Wig Cap Construction Comparison: A Guide to Choose the Right Wig Cap

When it comes to selecting a wig, most people focus on the appearance and hairstyle. However, comfort shouldn’t be overlooked. An uncomfortable wig can damage your natural hair and scalp over time, making it useless. So, a comprehensive wig cap construction comparison is needed to help you in choosing the right wig cap.

It’s also important to remember that no single type of wig cap is the best for everyone. That’s why, here, we’ll compare different types of wig caps, discuss the factors that help you decide what’s the best for you, and answer some of your most common questions.

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Why Is Wig Cap Construction Important?

Wig cap construction refers to the structure of the base of the wig and how it’s made. This part sits on your scalp and plays an important role in

• your comfort,
• how natural the wig looks,
• its breathability and ventilation,
• styling,
• durability,
• and how secure the fit is.

There are several types of wig cap constructions and each one offers some benefits. For example, while a basic cap is durable, it’s not that comfortable, especially for those with sensitive scalps.

Let’s first go over the following wig cap construction comparison. Then, we’ll provide a guide on how to choose wig cap construction for you.

Wig Cap Construction Comparison: Discover Your Perfect Wig Cap

Whether you wish to purchase a human hair wig or a synthetic wig, you should know the construction of the wig cap and consider its benefits and drawbacks. The most common wig caps include:

Basic Caps: Easy to Wear but Not Very Adjustable

Also known as traditional cap, basic cap construction is the most common and economical type that features a closed lace at the crown. Wefts of hair are sewn with a machine and the crimps at the crown help hide the cap and add more volume.

The basic cap is simple and used in both synthetic and human hair wigs.

Pros

The basic wig cap construction is

• affordable,
• light,
• easy to wear,
• and not as delicate as some other constructions.

Cons

• Its lack of adjustability may cause comfort issues for some (limited fit).
• It’s not as realistic and natural-looking as some other constructions, like lace-front wigs.
• As the construction is simple, it doesn’t hold various styles, which limits your hairstyle choices.

Overall, wigs with basic cap construction can be a good choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-wear option. However, it’s not very realistic, versatile, and adjustable.

Lace Front Caps: Realistic Hairline but Delicate

The name comes from the lace strip at the front of the wig where hair strands are hand-tied to allow for a natural-looking hairline and more styling options.

The lace-front wig cap is used in both synthetic and human hair wigs and it’s one of the most popular choices for those who seek realistic hairlines.

Pros

A lace-front wig offers

• a more natural appearance with its realistic hairline and the lace that matches the wearer’s skin tone.
• more styling options, even updos, ponytails, and different parting options.
• lightweight and breathability.
• adjustability (those with adjustable straps).
• overall comfort and secure fit for different head sizes.

Cons

• It’s more delicate than basic caps and requires care and proper maintenance.
• The more sophisticated construction means it costs more than basic caps.
• It’s not as easy as a basic cap to wear and usually requires glue or adhesive for a more secure grip.

So, if you can handle it gently and maintain it properly, a lace-front wig can be the realistic wig you’re looking for. Of course, this often comes with a higher price tag and additional challenges in wearing and removal.

Monofilament Caps: Natural-Looking and Comfortable but Not Durable

Monofilament wig caps feature a thin mesh that looks very much like a scalp at the top. Every individual hair is hand-tied to this soft breathable mesh that creates a highly natural look and offers flexibility in parting and styling.

A lot of high-end human hair and synthetic wigs come with a monofilament cap.

Pros

A monofilament wig offers

• a natural look and realistic hair movement, especially at the top.
• flexibility and versatility in styling and parting.
• lightweight and breathability.
• soft material that makes it suitable for sensitive scalps.
• overall comfort and stability on the head.

Cons

• The thin delicate mesh is prone to damage and needs careful maintenance and cleaning.
• It’s costly.
• The hair should be blended properly to have the same level of realism on the sides and back as well.

To sum up, monofilament wigs are great options for those who seek comfort and a natural appearance. However, it’s very delicate and more expensive than simpler wig cap constructions.

Hand-Tied Caps: Realistic and Soft but Expensive

Individual hairs are hand-tied to a soft and breathable cap to allow an exceptionally natural look and movement. Besides, this cap conforms well to the shape of the head.

Hand-tied wig caps are usually a good option for medical wigs because of the soft material and comfortable fit. This type of wig cap construction is used in high-quality human hair and synthetic wigs.

Pros

It offers

• a lifelike appearance and free hair movement.
• lightweight, breathability, and soft material.
• versatility in styles without losing its natural look.
• comfortable fit for different head shapes and sizes.

Cons

• It’s expensive.
• It’s less durable and needs careful and gentle handling.
• Those without a built-in lace or adjustable strap can be challenging to put on.

So, the softness and realistic appearance come with a price. However, if you don’t mind its high maintenance and cost, you can enjoy a comfortable natural-looking wig that is suitable for all-day wear. 

Wefted Caps: Breathable and Light but Not Very Natural

Wefted caps, also called open caps, are common and feature a fabric or lace woven base where rows of hair wefts are machine-sewed. The spaces between these rows make the wig more breathable.

Many synthetic and human hair wigs feature a wefted cap because it’s practical for daily wear. However, it’s not very natural-looking.

Pros

Wefted wigs are

• affordable.
• more durable and resilient.
• easier to maintain and clean.
• breathable, comfortable, and suitable for extended wear.

Cons

• They aren’t very realistic and the wefts can be visible in some styles, like when the hair is styled away from the face.
• While you can find wefted wigs in different colors, cuts, and lengths, a specific wig doesn’t allow for various styles and partings.
• The wefts may cause irritation and itching for some wearers.
• Some wefted wigs are too dense or the material is thick which makes them heavy, less breathable, and uncomfortable.

Overall, if a realistic look is a priority, wefted wigs will not satisfy you. However, those who wish to change their look quickly and have a lot of different wigs may prefer wefted caps due to their affordability and durability.

360 Lace Caps: Styling Versatility but Costly

Unlike lace-front caps that only feature lace at the front part to have a realistic hairline, a 360-lace cap has lace all around the head, making the entire hairline (front, sides, and back) natural-looking. The rest of the wig is usually made of machine-sewn wefts of hair.

Due to its intricate design and versatility, 360 lace caps are used in high-end synthetic and human hair wigs.

Pros

360-lace cap wigs offer

• exceptionally realistic hairline and scalp appearance.
• versatile styling options that allow you to experience different hairdos, even high ponytails.
• breathability and adjustability.
• comfort.

Cons

• It can be costly.
• You need to be very careful when washing and styling it to prevent damage because the lace is delicate.

So, a 360-lace cap wig is usually a suitable choice for those who are looking for a high-quality natural-looking wig with styling flexibility.

Full Lace Caps: Realistic but High-Maintenance

As the name suggests, a full-lace cap is only made of lace where every strand of hair is hand-tied to create the most natural-looking styles and movements. Besides, it also feels soft and comfortable.

Full lace wig caps are more common in human hair wigs than synthetic ones.

Pros

• It mimics natural hair growth, hairline, and scalp appearance.
• It allows any partings and various styles without losing its natural look, even updos and braids.
• Its breathability and adjustability ensure a comfortable fit.
• You can customize it more easily than other wig cap constructions.
• If properly maintained, human hair full lace wigs can be durable.

Cons

A full-lace wig can be

• expensive.
• high-maintenance.
• challenging to put on because it usually needs adhesive or glue to secure well.

Therefore, with a full-lace wig, particularly human hair wigs, you can achieve the highest level of realism and versatility of style. However, its high price and maintenance requirements are factors you should consider before making up your mind. 

Skin Top Caps: Realistic but Not Breathable

Also known as a silk top wig, this type of cap features a polyurethane layer that looks very much like a natural scalp where the hair strands are attached. While it provides an excellent realistic look, it’s not very breathable.

It’s mostly found in highly natural-looking synthetic and human hair wigs.

Pros

• It’s suitable for wig wearers who suffer from hair loss because it provides a realistic scalp appearance.
• The material is usually soft and flexible and conforms to any head shape and size which makes it comfortable.
• It’s possible to wear a skin top cap wig without using adhesive and glue.
• Like full-lace wigs, it offers styling flexibility.
• The material can be durable if taken care of properly and even suitable for outdoor activities and humid climates.

Cons

A skin top wig is

• relatively expensive.
• high-maintenance.
• not very breathable.

So, it’s usually a good and realistic choice for people going through hair loss due to its comfort and versatile styling options. But you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to maintain it properly.

To sum up our wig cap construction comparison, any type of cap offers specific benefits, such as realism, comfort, and versatility, so, you should first think carefully about your priorities and preferences before purchasing a wig. Consulting with a wig expert can also be useful in making the right decision.

Call now to schedule a free 30-minute consultation session with one of our experienced experts.

Factors to Consider to Choose the Best Wig Cap Construction

The wig cap construction comparison above may have helped you understand how different wig caps can affect your wig-wearing experience. Here are some factors you should consider to choose the right wig cap construction for yourself.

• Those with sensitive scalps should opt for soft, breathable, and comfortable caps that won’t cause friction and irritation. Hand-tied and double monofilament wig caps are usually good options.
• In warm climates, you should wear a wig that provides good ventilation to avoid overheating and discomfort, such as wefted or lace-front wigs.
• To feel more comfortable, choose lightweight caps, like wefted or partially hand-tied wigs.
• Make sure the wig fits you comfortably and well. Those that come with adjustable straps, elastic bands, or combs are better options because they can secure the wig without being too tight.
• If you have plans to wear the wig frequently and for long hours, consider high-quality hand-tied caps that are both soft and relatively durable if taken care of properly.
• Think realistically about the time you can spend on maintaining the wig.
• Are natural appearance and styling options a priority for you?
• And, think about your budget.

Make a list of the desired features and rank them. Now, you can go back to the wig cap construction comparison section above to choose a cap that meets your preferences better.

FAQs

What’s a Combination Cap?

Those who wish to balance the benefits of different types of wig cap constructions can go for a combination cap that combines different features of two or more types of caps. For example, a monofilament crown with a wefted back. If you order a custom wig, you can customize the cap construction as well.

What Type of Wig Cap Construction Is Good for Beginners?

Basic caps and 360-lace wigs can be easier to wear which makes them more suitable for beginners. However, a 360-lace cap may still need adhesive and glue to achieve a seamless and natural look.

What’s The Best Wig Cap Constructions for Chemo Patients?

Hand-tied caps and double monofilament caps are usually the best wig options for cancer patients.

Find the Most Comfortable and Natural-Looking Human Hair Wigs at Newport Hair Loss Centers

If this wig cap construction comparison isn’t enough to make up your mind, come and visit us at our centers in Los Angeles (310-991-0087), Orange (949-322-9555), and San Diego (949-640-4247), to help you choose the best type of wig for you. We’ve been doing this for years; you can count on us.