How to Repurpose Hairpieces
Hairpieces can be an important accessory for many women, especially those dealing with thinning hair or bald spots. However, there inevitably comes a time when women tire of their style. Instead of purchasing new ones or throwing old ones away, another feasible option is to recycle old hairpieces to be used in a different way. Here are some ideas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hairpieces (human or synthetic)
- Comb and brush
- Curling iron or other styling equipment
- Finger wave clips
- Rubber bands, scrunchies or ribbons
- Scissors
- Wig clips
- Needle and thread
- Elastic
- Headband or scarf
- Banana clip
- Hair color
- Flexible foam cylinder
- Bobby pins
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Restyle a human hairpiece to look different. Turn a straight hairpiece into a mass of curly ringlets using very small rollers. Finger wave a short wig with wave clips for a fun retro look. Create bangs where none previously existed.
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2
Braid a clip-on ponytail. Secure the end with a rubber band, scrunchy or ribbon. When ready, clip the recycled hairpiece into place, hiding the bulk of your natural hair underneath the clip. Use the crown portion of your hair to hide any evidence of the clip.
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3
Take a hairpiece apart to make your own extensions. Keep the elastic bands intact so that the hair remains securely attached. Using needle and thread, sew two or three wig clips onto each extension created and then trim each piece to the desired length. When ready, attach the extensions to the areas of the head where volume is wanted. Cover them with your own natural hair, blending both into place with a wide-tooth comb.
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4
Cut a full wig apart to make a fall. Keep all but the top portion of the lace cap and elastic bands intact so as not to loosen its integrity. Gather the crown gently using a needle and thread in a wide basting stitch. Secure the new piece in place with a piece of elastic at the top. Sew wig clips onto the newly created top. When ready, attach the fall to the crown of the head, covering the brim with your own hair, a headband or scarf.
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5
Sew a hairpiece onto a banana clip to make your own ponytail. Once the banana clip is put into place, you can blend your natural hair in to make the piece look authentic.
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6
Cut the hairpiece to a shorter length. Get creative and create your own unique style.
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7
Experiment with different hair colors on a human hairpiece. This allows you to try shades different than your own hair without being "married" to any particular look.
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8
Gather a long curly or wavy ponytail clip about halfway up. Secure it with a rubber band the same color as the hair. Next, catch the center of the rubber band with needle and thread, sewing it securely to the top portion of the ponytail to create a simulated updo. When ready, clip the new piece into place and curl or wave your hair around it to blend it together.
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9
Cut a synthetic or human hair hairpiece apart to make a crown piece, bangs or both. Keep the elastic bands and lace netting in place as much as possible to protect the integrity of the hairpiece. Sew wig clips onto the piece. When ready, secure the new piece into place, blending it in as much as possible with your own hair.
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10
Sew the bottom section of a wig onto a flexible foam cylinder between ¾ inch and 1 inch in diameter. Pull the hair up and around the cylinder, securing it in back with glue. Let dry and then sew or glue wig clips to the back of the created piece. Use the cylinder to create a 1940's "V" back for a lovely French knot or a figure eight. Pull your own hair up and over top of the cylinder for a completely natural look. Secure your hair into place with bobby pins.
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Tips & Warnings
Use only hairpieces that are in good condition. It is possible to use styling products on human hair but not synthetic hair. Human and synthetic hair can be shampooed with any gentle cleanser. Cutting a synthetic hairpiece is tricky since it cannot be restyled like human hair, so take care to keep the style of the piece in mind when changing its length. A fall starts at the crown and falls down the back of the head, either matching the length of your own hair or making it appear longer. Flexible foam cylinders can be found at any beauty supply shop.
Discard severely damaged hairpieces and wigs rather than trying to recycle them. They won't create your desired look well. Do not use hot glue on hairpieces and wigs, as it will singe natural hair and melt synthetic products.
