WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT CAP TYPES MEAN? TOP
Standard or Stretch Cap: The most common of all wig cap types and is usually not visible through
the hair. The cap usually has a closed lace layer around the crown at
which the hairs are sewn onto by machine. Hair is usually styled in such
a way that the crown is lifted so the cap is not visible. This cap
gives the hair volume at the crown due to the natural lift.
Mono Top of Monofilament Top Cap: Made in such a way that gives the look of a natural scalp by allowing
the natural scalp color of the wearer to show through. Monofilament
caps are typically made of thin mesh-like material, usually of nylon or
polyester. Due to hairs usually being attached by hand tying at the
crown, these caps usually give the most natural look. Wigs are thus
easier to style and more versatile due to the attachment method. Much
like real hair, the wig can be parted or brushed in any direction. These
soft cap wigs are good for easily irritable scalps. Due to the natural
look of the wig, it is also highly recommended for severe and total
hair loss individuals.
Hand-Tied Caps: These caps offer a Monofilament construction all over the whole cap not just on the top. So the entire cap has had the hairs hand-tied to the thin mesh-like material. They are very light weight, very comfortable and offer parting options and an ultimate natural looking scalp all over your head.
Lace Front: Lace Front Caps offer a small piece of invisible lace extends form the cap and runs along the forehead line to imitate natural hair growth at the hairline. Giving the ultimate real appearance - particularly ideal for wigs that are worn off the face without bangs.
Capless Caps: This type of cap allows for maximum aeration for the wearer. The crown
is constructed by vertical lace strips with open spaces between wefts.
These openings allow the wig to be lighter and more breathable than
standard cap wigs.
SYNTHETIC VS. HUMAN HAIR TOP
Synthetic Hair is easy to care for and affordable for most people. The fibers
used to make each hair on synthetic hair wigs allow the wig to
maintain different types of styling such as texture, curl, waves, or
volume. The higher quality synthetic wigs make it almost impossible to tell the difference from human hair. But you you can damage your synthetic wig permanently if you use heat styling tools or chemical treatments on it. But you do now have some styling options if you go with some of the Heat Friendly synthetic wigs that are offered by Raquel Welch and Jon Renau which can withstand up to 350F. However heat styling these types of wigs too often can limit their lifespan.
Human Hair is usually made of Chinese, Indian Indonesian
or sometimes European hair. Most Human Hair wigs are made from
Chinese or Indian hair as they are more readily available. A Human Hair wig requires more care and upkeep and they are more expenive but
is the most natural looking and long lasting option. Since they are made of
human hair, these wigs can be styled just like your own hair. Remy
hair is more expensive because it is cut from the donators head and retained in the same direction when
used to make a wig or hairpiece and this helps to reduce tangling. Human hair wigs can
be cut, chemically treated and heat-styled but also require to be cared
for like your own hair and needs to be washed, conditioned, dried and
styled.
Do bear in mind that these wigs have been pre-dyed and chemically
treated to achieve the style and colour you see and we do not recommend further processing your wigs - unless you go with a natural colour that has not been treated like the Jon Renau Naturals colours (see Angie, Kate, Carrie, Nicole and Jennifer styles by Jon Renau). If you have a multi-coloured Human Hair wig that is pre dyed/highlighted the results may not be as expected and
further chemical treatment may result in over-processing and damage the
natural hair fibers. Human Hair wigs are typically for people that want and have the time
to provide more care and attention for their wig.
Human Hair/Synthetic Blends: Clients with less
time to care for a human hair wig but that also want a more natural look
should look and the flexibility of styling can look at some of the human hair-synthetic blended wigs that will retain more
style than a fully human hair wig. New Image and Envy brands offer these blends.
HOW TO WASH A SYNTHETIC WIG TOP
-
Fill a sink basin with cool water.
- Add a capful of synthetic wig shampoo
and blend in. Never use regular shampoo on synthetic wigs! If the wig has
picked up the odor of smoke or other strong odors, you may add a teaspoon
of baking soda to your basin, and blend in. We do sell good quality wig shampoo and conditioner for our
customers (available on our Accessories page).
- Gently swish the wig or piece in the water for about
30 seconds to a minute until the wig is saturated. Then gently scrub the front
of the wig cap, where it meets the forehead until clean
- Leave the wig soak in the sink or basin for about
15 minutes
- Empty the sink/basin of water and rinse the wig
or piece in cool water. It is very important to use cool water particularly on
curly wigs, as warm water will over-relax the curls of wigs.
- Gently squeeze excess water out of wig. Do
not rub or twist your wig. Spread the wig out on a thick absorbent towel and
leave in a ventilated area to dry overnight. You should spray on a little
leave-on wig conditioner, when you start the drying process (you can purchase wig conditioner on our Accessories page)
- When the wig is entirely dry, and not before, you can give it a shake and run your fingers through it - as its synthetic its original style should return once dry. If you usually use a brush you can now brush it back to the style you are used to. We recommend a wig
brush or a hair pik.
SIZE GUIDE TOP
Across most brands you will find the following cap sizes to be standard
Petite - 21"
Average - 21.5"
Large - 23"
99%
of caps do have adjustable tabs inside. Usually velcro and sometimes
hooks or slide along straps like on bras. So each size above can be
made a bit smaller.
The following lines tend to have caps that run about 0.5-1 inch larger:
Revlon
Envy
Estetica Stretch Caps
Gorgeous Hair
If you do not know your head size please look the image below for instructions and diagrams.
