Wig Cap Choices
CAP TYPES
CAP SIZES
STITCH -N- GO

WHAT KIND OF WIG CAP WILL WORK BEST FOR ME?

There are two basic types of wig caps, MACHINE-MADE and HAND-TIED.

This is a typical MACHINE-MADE wig cap. Machine-made wigs are crafted on a special sewing machine, and are made of hair WEFTS attached to a pre-constructed base. They are also referred to as "capless" because there is no mesh foundation to attach the hair to. Machine-made caps are the most durable.

This is a WEFT of hair. The hair is doubled over and MACHINE-SEWN along the top to create a long strand of hair. This is also the type of hair strand used for hair extensions and weaving. HAND-TIED WEFTS are also available for hair extensions, but not generally used for making wigs.

This is a typical HAND-TIED wig cap. Hand-tied wigs have caps which are constructed of some type of mesh, usually monofilament or polyester, with individual strands of hair knotted by hand into the mesh.

COMBINATION WIG CAPS

Some manufacturers will offer wigs which have combinations of these different wig constructions. JACQUELYN wigs all have wefted or machine-made backs, but some of their pre-made pieces have HAND-TIED tops, MONOFILAMENT (MICRO-LACE) tops, or FRENCH tops.

MONOFILAMENT-TOP, also known as a MICRO-LACE top. The top section is made of fine, transparent nylon mesh with strands of hair individually hand-tied into it. May be parted anywhere on the top. Very suitable for persons with extensive hairloss, as color of scalp may show through. More expensive because of the extra time and expertise required for hand-knotting each hair. It takes about 25 to 28 hours to completely cover the Monofilament mesh top area with hair. Many manufacturers use 3-4 strands per needle to save on labor, but the results is not as natural looking as the one-hair method that is used by better manufacturers like Jacquelyn and Wig Pro.

FRENCH-TOP CAP made by Jacquelyn. Hair is hand-tied into fine nylon Monofilament mesh, and then a layer of flesh-colored silk material is added underneath, creating the appearance of a scalp with hair growing out of it. This is a wonderful feature as it solves the problem often encountered by the difference in complexion colors with skin tops. Silk material may be colored with strong tea to match darker scalp colors. Suitable for all types of hairloss. About the same price as MONOFILAMENT or MICRO-LACE tops.

Some manufacturers offer other materials or combinations of materials in their caps. These wigs are all fully hand-tied all over and offer a very natural appearance because the movement of the hair is similar to the movement of growing hair. Some have full MONOFILAMENT caps, but most of these wigs are some combination of POLYESTER or COTTON netting and MONOFILAMENT mesh.

This is an example of monofilament material with the hair partially hand-knotted into it. As you can see, the color of whatever is underneath will show through creating the most natural appearance possible.

This is a full MONOFILAMENT CAP wig. This model has a POLYURETHANE tape tab along the front and at the nape. It also has POLYESTER NET darts with covered elastic straps behind the ear tabs for flexible adjustment.
This particular unit is available in both average and petite sizes.

This cap is a combination of POLYESTER net in the back with a MONOFILAMENT top. Multi-directional hand-knotting of each individual hair into the mesh allows a natural flow to the hair and versatility to the style. This model also has a POLYURETHANE tape tab along the front.

OTHER TYPES OF TOPS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

HAND-TIED or HAND-MADE TOP--Hair is knotted by hand into a single or double thickness of nylon or polyester mesh, not as fine as the mono mesh, letting the wearer part the hair in any direction, but the base of the wig may show. Part may be created, but must have some lifting, texturizing or backcombing at the base to give the illusion of a part. A good, less-expensive choice if versatility in movement is desired.

MACHINE MADE TOP-- On a MACHINE-MADE top, WEFTS of hair are sewn closely together, sometimes in the direction intended for the style, sometimes in the parted area so that hair must be combed in that direction only. Not as versatile as hand-made top. Most widely available construction and most economical wigs.

These are all examples cap styles available in PRE-MADE wigs. CUSTOM-MADE wigs may be constructed with any combination of materials available.

HOW CAN I TELL WHAT SIZE CAP I NEED?

The way a wig fits your head is a very important point. A good comfortable fit is necessary if one is to wear a wig for an extended period of time. If the wig is uncomfortable, you won’t wear it. It’s that simple.

To measure your head for a wig, take a cloth or paper tape measure and be sure that it has not been stretched. If you’re not sure, measure it against a metal or plastic ruler for accuracy. The following diagrams show how to do the basic measurements for most wigs:



CIRCUMFERENCE: Start the tape at the middle of your hairline at the forehead. Lay the tape around to the nape hairline (behind the ears) and around the head where it will meet back at the front.

EAR TO EAR: Lay the end of the tape about ¼ inch above the little crease at the top of your ear between your ear and your head. Then bring the tape straight across the top of your head to the other ear at the same point.

FRONT TO BACK: From the front hairline to the back hairline. If you have little or no hair, lay your index, middle and ring fingers flat against your forehead just above your browbone. At the top of your fingers would be where a normal hairline would be. Lay the end of the tape at this point and measure back to about an inch below the little (occipital) bone that you can feel at the bottom of your skull.

TEMPLE TO TEMPLE: This is where the earpieces of the wig will rest. Start the tape at your temple just in front of the point where your ear joins your head. Measure the distance across your forehead hairline to the same point at the other side.
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WHAT IS YOUR SIZE?




ULTRA PETITE SIZES are 19 inches to 20¼ inches. There are pre-made wigs which will work for this size, but most are either children’s styles or shorter-length adult styles. There are pre-made high-quality synthetic and human hair prostheses which will fit these sizes, but they must be custom styled by a professional.

PETITE SIZES are 20½ inches to 21¼ inches. Again, there are wigs which are available for these sizes. (See above) Most wigs can be sized down to fit these measurements without having the cap custom made. If the word "petite" is included in the name of the wig, chances are that the cap size is petite. (The only collection which is the exception is JACQUELYN. There are a couple of wigs that have the word "petite" in the name, but they are not made with a petite cap.)

AVERAGE SIZES are 21½ inches to 22¼ inches. Most wigs are made to fit these sizes, but can be stretched or adjusted down about an inch either way to accommodate smaller or larger head sizes. Be aware that cap sizes vary from brand to brand, and you should make sure before you buy that the cap is right for your size. Some caps will stretch better than others, but all can be made smaller.

LARGE SIZES are 22½ inches to 24 inches. The best choices for these sizes are JACQUELYN and GEORGIE wigs. Most of them are made for the average to large size head, and the cap is more flexible than most other brands. A stock Jacquelyn can usually be stretched to accommodate a 24-inch head comfortably.

CUSTOM SIZES: If your head circumference is smaller than 19 inches or larger than 24 inches, you may need to order a custom made cap. There are various companies that make wigs to accommodate this size range. However, if you want a style that is normally available only in an average size, we can have it made for you in your size. We offer CUSTOM WIGS of all types and will be happy to accommodate your request.

STITCH -N- GO CAP


Step 1: Cornrow the entire head and then secure the Stitch-N-Go to the perimeter of the head, using hairpins.

Step 2: Using a "C" shaped needle and thread, secure the pre-styled weave starting from the front at the suggested locations.

Step 3: Continue around the perimeter of the head, making sure the cap is aligned evenly.

Step 4: When the 8 Perimeter Stitches are complete, rethread the needle and begin sewing the 7 Inside Stitches. Use the diagram as a guide.

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