Textile Boxes

The oldest method of attaching hair to wigs is to weave the root ends of the hair onto a warp of three silk threads to form a fringe, called a "weft". The wefts are then sown onto a net foundation. Modernized techniques have allowed this process to be fully automated by means of specially adapted sewing machines.
The oldest method of attaching hair to wigs is to weave the root ends of the hair onto a warp of three silk threads to form a fringe, called a "weft". The wefts are then sown onto a net foundation. Modernized techniques have allowed this process to be fully automated by means of specially adapted sewing machines.

During the 19th century the hair was knotted directly to the foundation material by means of a "ventilating needle", similar to those used for chain-stitch embroidery, which allowed for a lighter more natural looking wig. Custom wigs and wigs used for movies or theatrical productions are usually done this way. A combination of the two methods uses weft for the main part of the wig and ventilating hair at the edges and partings for a great finish.

Custom wigs are made by first measuring the subjects head and the natural hair is layered against the head for various measurements. The natural hairline can be traced very accurately by using adhesive tape and plastic wrap. These measurements are then transferred to a "block", which is a wooden or cork stuffed shape that is the same size as the clients head.

Sometimes flesh coloured silk or synthetic materials are used where it will show through the hair. Theatrical wigs have a fine flesh coloured net at the front, which makes it look like as if the hair is coming from the skin directly underneath.

Natural hair, whether human or animal is very carefully sorted to ensure that the direction of growth is maintained, root to root and point to point, if these rules are not followed, the hair can get tangled and matted. The highest quality hair would never have been bleached or colored. For less expensive wigs, the hair is processed to remove chemicals and then bleached and dyed to achieve the correct color. Synthetic fibres are simply manufactured in the required colors and do not have to meet the stringent criteria of natural hair.

The wig is then styled and fitted to the subjects head and secured by means of pins and skin safe adhesives.