You might have heard many clients frequently ask, “Do you create custom wigs and hairpieces for your business clients? Is there a demand for these specialized products?” The short answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Creating custom wigs and hairpieces is similar to crafting our standard stock items. However, a business client’s request for a custom piece involves a tailored approach. They provide precise measurements and specific requirements unique to the individual wearer.
In this post, we’re excited to dive deeper into how Newtimes Hair, one of the leading hair manufacturers, caters to unique requests and the meticulous process of bringing custom hairpieces to life. Stay tuned for an insider’s look into the craftsmanship that defines our bespoke wigs and hairpieces!
What Are Custom Wigs, Hairpieces, and Toupees?
Let’s clear up any confusion with a dash of excitement! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of wigs, hairpieces, and toupees. What sets them apart? Well, it’s all in the details!
Toupees or Hairpieces
Both hairpieces and toupees refer to the same thing nowadays. Whether it’s a full cap or just a segment, if it’s got hair and covers any part of the head, it’s a hairpiece. A little trivia: the term ‘toupee’ hails from the ancient French “toupet,” which means a “tuft of hair.” Traditionally, toupees are crafted to cover specific bald spots rather than the entire head.
Interestingly, ‘toupee’ and ‘hairpiece’ are often used interchangeably in modern vernacular.
Wigs
Now, let’s talk about wigs. While they serve a purpose similar to wigs and hairpieces, their origins and use are distinct. Wigs have been making style statements since ancient Egypt. They’re not just about vanity, though; they also offer a stylish solution for hair loss. Today, wigs are famous for enhancing appearance and covering bald areas.
Despite these differences, the craftsmanship behind wigs, toupees, and hairpieces shares much in common. Hair artisans and manufacturers use meticulous techniques to create custom pieces that blend seamlessly with natural hair, ensuring each is as unique as the person wearing it.
So, whether it’s a wig, a toupee, or a hairpiece, each is a masterpiece of personal expression and style!
How Do You Make Custom Wigs and Hairpieces?
Where should we begin with the creation of custom hairpieces and wigs? It’s essential to understand the necessary steps to ensure accuracy. Typically, individuals seeking bespoke wigs or toupees rely on a hair salon or a specialist for assistance. Here’s how the process generally unfolds:
- The individual visits a salon and communicates their needs.
- The salon staff takes precise measurements of the individual’s head and creates a plastic mold that conforms to the head’s shape.
- The salon completes an order form detailing the specifications.
- This form and the head mold are sent to a manufacturer.
- The manufacturer crafts the custom wig or hairpiece using the provided measurements and mold.
- Once completed, the manufacturer returns the bespoke hairpiece or wig to the individual.
How Do We Measure the Head for Custom Wigs or Hairpieces?
Measurements of the head must be taken at the salon when an individual wearer visits to make a custom wig or hairpiece. These measurements are to be put down into an order form sent together with the head template. Here are the steps it takes to measure a head.
Step 1: Measure Head Circumference
Start by marking the area the wig will cover using a pen or marker. Stretch your measuring tape around this outline firmly, record the measurement, and voila! You’ve captured the head’s circumference. It’s as simple as that, and you’ll soon realize just how straightforward taking these measurements can be.
Step 2: Measure Front to Back
Identify the midpoint of the front hairline, mark it, and then stretch your tape to the back, tracing the skull’s arch until you reach the neck bend—note this measurement down.
Finding the Neck Bend: The neck bend isn’t just the bottom of the nape; it’s slightly different. Have your client tilt her head back and place three fingers at the nape (if you have thin fingers, you can do 4). As she does, a fold forms—the neck bends. End your measurement just above this fold.
Step 3: Measure Ear to Ear over the Forehead
Starting just above an ear, extend your tape across the front hairline to the opposite ear. Now, you have the ear-to-ear measurement over the forehead. Is that easy?
Step 4: Measure Ear to Ear over the Top
Again, start just above one ear and wrap your tape over the top of the head to the other ear, capturing another critical ear-to-ear measurement.
Step 5: Measure Temple to Temple over the Back of the Head
Feel for a slight rise in the skull at the back of the head. From the temple area, where the front hairline meets, wrap your tape across this elevated section to the opposite temple. It gives you the temple-to-temple measurement.
Step 6: Measure Neck Width
Lastly, measure the width from one mastoid bone across the back of the neck to the other. This measurement ensures the wig fits snugly around the neck area.
How Do We Make a Head Template Before Making Custom Wigs and Hairpieces?
Making a head template for custom wigs and hairpieces is independent of head measurements. Usually, it is also done at the salon.
- Begin by cleaning the customer’s scalp to create a smooth surface. Tear a large plastic wrap firmly and evenly on the customer’s head, ensuring it’s airtight with no gaps or bumps.
- Trace around the bottom of the wrap with a marker pen, including tracing the customer’s original hairline at the front. Ensure the outline is smooth and encircles the entire head.
- Start attaching tape to the plastic wrap from the front, applying it evenly across the scalp. Overlap each piece of tape to cover any bald areas completely. Apply three to four layers of tape from the front to the back and from left to right, ensuring the template is strong.
- If a part is required on the top of the head, mark the pivot point for the original growth of a hair parting. Draw a line from this pivot point at the back of the crown to the front of the hairline.
- Cut along the drawn outline and remove any excess wrap. Place the template back on the customer’s head to ensure it fits properly.
How Do We Make Custom Hairpieces and Wigs Step by Step?
We’ve just familiarized ourselves with the steps to make his custom hairpiece. This part will clarify the aspects of creating a custom wig or hairpiece.
Base Specifications:
- Base Size and Front Shape: You can send a plastic template or sample piece for the custom hairpiece maker to replicate the base size and front shape. If unavailable, provide measurements and specify the desired front shape (options range from shapes A to CC).
- Base Design: Base materials include monofilament, lace, skin, and silk top, each with unique properties suitable for different density and durability needs.
Lace Base Options:
- French lace: Breathable and natural-looking, suitable for medium-heavy density.
- Swiss lace: Very fine but delicate, ideal for lighter densities and short-term use.
Mono Base Options:
- Standard mono: Durable and supports extra heavy hair density.
- Super fine mono: Suitable for medium-density hair.
- Fine welded mono: Durable and supports heavy density.
Skin Base Options:
- Clear PU, PU with gauze, and PU coat: These vary in thickness and are easy to clean, so they are ideal for daily or weekly removal.
Silk Top Base: Constructed with layers of silk mono, injected lace, and diamond net, this base mimics natural scalp appearance, allowing hair to appear as if growing directly from the scalp.
Specifying Hair Details
- Hair Color: Match the color using a sample or select from our color rings to ensure accuracy.
- Hair Type: Choose from human hair types like normal Indian hair, Indian Remy, Chinese virgin, or European hair, each offering different durability and appearance.
- Hair Direction: Options include various crown and part styles and freestyle, which allows for versatile styling.
- Hair Density and Waves: Select from our density and wave curl rings to meet customer preferences.
Conclusion
Overall, creating custom wigs and hairpieces for business clients is a detailed process that mirrors the craftsmanship of our standard stock but is tailored to individual specifications. By incorporating precise measurements and specific requirements, we ensure each piece is unique and perfectly fits the wearer, offering style and functionality.
Stay tuned for more insights into the meticulous process that brings these bespoke creations to life, highlighting our commitment to excellence and personal expression in every piece we craft.
