Hi Theone,
The feeling of 'wearing a cap' and the tape issue could be one and the same. The salon could have given you a 'tight bond' and hence the feeling of wearing a cap. Salons tend to do this--it will loosen up in time. And if you can feel the tape it's probably a thicker tape than normal. There should be very little if any detection to the touch with a tape like Super Tape or Walker No Shine Tape. You can shower and shampoo the system at the same time. But shampoo only when necessary--it will extend the life of the unit. You can shampoo your own hair on the back and sides as much as you want.
Regards,
John