You have probably seen a wig before and didn't even realize it. The art of wig making has been around for many centuries, and requires skill and practice to master. If you have ever purchased a wig, you may be wondering about the benefits of making your own wig. Often, store-bought wigs don't look right or don't fit correctly. Making your own custom wig gives you the ability to not only fit the head you are making the wig for, but it also lets you be as creative as you want when it comes to style and color.
There are many type of wigs, but the wig we are all most familiar with is a basic store-bought wig. These wigs can be made of human or synthetic hair. Since they are relatively inexpensive, basic wigs normally are made by machine and don't carry high quality hair. Wigs can take be seen in a basic wig form, a toupee (a small wig used to cover only a portion of the head), hair piece, or lace wig.
One of the most detailed and beautiful wigs that you can purchase or make is called a ''lace wig.'' A lace wig (or lace frontal) is a wig made out of fine lace onto which each strand of hair is individually placed by a process called ''ventilation.'' This results in the most undetectable wig, giving the appearance that the hair on the wig is actually growing out of the client's head.
Wig making is a process that not only requires time, but unique tools as well. You will need a mannequin head to use as a stand to complete your wig. These heads can be made of a number of materials and can vary greatly in price. Along with this, you'll need a base to attach the hair to. This base can be made of a netted or stocking cap, wig cap, or lace. A wig cap is of higher quality than a netted or stocking cap, and of course the material with the highest quality is lace.
You will also need good quality hair to create your wig. Human hair is preferred because of its natural appearance, but high quality synthetic hair will yield close to the same results. Also, synthetic hair is not affected by heat or humidity, so it is known to hold its style better than natural, human hair.
Each wig is different, so you'll probably need additional tools to complete different parts of the wig. You can buy most of your supplies at your local beauty supply store. If they don't carry what you're looking for, there are numerous facilities online that always have wig making supplies in stock.
If you're considering making a wig to wear for yourself, or for someone else to wear, keep these facts in mind:
1. Although human hair is the more natural choice, wigs made of synthetic hair are known to hold their style better in adverse conditions, such as heat and rain.
2. Use only products made especially for wigs on your new wig. Using normal shampoos, conditioners, and styling products will weaken the quality of your wig.
3. Wearing a wig can leave the top of your head feeling hot and sweaty. To avoid this, apply a little bit of cornstarch-based baby powder.
4. If you have lots of hair that you can't seem to fit under a wig, try putting on a wig cap before putting on the wig. A wig cap basically works like a swimming cap - it holds all the hair tightly underneath.
5. Sometimes, wigs will be too large in some places, causing the wig not to fit tightly. If this happens to you, try using a small piece of wig tape on those areas. - 15359
There are many type of wigs, but the wig we are all most familiar with is a basic store-bought wig. These wigs can be made of human or synthetic hair. Since they are relatively inexpensive, basic wigs normally are made by machine and don't carry high quality hair. Wigs can take be seen in a basic wig form, a toupee (a small wig used to cover only a portion of the head), hair piece, or lace wig.
One of the most detailed and beautiful wigs that you can purchase or make is called a ''lace wig.'' A lace wig (or lace frontal) is a wig made out of fine lace onto which each strand of hair is individually placed by a process called ''ventilation.'' This results in the most undetectable wig, giving the appearance that the hair on the wig is actually growing out of the client's head.
Wig making is a process that not only requires time, but unique tools as well. You will need a mannequin head to use as a stand to complete your wig. These heads can be made of a number of materials and can vary greatly in price. Along with this, you'll need a base to attach the hair to. This base can be made of a netted or stocking cap, wig cap, or lace. A wig cap is of higher quality than a netted or stocking cap, and of course the material with the highest quality is lace.
You will also need good quality hair to create your wig. Human hair is preferred because of its natural appearance, but high quality synthetic hair will yield close to the same results. Also, synthetic hair is not affected by heat or humidity, so it is known to hold its style better than natural, human hair.
Each wig is different, so you'll probably need additional tools to complete different parts of the wig. You can buy most of your supplies at your local beauty supply store. If they don't carry what you're looking for, there are numerous facilities online that always have wig making supplies in stock.
If you're considering making a wig to wear for yourself, or for someone else to wear, keep these facts in mind:
1. Although human hair is the more natural choice, wigs made of synthetic hair are known to hold their style better in adverse conditions, such as heat and rain.
2. Use only products made especially for wigs on your new wig. Using normal shampoos, conditioners, and styling products will weaken the quality of your wig.
3. Wearing a wig can leave the top of your head feeling hot and sweaty. To avoid this, apply a little bit of cornstarch-based baby powder.
4. If you have lots of hair that you can't seem to fit under a wig, try putting on a wig cap before putting on the wig. A wig cap basically works like a swimming cap - it holds all the hair tightly underneath.
5. Sometimes, wigs will be too large in some places, causing the wig not to fit tightly. If this happens to you, try using a small piece of wig tape on those areas. - 15359
About the Author:
Owner & founder of Braids By Breslin, Marquetta Breslin has been braiding and weaving hair for over 14 years. For instructional DVD's on wig making, visit Marquetta at www.braidsbybreslin.com.