How to Make a wig

Handmade wigs last for a long time with proper care. Wash your wig once a month and hang it up to dry. Do not brush it while it's wet or damp. When your wig dries, lightly shake it to fluff it up and if desired set it with rollers while it is still damp. Makeup artists love wigs because hair does so much to a person's looks.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Measure your customer's head for proper sizing of their custom made wig or toupee. Transfer the measurements to your wig block. Using the measurements, nail the ribbons provided to the wig block.

2. Place, shape and fit a wet cotton lace over the wig block completing the wig foundation. Note that the lace is available in many colors and sizes. Sew the foundation by hand or use your machine. Try it on for size and fit. and make any adjustments if necessary.

3. Discuss the desired hairstyle, color, length, thickness and type of curls with your customer to get the best possible results. Use real hair only when making the wig. Sort any cut or removed hair into a hackle and pull it into lengths for storage. Clean the hair carefully before using. Place the hair between two drawing mats making it ready for use.

4. Determine the size of the ventilating needle by how much hair you want in a knot. This ventilating process starts at the neck. Fold the hair into the root end so it makes a loop. Take the needle through the lace and grab a few strands of hair pulling it back through the lace. Work both hands simultaneously keeping the hair tight using a single or double knot. Close the knot by keeping the hair stretched out between your fingers, pulling all of the hair through the loop until the knot is complete.

5. Start by tying your wig with the back ribbon, working your way around the sides and doing double knots here. For the lace portion of the wig, use only single knots. To complete the ventilating, use all six directions of the lace to create a more natural looking hairpiece. To keep the wig from looking too thick, be sure the root end is very short.

6. Finish up by making the part. Turn the wig inside out and put hair on the inside of the edge ribbons to hide them. Sew the steel springs inside the wig around the temples, neck and forehead, so it will fit properly.

7. Shape the hair with water and allow time to dry before doing a quick cut. Fit the wig properly to your customer's specifications and when they are happy, do the final cut.

[bgillard]

on 12/8/2008 It sounds like you have a kit or something to work with. Where did you get the kit from and is it expensive?