SafeMailServices.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

The Ancient Art of Wig Making

By Marquetta Breslin

The art of wig making has been around for centuries, and the ideas behind making wigs have greatly changed since then. The wigs of today are much different from the wigs we've all seen in history books. If you've ever purchased a wig from a store, you can begin to understand why it's more desirable to make a custom wig for you or someone you know. Making your own wig can let you choose exactly the correct size, exactly the correct shape, and exactly the correct hair.

There are several different kinds of wigs. The most commonly-bought wig from a store is a basic wig made from human or synthetic hair. Basic wigs aren't normally made by hand, and normally don't have the highest quality of hair. Wigs can also take the form of a toupee (a small wig that covers only the top portion of the head), a hair piece, or a lace wig.

A lace wig is one of the most expensive and beautiful types of wigs that you can make or buy. They are made from a fine lace base and the hair is attached strand by strand onto the lace. The process of attaching the hair to the lace is called ''ventilation.'' When completed properly, a lace wig is virtually undetectable, and the hair looks like it's growing out from your scalp.

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.

The next thing you will need is the hair to make the wig out of. Try not to use hair designed for braiding and weaving and make sure you get either human hair or synthetic hair. Human hair has a more natural look and will work better for the wig making process.

Depending on the type of wig you are making, you may need additional tools or adhesives to complete the style. These tools can be purchased online, through many different distributors, or at your local beauty supply store.

If you're considering making a wig to wear for yourself, or for someone else to wear, keep these facts in mind:

1. If your wig is made of synthetic hair, it will hold its style better in heat and humidity than human hair will. Although, human hair looks more natural.

2. Make sure you always wash and care for your wig with special wig shampoo. Regular shampoos are too harsh on the wig and can cause the hair to lose its luster quickly.

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. Suffering from hair poking out from under your wig? Tuck all your hair in a wig cap before applying the wig.

5. If your wig seems to be a bit too big, or doesn't fit snugly in certain places, try using wig tape to hold the wig in place. Remember, small pieces of adhesive go a long way.

About the Author:

No comments: