Lace Wig Creation: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
January 21, 2022Despite how much we all love wearing our lace wigs, how many of us are aware of how they are made? Many people would be surprised to learn that lace wigs have a long and interesting history. Find out how lace front wigs are made by reading these fun facts.
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What’s Behind The Wig?
When Louis XVI of France began losing his hair, he first knotted his hair to ventilate it. This caused him to become a popular wearer of wigs due to embarrassment. Affluent people were known for wearing wigs and still refer to themselves as “big wigs”.
A number of generations of wig makers have perfected the art. Initially, it was done with goat skin and a needle filled with embroidery thread. Theater companies have long used lace-wig making to produce realistic wigs and facial hair for actors and actresses. The majority of lace wigs have somewhere between 40,000 and 60,000 knots, and are completed in as little as 40 hours.
Preparing the Lacing
If a wig master wants to make a custom lace-wig, he or she makes a cast of cellophane wrap and filament tape that fits the average woman’s head size. To prevent light reflecting into the mannequin’s eyes while he works, plain blue paper is first placed on wig blocks. Using cotton and polyester lace as a lace base, the paper is then placed on top.
Selecting the Hairstyle
Lace-wigs can be made from a variety of hair types. Based on the thickness and texture of the hair, different textures can closely mimic the client’s hair.
When lace wigs are highlighted or have two-toned colors, a hackle is used. An analogy might be comparing it to a giant comb. There is a table fixed to the hackle. It is recommended to place the highlighted hair in the middle of the hair bunch after laying down the main hair color. As the hair is continuously flipped through, the wig master vibrates the hackle vigorously, mixing in all the hair and pulling out any weaker hairs.
Putting the hair on a holding card is the final step before beginning the ventilation process. A leather card with metal pins is used for this purpose. Two plates become interlocked when placed side by side. The hair on the holding card is placed onto the opening and secured with the holding card. As the wig master works, the wig master pulls individual hairs or small sections of hair from this area.
Putting the Wig in Place and the Final Steps
A lace wig has become popular because of the way lace material blends seamlessly into the scalp and the amount of work it takes for a wig master to produce one. Ventilation is then applied to the prepared hair. To begin lacing hair at the nape of the neck, wig masters use a very small needle similar to a fishing hook. To ensure that the hair flows naturally, it is combed halfway through.
While lace wigs can be made by machines, handiwork is needed for an undetectable hairline. When the wig is finished, hair stylists can also style it. Upon request, custom lace wigs can be customized with additional elements, such as baby hairs or widow’s peaks.
The knowledge of how lace wigs are constructed makes a difference in appreciation for lace wigs. A wig is not cheap, but this helps you understand why. The master craftsmanship may appear expensive initially, but it pays off in the long run since the wig can be worn for many years with proper maintenance.