Learning the Difference Between Skin Caps and French Lace Hair Systems

Are you ready to make exciting wigs, hairpieces, lace closures and frontals? Learn about two widely-used wig foundations that will enhance your wig making project!

Obviously, you've experienced countless wig caps constructed with French lace. It is also possible that you may have noticed, or even encountered wigs made with thin skin foundation...

Both wig foundations are impressive, many are curious to learn the major difference between the thin skin and the French lace.

Thin skin caps and French lace are the most widely used foundations for creating hairpieces, toupees, lace wigs, frontals and closures. Each foundation will certainly result in a great-looking wig, but the final decision is dependent upon your personal preference.

French lace is greatly used simply because it is very economical. It is typically flesh in color and thin. The French lace wig foundation is comprised of very small holes in the netting that allow it to be very breathable.

Human or synthetic hair is ventilated directly in to the wig foundation by implementing single, split and double knotting methods.

The longevity of the lace runs several months with proper care and maintenance. French lace is long-lasting and comfortable in most climates and high temperatures.

One disadvantage of French lace is that customization may be required to achieve a more natural and flawless appearance.

Follow these three simple strategies to customize the look of your wig, closure, frontal and toupee:

*Ventilate the hair into the lace foundation using single strand knots around the hairline and the perimeter of the wig cap.

*Bleach the knots

*Apply concealer or foundation to help blend the lace with your skin

Thin skin caps will closely resemble your scalp! When ventilated by a knowledgeable wigmaker, the hair will appear as though it is growing directly from your scalp!

The thin skin foundation is available in a clear, transparent finish. However, some clients request special coloring according to personal preference.

**Keep in mind that some skin caps that are offered appear "pink" or "flesh" in color, but once the powder is removed from the foundation and adhesive is applied, the skin cap will become transparent.***

The powder is often applied to skin caps to keep the lining from sticking to itself.

The longevity of a skin cap ranges several months with sufficient repairs, maintenance and care. Skin bases thicker than 0.10mm are likely to last a bit longer.

The 3 thickness ranges are:

0.03mm

0.06mm

0.10mm

Hair ventilating methods for thin skin caps consist of split knots, v-looped and injected hair. The most requested ventilation methods are v-loop and hair injection. WHY? It is because of the absence of a knot. These methods serve to give the best appearance of hair growing from the scalp. There will also be no need to bleach knots because THERE ARE NONE!

One disadvantage of the skin cap is the fact that it is not breathable like the French lace. The skin unit cannot be worn for prolonged periods of time because of the accumulation of perspiration and moisture underneath the cap.

Some clients have expressed that they are extremely hot when wearing skin units during the intense months of Summer.

Upon request, some vendors may punch small holes in the skin foundation to aid in breathability.

Both foundation materials are great to use, but we suggest that you are an experienced wigmaker before using a skin cap. The thinnest caps at 0.03mm are very delicate and may tear easily.

Thank you for viewing and stay tuned for more instructables!

Please contact us if you have any questions!