Topper Caps Explained

Toppers have various features which give the wearer choice and adaptability depending on their particular needs.

 

If you are new to the world of toppers the chances are you are unfamiliar with the terms used to describe these features. We realise it can feel like you’re learning a new language and choosing a topper can be daunting task!

 

Our guide breaks down the features and will help you to get an idea of what you would like in a topper.  

 

 

Knots:-

 

Knotting is the process carried out when a hair topper or wig is made to secure the hair strands to the base.

 

Single knots are achieved when a strand of hair is secured to the base by tying one knot.

 

Double knots are achieved by using two or more strands of hair and securing them to the base together.

 

Triple/reversed (hidden) knots are achieved when hair is hand tied then inserted between a base layer and top layer. The knot is tied three times, making it very secure and unlikely to shed. Because the knot is hidden between the two layers it becomes invisible, making it look as if the hair is growing out of the scalp.

 

 

 

Hand Tied:-

 

A hand tied topper has the fibres hand sewn into the cap (rather than machine sewn) allowing easy styling and parting of the hair. It has a lighter finish than a wefted design. 

 

 

Monofilament:

 

One step above hand tied. The hair strands are hand-tied and knotted individually into a sheer material. The hair is injected through the material which gives the illusion that the hair is actually growing out of the scalp. The hair can be parted and brushed in any direction and can move just as natural hair moves.

 

Due to the time intensive process involved in making monofilament toppers, these are considered to be a high quality product and are more expensive than a standard wefted cap.

 

 

Double Monofilament:-

 

A double monofilament cap has an additional layer on the bottom of the monofilament layer which protects the individual hand knotting. This feels softer on the head compared to regular monofilament.

 

 

Silk Top:-

 

One step above monofilament. A silk top is the most realistic looking cap available. It is constructed with a layer of lace and silk fabric which can be skin coloured to give a scalp-like appearance. When the hair is knotted, the knots are concealed below the top silk layer. The hair is injected through the silk material which gives the illusion that the hair is actually growing out of the scalp.

 

 

 

French Knotted:-

 

French knotted caps are very similar to silk tops and have a triple layer base:-

 

1. A silk bottom layer which is smooth and comfortable against the scalp.

 

2. A lace middle layer which the knots are secured to.

 

3. A silk top layer which hides the knotting and gives a very natural appearance.

 

 

 

 

Wefted:-

 

Wefted toppers are the most basic and affordable on the market and are more likely to be made with synthetic fibre. A wefted design is a seam that holds the base of the hairs together on the cap. They can have a feature called Permatease, which is usually located at the crown and creates permanent lift and volume.

 

Some toppers are part monofilament, part wefted. The monofilament base is placed in the centre where the hair can be parted and the wefted part is placed around the edge of the monofilament base.

 

 

Permatease: -

 

This is a permanent teasing of synthetic fibres at the roots and is designed to give the fibres extra volume. The permateased fibres can be short and wiry in appearance.

 

This is a popular option for those wanting to achieve extra height with a topper.

 

 

  

Lace Front:-

 

This feature is ideal for those suffering from hair loss toward the front of the scalp and like to have natural looking hairline. A small panel of sheer lace is sewn into the front part of the topper and sits where the front hairline should be when the topper is applied. When worn properly the end result is an undetectable hairline giving the illusion that the wig hair is actually growing out of your own head. 

 

 

 

Bondable:-

 

This means that the topper cap is made with a material that can be bonded to the head using tape or adhesive.

 

 

 

Polyurethane/PU:-

 

The perimeter of some toppers have an outer edge strip made from polyurethane which enables the topper to be secured using a special tape or adhesive. This method is often preferred by wearers who don’t feel that clips are comfortable or when their hair is too sparse or fragile for clips. Some wearers prefer to remove the front clip of a topper and use an adhesive just on the front part of the polyurethane strip to secure the topper at the front hairline.

 

 

 

 

Pressure Clips/Pressure Sensitive Clips:-

 

These clips have a rubber or silicone strip on the part where hair is secured. This provides extra grip and a cushioning effect which minimizes pulling or damage to hair. They are more comfortable than regular clips. They are available in different sizes and colours.

 

 

 

 

If you are finding it difficult to decide on which topper cap would be suitable for you, we offer online and in-salon consultations. During a consultation we can discuss the options with you in more detail. Contact us for more information. 

 

 

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