Skin top wigs and silk top wigs are phrases that we often come across in the wig market. However, despite being widely used, they still raise a lot of questions. What’s the difference between skin top and silk top? Are they synonyms? Or maybe they just sound similar but describe totally different characteristics of human hair wigs?
In this article, we will explain what exactly these two terms mean, whether skin top and silk top wig cap types are different, and what you should pay attention to when considering purchasing one of these wigs.
Table of Contents
Quick summary
- Skin top wigs and silk top wigs can be referred to as both synonyms and completely different wig cap types.
- In some cases, “skin top” describes a natural-looking, scalp-imitating wig top that is structurally no different from a silk top wig.
- In other cases, skin top wigs have a cap with a polyurethane (PU) top base, which differs from the classic silk wig cap. In this case, skin top wigs cannot be classified as glueless wigs because they are usually meant to be glued.
- The main difference lies not in the title, but in the cap material, layers, thickness, and breatheability. Therefore, when choosing human hair wigs, it is important to consider not only the term, but also the actual technical characteristics of the wig.
- PU-based skin tops are more commonly used in adhesive men’s toupee systems, as there is generally no need to construct the top of women’s wigs from PU.
- Hairalicious® offers breathable skin top constructions designed for comfortable wear without glue. Thus, in the context of our brand, skin top wigs and silk top wigs are synonymous.
Short answer: are silk top and skin top wigs the same?
To put it simply, yes, skin top wigs and silk top wigs can sometimes mean the same thing. But not always! So how can you tell when there’s no difference and when there’s a big one? It all depends on how a specific manufacturer or wig shop defines these terms and what the wig top construction is like.
Skin top and silk top mean the same thing when…
…the wig’s purpose is to create the most realistic parting effect. In this case, the name describes the result (scalp illusion) rather than a different technology. This is how these terms are most often understood in the context of Hairalicious® – as a high-quality, but also realistic-looking construction designed for comfortable everyday wear without glue, i.e., glueless wigs.
Skin top and silk top differ if…
…a skin top wig has a lace top covered with polyurethane (PU). Such a design is usually created for adhesive men’s toupees to make it more durable when using glue. However the PU is thicker material that is less breathable. For these reasons, skin top wigs with a polyurethane base are not always the most suitable if you have a sensitive scalp or seek solutions such as cancer wigs or alopecia wigs, where comfort and breathability are especially important. In contrast, silk top wigs do not feature a PU top. It makes them a more breathable and scalp-friendly choice in such situations.
What some sellers call “skin top”?
Sometimes, one wig store or another may use the term “skin top wigs” to describe wigs with a parting area coated with polyurethane (PU). PU creates an extremely smooth surface, allowing adhesives to be cleaned off easily without causing damage to the wig, unlike applying and removing adhesives on delicate, thin lace. However, PU is a thicker, transparent material. It cannot hide knots the way a silk top can or blend as seamlessly as thin lace on lace top wigs. Moreover, polyurethane is less breathable than wig caps made from materials such as silk, fabric or lace.
Instead, silk top wigs are designed to offer better breathability and a scalp-like top that hides knots. Sometimes such wigs (and lace top wigs) are made with small PU sections in specific areas (for example, near the ears) intended for adhesion. This maintains a highly natural-looking parting, preserves breathability, and allows adhesive use on the PU areas without compromising thin lace.
Therefore, people seeking natural looking and breathable wigs should pay attention to the base material, not just the name. This is especially true if comfort and scalp health are your priorities. For this reason, we do not offer PU-based skin top wigs in the Hairalicious® range. Our silk top/skin top natural hair wigs are designed to be as breathable as possible. It allows you to wear the wig comfortably without glue.
How this applies to Hairalicious® skin top wigs
Hairalicious® range includes three collections, one of which is silk top wigs, sometimes referred to as skin top wigs. With this collection, we want every woman to have a choice of natural hair wigs that look as realistic as possible, are comfortable for everyday wear, and suit even sensitive scalps.
Such real hair wigs feature an advanced silk wig cap construction that creates a realistic parting illusion, as if the hair is growing straight out of your scalp. The knots are hidden in the parting area, so the wig looks extremely natural even up close. The front of the wig features a lace base for a natural hairline effect and seamless blend with the skin.
Due to their comfortable construction and soft inner material, Hairalicious® wigs are often chosen by people for whom solutions such as wigs for hair loss, cancer wigs, or alopecia wigs are relevant. These are some of the best wigs, created not only for beauty, but also for everyday comfort.
What actually defines the difference between skin top and silk top? Quick comparison criteria
- Base material on the top (silk or PU). Silk top construction uses silk wig cap technology, which helps to hide knots and create a natural scalp impression. In some cases, “skin top” can mean a top coated with PU. It creates a thicker surface for safe use of adhesives but is less breathable.
- Layers and knot concealment. Silk top wigs have additional layers of non-transparent silk at the parting area. These layers hide the knots and imitate natural hair growth. A PU skin top is transparent. Thus, the knots are visible. Once they are covered with PU they cannot be bleached to make them less noticeable. Therefore, they tend to look less natural.
- Cap thickness. The silk top parting area is usually thicker than lace, as an additional layer of material is needed to ensure a realistic parting. Some skin top constructions may be thinner but not as thin as lace top.
- Breathability. If comfort and everyday wear without glue are your priorities, it is important to choose a breathable construction. For this reason, people looking for no glue wigs usually choose solutions without a PU base. Another option is wigs with small PU insertions attached to the wig base.
- Return hairs. There are two types of silk top (skin top) wigs: with return hairs or without them in the parting area. Return hairs allow for a thinner, more realistic silk top base, but they can also create extra root volume that may affect how flat or “clean” the parting looks without additional styling. Silk top without return hairs create naturally flat parting. However, the top area of the cap has to be thicker. This is necessary to hide return hairs inside the silk top layers. Such details create differences that you won’t see from the product name.
What to check before buying (regardless of the wig name)
Whether the wig is called a skin top or silk top, the most important thing is its construction. Before buying a wig online or in a physical wig store, check the following points:
- Cap material. Does the top of the cap include silk, lace, or polyurethane (PU)? This determines the air permeability, and how realistic the parting will look like.
- Interior photos. A reliable wig shop always provides photos of the inside of the cap. They help you understand the actual construction of the wig.
- Description of weaving. High-quality natural hair wigs clearly indicate whether the hair at the back is attached in wefts for durability or fully hand-tied for realism, even when the hair is parted at the back.
- Clear description of the construction. Avoid vague phrases – when comparing different types of wigs, look for specific technical details.
Natural Look. Glueless Comfort. Premium Quality.
Are you looking for a wig that has the most natural looking parting, fits comfortably, and doesn’t require glue? The Hairalicious® silk top (skin top) wigs collection is designed just for you! These are premium quality human hair wigs that stand out for their realism, extremely natural parting effect, and glueless cap construction, designed for comfortable glueless wear.
FAQ
Where to buy wigs with a natural-looking scalp effect?
Wigs with a natural-looking scalp effect are best purchased from reputable manufacturers or retailers who clearly provide information about the cap construction and photos of the inside. One such manufacturer, offering premium quality wigs with an extremely natural hairline and realistic parting, is Hairalicious®.
Should I choose silk top or skin top wigs if I want wigs for beginners?
For beginners, the best choice is usually a silk top construction, especially if you want a natural-looking parting without any effort and comfortable everyday wear. Since the term “skin top wigs” is used inconsistently across the market, it can easily confuse first-time buyers. Some skin top wigs feature a top covered in PU. Such wig design has transparent top with visible knots as opposed to silk top wigs that conceal the knots entirely. In addition, knots under PU layer cannot be bleached anymore, thus they do not look as realistic as lace top wigs with bleached knots.
What are the best wigs for hair loss: silk top, skin top, or lace?
The best choice depends on your needs, but Hairalicious silk tops have soft caps that are often considered one of the most gentle options on sensitive skin, which is often the case when dealing with hair loss. Lace tops can be a little lighter (and therefore more breathable), while some skin top wigs are easier to glue on without causing damage to the wig over time but are the least breathable (if they have a PU base). So, when choosing a wig for hair loss, the most important things to consider are comfort, breathability, and the type of hold you plan to use (glueless or with adhesives).
Are skin top wigs suitable as wigs for cancer patients?
Some skin top wigs may be suitable, but it all depends on the construction. If a skin top wig has a PU on the top area, it may be less breathable and irritating, so it will not always be the most comfortable choice for sensitive skin. In most cases, silk top wigs are a safer and gentler solution. They are more often designed for comfort, soft materials, and everyday wear without glue.
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