The nemes is a headdress that formed part of the royal regalia since the 3rd Dynasty, originally combined with a wig, but gradually replacing or completely covering the latter.
The headcloth consisted of a long, rectangular piece of cloth that was first laid smoothly over the head and then folded. It left the ears free and fell onto the chest in two folded lappets. The hanging part at the back was twisted into a roll at the neck.
Crowns could be worn in combination with the nemes. The royal cap appears to have been a simpler version of the nemes. It was always smooth and was worn from the 1st Intermediate Period on. Besides the king, this cap was also worn by the queen and by Isis and Nephthys in their roles as mourners.