How to make a wig?

Wearing wigs can be a great way to protect your natural hair from daily manipulation, try out new styles, or cover up hair loss. While purchasing a pre-made wig is always an option, the question of “how to make a wig” leads to complete customization to your taste and body type. Whether you use synthetic hair or human hair extensions, designing your wig is a rewarding skill.

Step 1: Gather materials and tools

Wig Cap: Choose a wig cap that fits your head size well to ensure comfort and a natural look to your wig.
Hair Extensions/Wefts: Select either human hair for versatility and realistic appearance, or synthetic fibers for affordability and ease of maintenance.
Wig Head: Use a sturdy wig head, hairdressing mannequin head, to serve as a stable work surface.
T-Pins: Secure the wig cap to the wig head with T-pins to prevent slipping and ensure precise placement of the wefts.
Curved Sewing Needle and Thread: Opt for a curved needle and strong nylon thread to sew the wefts securely onto the wig cap.
Hair Glue and Hair Dryer: For the glue method, use hair glue to quickly attach the wefts and a hair dryer to secure the bond.
Scissors: Keep sharp scissors handy to cut wefts and trim the styled wig to your desired length.
Combs and Styling Tools: Use combs and other styling tools to detangle, style, and perfect the look of your wig after assembly.
Hot Glue Gun (Optional): A hot glue gun can be a quick alternative to traditional sewing, great for quick application of wefts and a sturdy hold.
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Step 2: Prepare the wig cap

Choosing the right wig cap is crucial for comfort, durability, and achieving a natural look with your wig. Options include lace front, full lace, and monofilament caps. Once chosen, securely attach the wig cap to your wig head using T-pins, making sure it is taut and aligned evenly. This is important because it forms the base of your wig, and a well-secured cap will make the next steps easier and more precise.

Step 3: Measure and cut the extensions

Start by measuring the wefts against the prepared wig cap, starting at the base of the neck and working your way up to the crown. Cut the wefts to the required length, leaving a small margin to allow for any potential adjustments. It is advisable to have more hair than you need, as you can always trim the excess later. Having enough hair avoids the inconvenience of a shortage, which could interrupt the wig-making process and affect the final appearance.

Step 4: Attach the hair extensions

Sew the wefts

Hand-sew the wefts into place on the wig cap, starting at the nape of the neck and working your way up to the crown. Use a curved sewing needle and strong thread to join the wefts in horizontal rows, making sure they follow the contour of the head for a natural fall. The stitches should be fine and tight for stability, but avoid gathering the cap, which can result in an inconsistent fit.

Glue the wefts

For a faster process, apply a thin, even layer of wig glue to the cap before pressing the weft into the glue line. Start at the nape of the neck and work your way up, laying each weft straight. Press firmly to bond the weft, then use a hair dryer on cool air to immediately set the glue. Limit the amount of glue used to avoid messy buildup and keep the wefts flat.
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Step 5: Add the closure or frontal

Carefully insert the closure or frontal into the front piece of the wig cap, aligning it perfectly with the natural hairline. It should lay flat and look like real scalp. Once in place, meticulously sew or glue the closure or frontal in place, ensuring that it is firmly attached without any bumps or waves. This piece should blend seamlessly with the hair bands, leaving no visible gaps. This seamless integration gives the wig a convincingly natural appearance, allowing the wearer to style their hair back or part their hair without exposing the base.

Step 6: Create Natural Hairlines and Partings

Create natural hairlines

For a realistic looking wig, the hairline needs to be refined. If the density of the closure or frontal is too high, use tweezers to gently remove individual hairs, creating a gradual density transition that resembles a natural hairline. This should be done slowly and carefully, as natural hairlines are less dense near the edges. The idea is to avoid an overly straight, 'artificial' appearance by mimicking the natural imperfections and small hairs that characterize a natural hairline.

Define a line

Decide where you want your part to be on your wig—center, side, or any other parting. Once you’ve decided, use a tail comb to part your hair in a straight line, mimicking the appearance of a scalp. Some wigs have pre-set parts, but for those that don’t, you may need to manipulate the parting area by moving the hair, applying a small amount of heat (if your hair is heat-safe), and possibly applying a concealer or foundation that matches your scalp color to enhance the authenticity of the part. This attention to detail in the parting area enhances the natural appearance of the wig.

Step 7: Styling and Customization

Cut and shape the wig: Carefully customize the wig to your desired style. Cut slowly with hairdressing scissors, and take into account your face shape and styling preferences, to achieve a personalized and flattering look.
Styling with Heat Tools: Style with curling irons or straighteners if you are using heat-resistant hair. Apply a heat protectant, use the lowest heat setting, and style with caution to maintain hair quality while achieving diverse looks like curls, waves, or straight hair.
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Step 8: Finishing touches

Inspect the finished wig for any loose ends or strands, and trim as needed for a clean finish. Check that each strip of hair is securely attached, leaving no gaps. Test the fit of the wig; if it feels loose, add clips or an elastic band to secure it in place and ensure a comfortable, worry-free wear.

Conclusion