Online, lace wigs are everywhere, but there are so many different terms and definitions for each kind and type of wig, that it often becomes insanely hard to sort out exactly what is what.

To help you out, we’ve taken the five most confusing things about lace wigs, and clarified them for you here.

#5: There are a couple different types of lace.

You’ve probably heard about them both before: there’s Swiss lace, and there’s French lace. That’s about it for the main categories.

Commonly, people tend to get a little bit confused when it comes to the more complex terminology. There are multiple categories of lace, including stretch lace, lace without stretch, and also something called a ‘thin skin perimeter lace wig’. We also tend to throw around the names ‘lace front wigs’ and ‘full lace wigs’. All of these are still just French or Swiss — they’re sub-categories off those main two.

#4: The country names are just superficial.

Although we call them Swiss and French, it doesn’t really have anything to do with where the lace comes from. It’s not like France keeps manufacturing one variety, while the Swiss are next-door, doing their own thing. The names are just connected to the style.

#3: First wig? Go with French.

Because the French lace style is slightly more durable, it’s a better choice for beginners. Between the two types of lace, French is thicker, and slightly less susceptible to damage, so if you haven’t purchased and used a lace wig before, you’re less likely to have beginner’s luck with one made from French lace.

After a few wigs and some more experience, you’ll probably want something thinner and slightly less visible — then you can go with a Swiss wig.

#2: French and Swiss can play together, too.

Wigs aren’t made entirely with just Swiss or French lace. It’s actually super-typical to see wigs that use some durable French lace for the main part of the wig (keeps it strong), which then integrate swiss into the more delicate, visible parts (up around the front).

#1: The French vs. Swiss debate will never be objectively resolved.

In the end, it’s all about your own preferences. Trying to get a wig you can beat up occasionally, one that lasts for a good while without getting damaged? French is what you need. But let’s say you want something refined and somewhat delicate, so you can care for it a little more? Out of all the types of lace, you’re looking at Swiss.