1. Wigs and Hair Additions
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2. History of Wigs
Egyptians wore heavy black wigs to protect them from the sun.
Romans wore wigs made from the hair of captured barbarians.
In Japan, the lacquered hair of the geishas were wigs.
In 18th century England, men wore wigs to indicate if they were in the army, navy, or the practice of law.

3. Client Consultation
Consultation offers some degree of protection to both client and stylist.
Understand your client’s motivation for seeking a wig.
Conduct your consultation with compassionate language.
Keep a positive attitude.
Be sensitive to your client’s concerns.

4. Consultation Checklist
1. Determine need and desire
2. Match the style with the client
3. Find the right balance
4. Work with the client’s hair type
5. Select the appropriate hair addition
6. Budgetary concerns
7. Other available creative options

5. Human Hair Wigs ADVANTAGES More realistic in appearance
Greater durability
Same styling and maintenance requirements as natural hair
DISADVANTAGES
They will react to climate changes.
Resetting is required after shampooing.
Color will fade with exposure to light.
Hair will break and split if mistreated.

6. Synthetic Wigs ADVANTAGES They are strong and durable.
They simulate protein-rich hair.
They are a great value.
Most synthetic wigs come ready-to-wear.
Unlimited range of colors is available.
Colors will not fade when exposed to light.
DISADVANTAGES
They cannot be exposed to extreme heat.
Coloring is not recommended.
Sometimes synthetic wigs do not look natural.

7. METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
Types of Wigs
BASIC CATEGORIES
Cap wigs
Capless wigs
METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION
Hand-tied or hand-knotted wigs
Semi-hand-tied wigs
Machine-made wigs

8. Taking Wig Measurements
Measure circumference of head.
Measure from hairline at middle of forehead over top to nape of neck.
Measure from ear to ear over top of head.
Place tape across crown and measure from temple to temple.
Measure width of napeline, across nape of neck.

9. Blocking the Wig
A block is a head-shaped form to which the wig is secured
for fitting, cleaning, coloring, and styling.
Always fit the wig to the right size block.
Pin first at the temple.
Pin above each ear.
Pin at each corner of the nape.

10. Putting on the Wig
Educate the client on the correct method for putting on the wig.
Hold front of wig against forehead; slide wig back onto head.
Hold edge in front of ears and pull down.
Tighten by adjusting elastic and hooks at the nape.
Use pins to lock wig into place.

11. Cutting the Wig Place the wig on the block for cutting.
Comb-out and finishing should be done on the client’s head.
Free-form cutting on dry hair is recommended for wigs.

12. Styling the Wig Use low heat when styling. Handle the hair gently.
Use soft bristle brushes.
Use products for color-treated hair.

13. Coloring Wigs and Extensions
Use hair that has been decolorized (bleached).
Cuticle should be intact.
Always strand test the hair.
Semipermanent, demipermanent, glaze, rinse, or color mousse may be used.
Permanent color may be used on human hair wigs.
You may color the client’s hair to match the hairpiece.

14. Perming the Wig Perm the wig while off the client’s head.
Perm the wig as you would a normal head of hair.

15. Integration Hairpieces
An integration hairpiece has an opening in the base through which the client’s own hair is pulled to blend with the hair of the hairpiece.

16. Toupees
A toupee is a small wig used to cover the top and crown of the head.

17. Fashion Hairpieces
Fashion hairpieces are a great product for special occasions.
They are very popular in the bridal business.

18. Hair extensions in place
Hair additions that are secured to the base of the client’s natural hair to add length, volume, texture, or color
A blend of real and artificial hair
An increasingly popular salon service
Hair extensions in place

19. Extensions are secured to the client’s hair by sewing
Track and Sew Method
Determine partings.
Determine size of sections.
Hide the ends of braids.
Position the tracks one inch behind the hairline.
Use only a blunt, custom-designed needle, straight or curved.
Extensions are secured to the client’s hair by sewing

20. Extensions are attached with an adhesive or glue gun.
Bonding Method
Fits snugly to head and is fast to apply
Lasts from two to four weeks
Can be shampooed
Is affordable
Extensions are attached with an adhesive or glue gun.

21. Fusion Method
Extensions are bonded to the client’s hair with a heat- activated bonding material.
Is expensive
Harmonizes with client’s hair
Light and comfortable bonds
Moves like real hair
Is easy to maintain
Lasts up to four months

22. SUMMARY Wigs have been in and out of fashion for over 6,000 years.
There will always be a need for wigs because they are used to camouflage hair loss.
Cosmetologists must master the techniques of fitting, cutting, styling, and coloring wigs with the interests and comfort of the client in mind.