Applying wigs, synthetic and lace

Applying Synthetic Wigs

In this lesson we looked at applying synthetic and lace wigs. We learnt a new technique of wrapping hair using pin curls and not plaits. This was more time consuming but it made the hair flatter to the head which made the wigs sit better on the head. 

How to wrap hair for wig application

1. Firstly observe how the easiest, fastest and the best way you can make the hair the flattest as possible.
2.  Begin parting the hair in the a middle part and pin curl at the front making sure the pin curls are flat and as far away from the hairline as possible.
3. Repeat the last step with the hair next to the ear.
4. I found with thicker hair it was easier and better to create a big, flat pin curl on the crown of the head and then take a section of hair from each side and wrap it around the pin curl to make it as flat as possible.
5. For thinner hair you could get away with pin curls all over.
6. To finish it you need to create two pin curls at the bottom of the head to act as anchor points.
7. Once the hair is laying flat take a wig cap and asking your model you need to apply this to the head, making sure it sits just above the hairline at the front of the face. Then make sure any loose hairs are tucked in under the cap around the ears of the base of the head, a pin tail comb helps you do this.
8. Secure the  wig cap in with pins so it is extra secure using the pin curls to do this.

How to apply a synthetic wig

1. Once the cap is on and in place, secured with pins next is to apply the wig.
2. Using the same method as the  wig cap, asking your model to use their fingers to pull the wig into place at the front of the head.
3. Once the wig is in the correct place (it make take some tugging and a few goes to get it on perfectly) you need to take pins and pin the wig into place depending on the style and where the hair line finished you may need to pin in certain areas but the most generic areas would be two near the ears, two pins near the base of the head and then a pin at the top of the head. Use the pin curls to attach the pins too. 

For the synthetic wig I used a purple fashion coloured long bob styled wig. 

(We then put it on me to see what it would look like!)

How to apply a lace wig

When it comes to applying a lace wig there is a slight difference to acrylic wigs. The start of application is the same with wrapping the hair and then placing on a wig cap and even placing on the wig with pinning it into place. The difference between the two is one looks more realistic then the other and this is because acrylic wigs are normally machine made and lace wigs are handmade for more precision Once the lace wig is fitted and secured with pins its time to glue the front down. 

1. Firstly you need spirit gum, you brush glue onto the head  and wait for this to go tacky. Once it has pull tightly to glue the lace on to the head. Make sure the lace next to the ears is also glued.
2. Then push this down with cotton wool in tights. 
3. To remove you need to use spirit gum remover as just pulling the wig off will rip the fragile lace at the front. You need to use cotton wool with spirit gum remover and rub this over the area to loosen the glue. You will then need to clean the lace and the models skin with spirit gum removed too. 

(Finished styled wig)

(us in our lace wigs)