Construction
Which base to stock, and why.
The single biggest driver of returns in this category is not the hair — it is the base. A client who parts her hair needs a different top to a client who never does, and the price difference is not the reason to choose.
| Construction | Base | Knots | Best for | Density | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk top | Silk base with ventilated crown | Hidden under the silk | Clients who part their hair, or wear a visible hairline | 130 / 150 / 180% | Flagship retail |
| Lace top | Swiss lace at the crown, machine wefts behind | Visible on lace, knot work decides realism | Everyday wear, the volume line on most counters | 130 / 150 / 180% | Core volume |
| Full hand-tied | All strands ventilated by hand | Hand-knotted throughout | Clients who want the lightest cap, longest wear cycle | 130 / 150% | Bespoke |
| Topper | Silk top or open fish-net, clipped at the crown | Varies by base | Coverage without a full cap | 120 / 130 / 150% | Add-on sale |
Silk top versus lace top, in one paragraph
Silk gives you a scalp that reads as skin and knots you cannot see, which is why it is the choice for a centre part. Lace gives you a lighter, more breathable top and a lower cost, at the price of knot visibility under close inspection. Most counters should carry both and let the client's parting decide.
What hand-tied buys you
In a hand-tied piece, every strand is placed by hand, so the cap can be built lighter and the hair direction controlled more precisely. It costs more and takes longer. It is worth stocking for the client who has already owned three sheitels and knows exactly what she wants.
What to specify, every time
- Construction — silk top, lace top, hand-tied, topper
- Density — 120 / 130 / 150 / 180%, stated per client, not per order
- Cap size — S/M/L or measured, with the measurement method stated
- Length — finished length, measured from crown to tip
- Colour — the code and the base, not the marketing name