We all have seen a piece of cloth being wrapped around us when we go to the barbers, right? So, what is the cape that barbers use? It is a tightly woven fabric with a shiny finish to help hair to slide off onto the floor. Some call it a barber cape, some call it a salon cape, and many more. Barber capes are a staple in every hair salon, and they just add to the experience.
Even though some argue that the proper term for that is hair cloth or a chair cloth, nowadays, the term barbers cape is so popularized that people just call it that.
But just not all pieces of clothes can be considered a barber cape. There’s just so much more to it than just a piece of cloth. This article will let you know the details about all the kinds of capes used and ways to clean them up.
What is the barber cape called?
As said before, there is no such particular term for a barber cape. People call it by many different names according to its type of cape. There are different types of barber capes, and so people call them by that.
There are also some common terms like salon cape, styling cape, barber cape, hair cloth, and so on. But many say that it used to be called a hair cloth until recently when it was changed to a barber cape. The main reason is that the line of difference between barbering and cosmetology has been blurred out due to the unisex trend. So, all in all, it is a barber cape.
What is the best material for a barber cape?
Not just any piece of cloth can be called a barber cape. There are so many factors that need to be considered when you are picking materials for a salon cape. The key factor to choosing the right material is making sure that it is long-lasting, comfortable, and lightweight.
Also as you could also do work regarding water in a hair salon, it is best if the material is water-resistant. Polyester and nylon could be a great option for a barber cape because they check out most of the criteria. These materials are water-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and anti-static. These things make them suitable and comfortable enough for a cape.
Plastic capes are another option to consider and they have their own purpose as well. But don’t be tempted to buy them because of how cost-friendly they are as they can get damaged quite easily. Styling capes made out of fabric can be mended easily, but plastics can’t be repaired. So, fabric-based barber capes are the way to go.
What material are barber capes made of?
Most barber capes are made of polyester or nylon, but plastic and polyurethane capes are available in the market. The comfort level and durability are top things to consider about most barber capes. You should think about the durability and the resistivity they have.
Nylon and polyester capes can trap heat inside and make it uncomfortable for the client if not made right. That’s why when barbers choose capes for their salon, they usually keep these things in mind and then choose. But as the technology has progressed and so has, various types of capes are available in the market.
There are some with neck-straps, string ties, clips, or Velcro, and one can choose according to their likings. So, there isn’t any specific material that can make capes, but nylon, polyester, plastic, and polyurethane are the most known ones.
How do you clean a Barber’s cape?
For washing a barber’s cape properly without doing any damage to it, the first thing to do is check its tag. The manufacturer tag is there to tell you all that you need to know about the cape. So, pay close attention to it and see the washing instructions. Salon capes are very easy to clean and dry if you do it properly.
Barber capes mostly have no plastic or vinyl, unless it is a plastic cape, which makes it easy to take care of. You can easily just wipe away the dirt and make it clean that way. But if you want to clean it in a washer, that’s fine too. The things of a cape are also properly sown in place so it doesn’t tangle when thrown into a washer.
Here are some things to keep in mind while cleaning a barber’s cape:
- Machine wash at cold (any temperature will do unless it’s too hot)
- Dry in the machine at low/medium setting
- Make sure to not wash with towels to maximize durability and drying
- Iron at low heat if needed
- Don’t scrub or twist the cape
- Use non-chlorine bleach only to wash
- Dry it in a shaded area
What material are salon capes made of?
There are so many materials capes are usually made of and they are priced accordingly as well. But the most durable and chemical-proof salon capes are usually made of polyurethane. Also, the material that is used for making the cape also depends on what type of goals they are targeting to meet.
The type of material that is used to make the salon cape also depends on what kind of salon it is. If you are a barber, nail technician, or stylist, the type of material that you could choose should be entirely based on the level of chemical protection, stain, or moisture you want.
Resistant fabrics are used to decrease the effect of any chemicals or water. If you want your cape to be waterproof or chemical-proof, then repellent fabric capes are the way to go. So based on the goals that one wants to satisfy, salon capes are made of different materials.
Can you dry salon capes?
The best way to dry your salon cape will be to drip dry it in a shaded place. Make sure that the place you are drying the cape is ventilated and has enough sunlight. This way, your cape will dry faster without any problem or risks of wear and tear. Avoid drying them in unventilated or dark places as it will take longer for them to dry.
Most people prefer air-drying the cape overusing a dryer because dryers can put immense stress on the fabric. Usually, dryers use extreme heat, and capes don’t need that much heat as they dry easily. But if you still want to dry it in a dryer, make sure to use it at a low or medium setting for a very short amount of time.
How do you sanitize salon capes?
During this pandemic era, sanitizing has been quite an important step everywhere. So, it is crucial to sanitize salon capes after it has been used so that everything remains hygienic. Make sure that you clean everything properly before disinfecting them.
The nylon or polyester aprons or capes need to be cleaned properly in a washing machine. Don’t forget to see their washing instructions, or else you might ruin the cape. After you are done cleaning, dry the cape using the dryer or any preferred method.
Washing the apron should do the job, but if you want to be extra cautious, go ahead and disinfect with a disinfector. But before you disinfect it, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Use disinfectants that are registered with EPA and are bactericidal and virucidal
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions fully before using the disinfectant
- Wear gloves in order to prevent direct skin contact
- Make sure the disinfectant won’t ruin the cape or whatever tool it is
What is a nylon cape used for?
A nylon cape is one of the most popular types of capes that are used. The reason is that nylon is very durable while also being waterproof and stain-proof. Also, as we all know, nylon is very easy to clean and then reuse afterward, which is why most barbers like it.
Due to the convenience that nylon comes with, nylon capes are easily used for washing, cutting, as well as styling hair. So, capes made of nylon are perfect for use at professional salons. But one thing to keep in mind is that not all capes made of nylon can withstand hair coloring. So, before you buy this type of cape, always read the labels.
What is a chemical cape?
Poly chemical capes are the type of capes that repel any type of chemicals like hair color, bleach, and more. So, chemical capes are often used at salons in hair coloring as these capes are chemical resistant. They can easily protect the client’s skin and clothes from stains while hair coloring, treatments, highlights, and more.
What is the use of a shampoo cape?
Shampoo capes are used to protect the clothing during washing, coloring, or styling one’s hair which is held in place by detachable straps. They are water-resistant, making them perfect for any task related to water. The vinyl material that they are made of ensures that no water enters the persons’ neck or body while shampooing.
Barber’s capes are as important to a barber as their tools because their job would be very difficult without them. But there isn’t any particular name you can settle on about barbers cape, so feel free to call it whatever you prefer. Through this article, hopefully, you could know all the details about the barber’s cape, including their materials, uses, washing procedure, and sanitizing methods.
Lastly, check out the mane caper shop.