If you are just starting your journey into wig wearing, you will have probably heard such terms as; monofilament, lace front, hand knotted and open cap, but what do they mean?
It’s easy to assume that underneath every wig is a simple ‘one size fits all’ cap liner. Afterall, the main sought-after feature is the perfect style and colour. So, let’s debunk that myth and appreciate how far wig cap technology has progressed in recent years with an in-depth description of the wig caps available on the market today.
Open Cap:
Also known as capless or wefted, this is the most basic and machine-made cap. Open cap construction provides a secure, comfortable fit by combining featherlight, close fitting cap materials with a well-ventilated design. These styles offer many benefits for first time wig wearers.
Featuring a fine net material in the top area with an open cap in the back. “Wefts”, or curtains of hair, are attached to a thin strip of stretch elastic material. The wefts are disguised with a technique called “permatease” to hide them from view at the part area. Each weft of hair is volumised with short, finely textured fibres stitched to the “root,” preventing any visible gaps and adding shape and body to the style. The part is backed with sturdy lace or open wefts, while the nape and sides of the cap are open between the bands.
Open cap styles lend themselves to shake-and-go wearability. Because of their lightweight materials and volumised wefts of hair, open cap wigs require little re-styling daily and keep the head cool and comfortable even in warmer temperatures. The low maintenance care of an open cap wig also results in extended life for the wig. Plus, in general, open cap wigs are less expensive than fully hand-knotted wigs.
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Monofilament
Monofilament caps are a popular choice for those who wish to achieve the illusion of natural hair growth. This cap allows for multidirectional styling whilst also providing a cool, smooth feel against the scalp for long lasting comfort.
A translucent segment made from a strong synthetic mesh is placed into either the part area or the entire crown of a wig cap. The fibres are then individually hand tied onto the monofilament section, so that each hair can move freely in any direction, creating an ultimately natural appearance. This mobility also allows the hair to be parted and styled in any direction.
Mono Crown
Mono crown provides a natural looking crest by making it appear like hair is growing just around the crown. If you’re looking for a lush-looking crown, look for a mono crown wig.
Mono Top
A mono top covers the entire crown area with double knotted soft mono, where the hair looks like it’s growing out of the scalp and brushes in either direction. This way, you can part your hair whichever way and it’ll look just as natural.
Mono Top Lace Front
A mono top lace front combines all the features of a hand-knotted mono top with a hand-knotted deep lace front, giving you the ultimate comfort, undetectability, and versatility. This is the kind of wig you’ll love wearing all day.
Double mono wigs are another accessible option. These wigs are created using a double layer of monofilament material. This design provides excellent protection from scalp irritation.
Please note, every person’s sensitivity is different, and you don’t necessarily need the most luxurious features to feel comfortable whilst wearing a wig.
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Lace Front
The most natural look achieving cap comes from the Lace Front construction, providing a nearly invisible mesh trim. Generally, this trim would extend across the entire frontal hairline. The main benefit of a lace front wig is the convincing realism simulated by this hand constructed hairline.
Transparent mesh floats over the natural hairline, letting your true skin show through. If the lace front is “welded” so that each thread crossing in the mesh is heat fused, it can be custom trimmed without fear of unravelling or stretching the wig out of shape.
Lace front wigs are the secret behind many celebrity styles. A-listers regularly rely on lace front wigs for their array of hairstyles in ever changing lengths and colours. These wig caps are also perfect for people who want to experiment with styles without damaging their natural hair.
With unlimited options for variation, this construction is perfect for people experiencing hair loss, particularly alone the front hairline who with benefit from the extra comfort and confidence provided by and undetectable lace front wig.
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100% Hand Tied
Hand-tied styles tend to be the priciest wigs on the market, though it’s certainly with good reason—100% hand-tied wigs offer the softest, most comfortable fit and the most natural movement, as each hair is secured individually to the base and can move freely. They also offer the most versatility in styling and the most believable silhouettes, as the hairs can be combed in any direction, revealing a natural-looking scalp wherever the wig is parted.
Hairware is the UK retailer and wholesaler of Natural Collection, California collection, Tressallure Look Fabulous/ Classic Look,The Orchid Collection By Rene Of Paris and The Henry Margu Collection.
We were approved by the NHS as suppliers of prescription wigs at the start of 2015, and are very proud to be able to provide such a valuable service, to so many women across the UK.
