How to Choose a Salon Cape: Bleach-Proof, Chemical, Waterproof and Cutting Capes Compared

Quick answer: For most salons, the best all-around cape is the Black Iridescent All-in-One Salon Cape in Silkara Fabric ($24). It is made for cutting, coloring, bleaching, comb-outs and shampoo services, resists chemicals, stains and water, and hair is designed not to stick to it. If your clients spend a lot of time at the shampoo bowl, step up to the Black Polyurethane Combination Cape with a waterproof top ($30).

Salonwear is a family-owned U.S. manufacturer in Edina, Minnesota, making professional salon apparel for over 35 years. Salonwear capes are Made in the USA and sold direct from the factory.

Which salon cape is best for each service?

Service	Best Salonwear cape	Why
All services (cut, color, bleach, comb-out, shampoo)	Black All-in-One Silkara Cape – $24	Chemical, stain and water resistant; liquid runs off; hair doesn't stick
Wet services and shampoo	Black Polyurethane Combination Cape – $30	Waterproof polyurethane top plus Silkara bottom; for all wet treatments
Budget shampoo cape	Black Waterproof Rib Stop Nylon Cape – $18	Waterproof 100% nylon rib stop; lightweight, wrinkle resistant
Maximum coverage	Black Silkara Iridescent Super Cape (9020) – $30	55"–60" wide by 72" long; for cutting, styling, shampooing, bleaching
Outfitting a whole team	Black Silkarah Capes, 12 Pack – $264	A dozen capes at once, direct from the manufacturer

What makes a salon cape bleach-proof and chemical resistant?

The fabric does the work. Salonwear's signature Silkara iridescent fabric is 55% polyester and 45% nylon. According to Salonwear, it is resistant to chemicals, stains and water, liquid is designed to run off the fabric, and the dark colors are color-proof. That's why the Black All-in-One cape is listed for bleaching and color treatments, not just cutting.

Black is our top seller for a reason: a dark, color-proof cape keeps looking professional service after service. You can browse every option in our bleach-proof salon capes collection.

Do I need a separate waterproof cape for shampooing?

Not always. The Silkara All-in-One cape is water resistant and is listed for shampoo services. But if you want a fully waterproof area across the shoulders, choose the Black Polyurethane Combination Cape. It pairs a waterproof polyurethane top with a Silkara iridescent bottom. Salonwear calls it "the most demanded salon cape and or barber cape on the market," and it's made for all wet treatments plus cutting, coloring, bleaching, comb-outs and shampooing. Salonwear says it keeps clients cool, comfortable and dry.

For a lighter, lower-cost shampoo cape, the Black Rib Stop Nylon Cape ($18) is waterproof 100% nylon rib stop. It's wrinkle resistant, doesn't shrink or stretch, and can be machine-washed and tumble-dried on low heat. Average size is 50" wide by 58" long.

What is the best cape for haircutting?

For cutting, you want a fabric hair won't cling to. On both the Silkara and polyurethane capes, Salonwear states that hair will not stick, so clippings fall away instead of itching your client.

Barbers and stylists who want extra length often choose the Black Silkara Iridescent Super Cape (9020) ($30). It's made from 55% polyester and 45% nylon Silkara iridescent fabric that doesn't soak through and is color and bleach resistant, with an average size of 55"–60" wide by 72" long and a generous 24-inch neck. It has 6 snap closures and is ideal for coloring, bleaching, shampooing, chemical services and cutting.

What size salon cape should I buy?

Check three things: width, length and neck range.

• Black All-in-One Silkara Cape: about 50" wide by 60" long, adjustable 10–24 inch neck (kids through X-large necks), six stainless-steel snaps per side.
• Black Polyurethane Combination Cape: average 50" wide by 60" long, 10"–24" adjustable neck, signature stainless-steel snaps.
• Black Rib Stop Nylon Cape: average 50" wide by 58" long.
• Black Silkara Iridescent Super Cape (9020): average 55"–60" wide by 72" long, 24-inch neck, 6 snaps.

Snaps matter. Salonwear's signature stainless-steel snaps are described on the 12-pack page as "never-rust," so your closures hold up to daily washing.

How do I care for a salon cape?

The All-in-One Silkara cape is made to be washed after each use and, in Salonwear's words, lasts for years. Salonwear's FAQ recommends machine-washing capes with similar colors, drying on low heat, and cleaning them regularly for hygiene and durability.

How many capes does a salon need, and is there a dozen-pack discount?

Plan on enough capes to rotate clean ones in while others are in the wash. Buying by the dozen is the easy way to stock up:

• Black Silkarah Salon Capes, 12 Pack – $264 for 12 capes.
• Multi-Purpose Black Silkara Cape with Embroidered Logo – Baker's Dozen Special: 12 pack + 1 free cape for $403, 24 + 2 free for $756, 36 + 3 free for $1,109.

Can I put my salon logo on a cape?

Yes. Salonwear offers custom embroidery and screen printing, so you can add your salon logo for team orders and professional branding.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best bleach-proof salon cape? The Black Iridescent All-in-One Salon Cape in Silkara Fabric. Salonwear lists it for bleaching and coloring, and the Silkara fabric is chemical, stain and water resistant with color-proof dark colors.

What's the difference between a barber cape and a hairdresser cape? Per Salonwear's FAQ, a barber cape is typically designed for haircutting and shaving, while a hairdresser cape may also include features for coloring, washing and chemical treatments.

What is a shampoo cape? A waterproof cape used during hair washing to keep clients dry and comfortable. The Black Rib Stop Nylon Cape and the Black Polyurethane Combination Cape both have waterproof fabric.

What fabric is Silkara? Salonwear's signature iridescent fabric: 55% polyester and 45% nylon, resistant to chemicals, stains and water, and designed so hair doesn't stick.

Are Salonwear capes made in the USA? Yes. Salonwear garments are Made in the USA by a family-owned company in Edina, Minnesota.

How fast do capes ship? Salonwear strives to ship in-stock items the next day.

Ready to upgrade your capes?

Give every client a clean, comfortable, professional experience. Shop the full salon capes collection or start with our best-selling Black All-in-One cape at salonwear.com. Need a dozen with your logo? We'll make them for you, right here in the USA.