Creating a wig for everyday use can be a very difficult and time-consuming task, so it is usually only left to professionals. If you are interested in trying to create one yourself, however, you can do it provided you have the right tools and patience to sell. That's how.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Measure the Head of the Data Subject
Step 1. Measure the circumference of the head at the height of the hair
Use a tailor's tape measure to measure along the hairline. This meter should start from the junction of the neck to the other end on the forehead.
- The tape measure should wrap each side of the head just above the ears.
- Don't pull the tape measure. It should be snug to the hair, but not taut.
Step 2. Measure the center of the top of your head
Place one end of the tape measure in the middle of your forehead, matching the end with the beginning of your natural hairline. Spread the tape measure over your head and down to the center of the nape where the hair ends.
As before, don't pull the tape measure. It should be snug to the hair, but not taut
Step 3. Measure from ear to ear
Bring the end of the tape measure to the highest point of connection between ear and head. Stretch the tape measure over your head and go down to the corresponding position of the opposite ear.
- The measuring tape should rest on both ears where the spectacle frame rests.
- Again, the measuring tape should be against the hair, but not taut.
Method 2 of 5: Prepare the Base for the Wig
Step 1. Transfer the measurements to a mannequin
Make a sketch of the circumference of your head based on the measurements you have taken. Use the measuring tape to measure the same distances around, above and between the ears.
Alternatively, you can find a cotton cap or other net that fits comfortably on your head and place the one on the mannequin. It won't be tailor-made, but it can be easier than trying to make it from pieces of cotton
Step 2. Attach cotton ribbons to the mannequin
Line up the ribbons around the perimeter of the wig, as drawn earlier. Gently use a hammer to attach the ribbons to the mannequin with small nails.
- If you decide to use a Styrofoam head instead of a mannequin, you can use tailoring pins instead of nails to secure the ribbons.
- Make sure the tapes are as tight as possible on the mannequin.
Step 3. Apply wet cotton laces
Quickly wet pieces of cotton lace with a spray bottle. Drape the pieces of lace on the mannequin and sew them onto the ribbon.
- Note that the pieces of lace must be at least as long as the measurement you took for the top of your head. They can, however, be a bit longer at this point. Use as few pieces as possible, preferring large pieces rather than many small pieces.
- Pin the laces before sewing them onto the ribbons.
- You can find cotton laces in various colors, but avoid those with decorations already sewn on.
- Wetting the laces in advance makes them easier to shape.
Step 4. Test the base
Remove the nails from the tape and the wig base from the mannequin. Try it to see if it fits you.
- If the base of the wig doesn't fit properly, try to figure out why. Put it back on the mannequin and make the necessary corrections to make it feel good.
- When all goes well, trim away any excess lace dangling from the ribbed edge of the wig base.
Method 3 of 5: Prepare the Hair
Step 1. Choose real or synthetic hair
Both options have pros and cons. In general, for a wig that will be worn every day, it is best to use real hair. For a wig worn only occasionally, you may be able to use synthetic hair.
- Natural hair looks more realistic, tends to last longer and can tolerate heat and other hair products more. On the other hand, wigs made of real hair must be fixed after each wash, the color can fade if exposed to light and are very easily damaged.
- Synthetic hair does not look realistic and can be damaged by heat and dyes. On the other hand, synthetic wigs tend to be lighter, and do not need adjustments after washing, and do not fade so quickly.
Step 2. Choose and pull your hair
Run strands of hair through a comb to loosen the knots, comb them and separate them. Pull and tie them into sections using hair ties.
- A comb consists of a sturdy base with 5 rows of pointed needles. It can straighten hair and mix various shades together.
- Bolt the comb before use.
Step 3. Place your hair in the middle of extraction mats
Spread one end of each section on a mat. Place the other mat on the hair so that the pointed sides of both mats match.
Extraction mats are leather rectangles with small threads or pins along one side. They are used to keep the hair straight and in order
Method 4 of 5: Create the Wig
Step 1. Choose the appropriate ventilation needle
The right size depends on how many strands you want in each knot. For more strands, choose a larger needle. For fewer strands, a smaller one.
- If you have lace with very small holes, you may need to use fewer strands for each hole, so you should choose a smaller needle.
- For laces with smaller holes, the number of strands will affect the fullness of the wig. More strands will create a fuller, fluffier wig, while fewer strands will lead to a flatter style.
Step 2. Loop the hair, then tie it to the lace
You will need single or double knot sections of hair starting with a few strands on the individual holes of the lace base using your ventilation needle.
- Bend the end of a thin section of hair to form a ring.
- Attach this ring to your ventilation needle and push it through one of the holes in the lace base.
- Handle the needle so as to grab the hair at the base of the ring with the hook, pulling it back through the lace hole. This should give you a new ring of hair around the edge of the hole.
- Knot the strands of hair once or twice at the cotton edge of the hole. Make sure the knot is tight and closed to keep your hair in place. You will need to pull the entire section through the knot as you tighten.
- Also note that you should use your free hand to keep the other side of the hair taut as you go through this process.
Step 3. Work from the neck up
You should always start knotting the lace wig from the bottom of the neck line. Proceed upwards along the nape of the neck before moving to the sides. After reaching the sides, go to the top of the head.
- The hair on the sides should be tied with double knots.
- The hair on the top of the wig should be tied with single knots. This is to prevent the hair from looking too thick.
Step 4. Vary the direction
Once you reach the top of the wig, you should mentally part the top in 6 separate directions and knot the locks evenly in each of those directions.
- Don't tie your locks in one direction only - you won't get a natural effect.
- You should have two sections extending straight on each side of the wig, and the other four should be split equally between these first two.
Step 5. Cover the tapes
Turn the wig inside out and sew the hair along the inside edge of the ribbons to prevent them from showing from the front.
Step 6. Sew on some steel springs
Use a needle and thread to sew small steel springs around the temples, neck and forehead of the wig. This will help the hair lift in a natural and pleasant way.
The springs should only be a couple of turns and shouldn't be visible from under the hair
Step 7. Decide on the hairstyle and style of the wig
With all the hair in place, style the wig as you would normal hair and cut the hair as you wish.
If you are concerned about how to cut your hair properly, you can ask a hairdresser for suggestions or ask if they can cut it for you
Step 8. Make the final proof
Try on the wig. It should now be complete, but if something doesn't fit you, you still have time to fix it.
Method 5 of 5: Additional Wig Tutorials
Step 1. Make a simple wig for a costume
You can build a quick, inexpensive costume wig using a balloon, hair net, strands of hair, and glue.
- Inflate the balloon and use it as a mannequin.
- Place the net on the balloon and glue it over the hair.
- Cut out unwanted portions when you're done.
Step 2. Make a simple "Jellicle Cat" wig
You can build a wig that looks like the "Jellicle Cat" from the musical "Cats" using layers of synthetic hair.
- Measure your head for correct shape and size.
- Create a design using your measurements and cut the synthetic fur based on this design.
- Make and attach two fake cat ears.
Step 3. Learn to make doll wigs
Doll wigs can be made of wool. You can make one using a sewing machine or not.
Step 4. Create a rag doll style wig
You can build a large "rag doll" style wig for a costume; use some wool, and sew or glue the wig to shape it.
Step 5. Make an easy wig from a mop
Another way to build a costume wig is with a clean mop. Color the mop as you wish and glue the cleaning parts of the mop to a hat.
