How to Choose a Wig Cap for Wig Making
One of the frequently asked questions I get from students and my social media community is, “What’s the best kind of wig cap to use for making wigs?”
It’s important to be able to not only choose the best option for you but to also be able to educate your clients on wig caps as well. Let’s take a look at four different types of wig caps. I’ll explain how they are used and the pros and cons of each one so you can pick out the best wig cap for your next wig with confidence!
1. VENTILATED (aka Open Wefted/Capless) WIG CAP
Once the plastic is taken off, the vertical panels on this wig cap virtually disappear into the wig, almost as if there is no cap at all, hence the name “capless”. The ventilation in this style makes it very breathable and lightweight, which means it also dries quickly when washed.
This is the classic choice. Wig makers have been using this style for many years to achieve a professional finish. Not only does it look professional, it’s very quick to make a wig on so you can make a wig faster than on any other wig cap style.
Pros:
- Very breathable
- Quick to make a wig on
- Lightweight
- Dries quickly when washed
Cons:
- Challenging to customize.
- Not much fabric for sewing down the frontal. Best for a closure wig.
2. HYBRID WIG CAP
I call this style a hybrid because it’s a combination of a capless and netted. It features netted panels on the side and the capless elements on the back. This is one of my favorites because it has all the benefits of the classic capless style (discussed above), but with lots of fabric for anchoring down a frontal. You won’t have any issues with your frontal unraveling on this wig cap. This style is also more customizable because it has more fabric available to adapt to the client’s measurements
Pros:
- All the benefits of the Ventilated/Capless style
- More fabric for anchoring your frontal
- Extra fabric for customizing your wig
Cons:
- None!
3. NETTED WIG CAP
This is a traditional style with netting all over the cap. It also usually has some elastic inside to allow stretch. It comes with adjustable straps as well as an ear flap. You can make any type of wig on this cap. You can even use a closure as wide as a 7×7.
Pros:
- Very adjustable
- Available in your local beauty supply store for about $3-5 USD.
Cons:
- More fabric means more heat.
4. HYBRID WIG CAP WITHOUT FLAPS, STRAPS, & NAPE
This option has all the features of the hybrid but with the qualities of a dome cap in that there are no flaps, straps, or nape. I actually love the fact that there are no ear flaps on this style because, when you make a frontal wig, you just end up cutting them out anyway!
Pros:
- All the benefits of the Hybrid wig cap
- No ear flaps to cut out
Cons:
- None!
5. DOME CAP
This is probably one of the most popular wig caps used for custom wig making!
It’s an absolute favorite because it has a snug fit when used for Frontal wigs and only requires an elastic band for a secure glue-less look.
It’s beginner friendly and works well with Closure wigs too.
One con is some find the snug fit a bit tight for comfort especially when used for a closure wig.
The fabric is not very breathable making it uncomfortable in in hot weather conditions.
Pros:
- Beginner firendly
- Works well with closure wigs.
Cons:
- The snug fit may be a bit tight for some.
- The fabric is not very breathable making it uncomfortable in hot weather.
Check out my YouTube video for more details! This is essential wig-making knowledge that each wig maker needs so that you can better inform your clients. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll be here to answer them!
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