Wig Construction
Wig construction falls into two general categories, cap wigs and capless
wigs. Cap wigs consist of an elasticized mesh-fiber base to which the hair
fiber is attached. Cap wigs are available in several sizes and are pro-
duced most often as handmade wigs.
In recent years, capless wigs have become the most prevalent and popu-
lar form of wigs. Capless wigs consist of rows of hair wefts sewn to strips
of elastic. Because of their construction, many capless wigs weigh only a
few ounces and are, therefore, very light, cool and comfortable.
Hair and/or synthetic fibers may be attached to the wig cap or base
in one of three methods. They may be hand tied, machine made, or
semi-hand tied. A hand-tied (hand-knotted) wig or hairpiece is
produced by actually hand tying strands of hair into a fine mesh-
work or foundation.
Patterns are used to simulate natural growth pat-
terns that closely resemble human hair growth and create a natural look.
The hair is attached at close intervals and generally duplicates the den-
sity of a fairly thick head of human hair. Since this process is labor inten-
sive and time consuming, these wigs tend to be the most expensive.
Wigs known as `machine made' consist of hair fiber sewn into long strips called wefts,
which
are then sewn to the cap of the wig in a circular or crisscross pattern. Machine-made wigs can be
very difficult to style since the direction of the hair is determined by the position in which the weft
is sewn to the cap.
Combinations of hand-tied and machine-made wigs and hairpieces are called semi-hand tied. The
best toupees (a wig or patch of false hair worn to replace a bald area) are semi-hand tied to create
sturdy, natural-looking, reasonably priced hair replacements.
When helping your client select a wig, the wig's construction is sig-
nificant in determining the best value in the client's price range.
Capless wigs or caps that allow the scalp to `breathe' prevent
excessive perspiration that may cause odors. These wigs need to
be cleaned less frequently. Another factor of importance is that
many wigs have flesh-colored sections designed to look like
human skin. These sections give a realistic look when the hair is
parted or moves. Most clients, of course, desire as natural a look
as possible.
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WIGS AND HAIR ADDITIONS
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