be altered to make them bigger or smaller
More delicate, requiring extra care
Much more expensive

At Godiva’s Secret Wigs, we carry only one hand-tied wig because most of our clients prefer the versatility, affordability, and everyday ease of machine-made wigs.

Which Type Is More Comfortable?

Most women find machine-made wigs to be perfectly comfortable, especially when paired with a wig cap. Hand-tied wigs can feel soft, but they’re often more delicate and less adjustable, making machine-made the more practical option for daily wear.

[Dani & Ro Tip] If comfort is your top priority, focus on cap size first. A well-fitting machine-made wig will feel more secure and natural than a hand-tied wig that doesn’t fit properly.

Do Both Look Natural?

Yes—both can look natural, but machine-made wigs from Godiva’s Secret are designed to lay beautifully with minimum effort. With realistic colors, natural densities, and styles that are pre-shaped to flatter, they look effortless with no fuss.

[Dani & Ro Takeaway] You don’t need to spend extra for a hand-tied wig to get a natural look. A high-quality machine-made wig will give you instant confidence and be much easier to wear.

Price Differences

Machine-made wigs: Affordable, versatile, and long-lasting—making them the top choice for most clients.
Hand-tied wigs: Much more expensive and less practical for everyday wear.

FAQs About Machine-Made vs. Hand-Tied Wigs

Are hand-tied wigs worth the higher price?
For some women, yes—but most of our clients find machine-made wigs are easier to wear, more versatile, and much better value.

Which wig type lasts longer?
Both can last a long time with proper care, but machine-made wigs are more durable for daily wear.

Which wig type do you recommend for beginners?
We recommend starting with machine-made wigs, like our Best Sellers. They’re lightweight, natural, and designed for easy everyday wear.

Why Trust Godiva’s Secret Wigs

At Godiva’s Secret Wigs, we’re a mother-daughter team (Dani & Ro) who not only sell wigs, but wear them ourselves. Since 1997, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of women feel confident with our exclusive line of lightweight, natural-looking synthetic wigs and toppers. With over 50 years of combined wig-wearing experience, plus our thriving YouTube channel and private Facebook group—Godiva’s Secret Wig Community — you’ll never be on this journey alone. Our community is filled with supportive women who share their stories, photos, and tips, making it the most encouraging place online for wig wearers. You can trust that every product we recommend has been tried, tested, and loved.

Before you buy, click here to virtually try-on our beautiful wig styles and colors:
Dani & Ro's Virtual Wig Try-On Room.

■ Ready to find your perfect wig? Explore our machine-made wigs today.