Hairpiece Production

1 Understand the design process in hairpiece production

Types of hairpiece

• Wigs
  
  • Full lace wigs
  • Lace front wigs
  • Monofilament wigs
  • Traditional cap wigs
  • Medical wigs
  • Cosplay wigs
• Hair extensions
  
  • Clip-in
  • Tape-in
  • Sew-in
    
    • (Weft)
• Hair toppers
• Toupees
• Hair systems

Information required from a client to design a satisfactory hairpiece

• Natural hair colour
  
  • Desired colour of hairpiece
• Natural hair type
  
  • Plan to match hairpiece
• Type of hairpiece required
• Desired length
• Desired thickness of hair
• Desired texture
• Desired style
  
  • Especially in the creation of dreadlock extensions
• Purpose of hairpiece
  
  • Everyday wear, special occasion, costume, medical reason
• Preferred method of attachment
  
  • Crochet, braiding, adhesive, clips, sew-in
• Maintenance expectations
• Longevity
• Budget
• Timeline
• Head size
• Scalp health
• Hair health
• Colour preferences
• Additional features
• Contact and agreement

The legal framework impacting personal designs: copyright, design rights, contracts, agreements (client agreements, non-disclosure), brand identity, misrepresentation, jurisdictional difference, legal actions (in cases of copyright breach), industry requirements. Digital tools or programs that can support in the design of a hairpiece 

(tools and programs listed here are examples, not an extensive list)

• Computer-aided design software (autocad, solidworks)
• Graphic design software (Adobe Illustrator, coreldraw)
• 3D modelling and rendering software (blender, maya)
• Fashion design software (CLO 3D)
• Pattern-making software (Gerber technology)
• Online design platform (Canva, Figma)
• Virtual prototyping tools (Marvelous designer)
• Sketching and drawing apps (Procreate)

The history of hairpieces:

• Ancient Egypt: wigs were used extensively, a symbol of beauty and social status, shaved heads due to heat, human hair, wool, and vegetable fibres, styled with beeswax and resin.
• Ancient Greece and Rome: wigs were popular among the elite, fashionable and used to cover baldness.

From this point on, the trends and history referred to are from a Western perception; please refer to local history and trends where possible and refer to the content discussed here when appropriate or when localised information is not available.

• Middle Ages: wigs were out of fashion in the early Middle Ages, a resurgence in Europe in the late Middle Ages, and were used by the nobility and elite.
• Renaissance: wigs fashionable, worn to show social status and wealth, made of human hair, horsehair or wool.
• 17th Century: the peak of wig popularity, men and women wore elaborate wigs, powdered with white or grey powder.
• 18th Century: continues popularity of wigs, more elaborate and stylised.
• 19th Century: decline in wig popularity in men.
• 20th Century: advancements in technology, synthetic materials, more accessible, worn for fashion and hair loss.

‍Modern uses of hairpieces: daily wear, special occasions, fashion and style, medical hair loss, cosplay, costume, hair enhancement and volume, low-maintenance styling, experimentation with style, protection from environment, cultural practice.

2 Be able to design a hairpiece

Communication techniques:

• Verbal: speaking manner and tone, professional, supportive, respectful, sensitive to client, open questioning related to treatment
• Non-verbal: eye contact, body language, listening skills, visual checks, manual, questioning techniques, professional, client care
• Written: visual aids, magazines, client records

Recording required information from the consultation: digital records, physical forms, online forms, recording information during consultation, recording information following consultation, data management, file management, and follow-up to collect missing or incomplete information. 

Taking required head measurements:

• Positioning of self and client.
• Measuring tapes.
• Measurements needed: circumference, front to nape, ear to ear across the forehead, temple to temple, nape of the neck; measurements needed will depend on the type of hairpiece.
• Double check measurements.
• Record measurements.

Methods to research current hairpiece styles and developments: websites, blogs, social media, online forums, online communities, industry events, speaking to colleagues, professional publications, and industry newsletters.

Designing a hairpiece using digital tools: choose software, collect reference materials, sketch or draft initial concepts, create detailed design, add colour, texture mapping, review, and edit.

Editing a design based on client feedback: listening to feedback, resilience to feedback, open discussion, and applying feedback.

Confirming design with the client: email communication, video calls, secure document sharing, listening, and contracts.

3 Understand the production of hairpieces

Legal requirements for hairpiece production

(if local policy and legislation exist, teach those; if not, refer to the United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) legislation as listed here)

• Product safety and standards
  
  • General Product Safety Regulations 2005
    
    • All products sold must be safe for use.
  • CE marking
    
    • CE mark indicates that the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Material safety
  
  • Chemical regulations (REACH)
    
    • Ensures that materials used in production, such as adhesives or synthetic fibres, are free from harmful chemicals or restricted substances.
  • Flammability testing
    
    • Hairpieces must undergo flammability testing to ensure they don’t pose a fire risk, especially if they will be in close proximity to heat-styling tools.
• Labelling and information requirements
  
  • Essential information for a label
    
    • Labels should provide essential information, such as the brand name, materials used (e.g., synthetic or human hair), care instructions, country of origin, and any warnings.
  • Traceability
    
    • Products must include traceable information, such as batch numbers or production codes, to ensure accountability in case of recalls or safety issues.
• Consumer rights and protections
  
  • Advertising standards
    
    • All advertising materials must accurately represent the product and avoid misleading claims, as regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
    • Hairpiece advertisements should be truthful, including descriptions of materials and any claims about quality or durability.
  • Consumer rights act 2015
    
    • his act protects consumers by ensuring they receive products of satisfactory quality, as described, and fit for purpose.
    • If a hairpiece fails to meet these standards, the consumer has the right to a repair, replacement, or refund.
• Intellectual property
  
  • Intellectual property laws protect original designs, trademarks, and logos associated with hairpieces.
  • Businesses producing unique designs should register their intellectual property to protect against unauthorised copying or use by competitors.
• Import and export regulation
  
  • If importing materials or exporting hairpieces, must follow international laws and legislations.
    
    • Include custom duties and tariffs.
    • Exported products must meet the standards of the country they are being exported to.
  • Will need accurate documentation to import or export.
• Trading standards
  
  • Must comply with local and national trading standards.
  • Trading standards require brands to have a product recall plan.
• Market surveillance
  
  • The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and local authorities regularly monitor the market to ensure products comply with safety standards.
  • Businesses are expected to cooperate with market surveillance authorities by providing product information, testing results, and safety data when requested, ensuring that they remain compliant with UK safety regulations.

Tools used in hairpiece production: will depend on the type of hairpiece being produced

• Full wigs
  
  • Ventilating Needle: For attaching hair to the wig base or cap.
  • Block or Head Mould: To shape and fit the wig as it’s being created.
  • Base Material and Cap Wig Block: Provides structure for the wig.
  • Shears, Scissors, and Thinning Shears: For cutting and shaping the wig hair.
  • Hair Dryer, Flat Iron, Curling Iron, Curling Oven: Used for styling the wig.
  • Hair Dye, Colour Bowls, and Colour Mixing Tools: For colouring wig hair.
  • Wig Stands: For displaying and styling wigs.
  • Wig Brush and Wig Comb: Specifically designed to prevent hair damage in wigs.
  • Steamer: To reset or refresh the wig’s shape and texture.
  • Measuring Tape: To take head measurements for a custom fit.
• Toupees and Partial Hairpieces
  
  • Ventilating Needle and Latch Hook Tools: For attaching hair to the toupee or partial hairpiece base.
  • Toupee Clips and Adhesives/Glues: To secure the toupee to the scalp.
  • Block or Head Mould: For shaping and styling the piece on a stand.
  • Shears, Scissors, Thinning Shears, and Razor: For trimming and shaping hair in the toupee.
  • Hair Dryer and Flat Iron: For styling the hair to match natural hair.
  • Scalp Protector and Cleaning Solution: Used to prepare the scalp before attaching the toupee.
  • Colour Mixing Tools and Hair Dye: For blending the toupee colour with the wearer’s natural hair.
  • Measuring Tape: To ensure a precise fit for the wearer’s head.
• Hair extensions
  
  • Latch Hook Tools: For attaching extensions to natural hair (e.g., micro loop extensions).
  • Adhesive and Glue: For bonding or tape-in extensions.
  • Scissors and Shears: For trimming and blending the extensions with natural hair.
  • Hair Dye and Colour Bowls: For colouring extensions to match the client’s hair.
  • Flat Iron and Curling Iron: For styling and blending extensions with natural hair.
  • Measuring Tape: To determine extension length and placement.
  • Wig Brush and Wig Comb: Suitable for detangling without damaging extensions.
• Custom Hairpieces (Hair Toppers, Fringes, etc.)
  
  • Ventilating Needle and Latch Hook Tools: To attach hair strands to a small base.
  • Base Material: Provides structure for smaller, custom pieces.
  • Toupee Clips or Adhesive: Used to secure the piece to the client’s natural hair.
  • Thinning Shears, Razor, and Scissors: For shaping and blending with the natural hairline.
  • Flat Iron and Curling Iron: For final styling to match the client’s natural texture.
  • Colour Mixing Tools and Hair Dye: For colour-matching the custom piece.
  • Scalp Protector and Cleaning Solution: Prepares the scalp or base area for secure attachment.

Human hair trade

• Sources of human hair: temple hair, individual sellers, floor hair, hairbrush hair
• Types of human hair used for wigs and extensions
  
  • For high quality hairpiece production, Remy hair is needed
  • Virgin hair: hair that has never been chemically processed or coloured
  • Remy hair: hair with cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction
  • Non-Remy hair: hair collected without regard to cuticle direction
• Processing of human hair: sorting, quality checks, sterilisation, conditioning, dyeing, texturising, wefting, packaging
• Global market
  
  • Major exporters
  • Major importers
• Economic impact
• Ethical considerations
  
  • Fair trade
  • Exploitation
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Environmental impact
• Regulations

Hairpiece components

• Full wigs
  
  • Base materials
    
    • Lace: Provides a natural-looking hairline, lightweight, and breathable, often used in front or full lace wigs.
    • Monofilament: Offers a realistic scalp appearance, allowing for multi- directional parting and better styling flexibility.
    • Polyurethane: Known for durability and often used for a secure, skin-like base that can be adhered directly to the scalp.
    • Mesh: A breathable, lightweight material sometimes used for the crown or back of the wig for comfort.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Preferred for a natural appearance, it can be styled, curled, and dyed, offering more versatility.
    • Synthetic Hair: More affordable and low-maintenance, often used in budget wigs or for clients who want pre-styled hair.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Clips: Small, built-in clips allow easy attachment to natural hair, ideal for short-term wear.
    • Adjustable Straps and Velcro: Common in full wigs to adjust the fit, allowing for secure yet comfortable wear.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Ventilation: Hand-tied or machine-ventilated for a realistic appearance, especially around the hairline.
    • Silicone Grips: Integrated for added security, particularly for those without natural hair.
• Toppers and Partial Hairpieces
  
  • Base Materials
    
    • Monofilament: Provides a natural look and feel for the scalp, with a lightweight design suitable for smaller hairpieces.
    • Polyurethane: Often used around the perimeter for better adhesion and comfort on partial pieces.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Blends well with the client’s existing hair and allows styling for a seamless appearance.
    • Synthetic Hair: Used for ease of maintenance and affordability, often pre- styled to reduce effort.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Clips: Discreet clips that attach to existing hair, providing secure but temporary attachment.
    • Tape and Adhesive: Useful for securing partial pieces on bald or thinning areas, especially around the hairline.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Wefts: Commonly used to add volume to partial hairpieces, with wefted rows to create a full appearance.
    • Silicone Grips: Help the piece stay in place, especially if placed over bald spots or sparse areas.
• Toupees
  
  • Base Materials
    
    • Lace: Provides a realistic look along the hairline and is breathable, often used in the front of toupees.
    • Polyurethane: Creates a skin-like base for secure adhesion, offering a more seamless appearance for those with partial hair loss.
    • Mesh: Adds comfort and airflow, often combined with other materials to cover larger areas.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Often used to blend naturally with the client’s own hair and offers styling options.
    • Synthetic Hair: This can be used for durability and cost-effectiveness, with some pre-styled options.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Tape and Adhesive: Used for a more secure fit, particularly for clients with little to no natural hair on top.
    • Clips: Suitable for clients with some natural hair for added security and ease of removal.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Ventilation: Hand-tied ventilation helps to create a realistic look, especially along the edges.
    • Silicone Grips: Adds grip and security, ensuring the toupee stays in place even with regular movement.
• Hair Extensions (Wefts, Clip-Ins, Tape-Ins)
  
  • Base Materials
    
    • Wefts: Hair is sewn onto strips or rows, which can then be applied to the client’s natural hair for volume and length.
    • Polyurethane Tape Base: For tape-in extensions, the polyurethane base is thin and flexible, providing a comfortable and natural-looking attachment.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Provides a natural blend, can be styled, and offers longevity, commonly used in high-quality extensions.
    • Synthetic Hair: More budget-friendly, suitable for temporary or occasional use and often pre-styled.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Clips: Clip-in extensions are temporary and easy to apply, removed after each use.
    • Tape: Adhesive-backed tape extensions create a semi-permanent attachment, typically lasting several weeks.
    • Sew-In: Wefts are sewn directly onto braided sections of natural hair, offering a secure and long-lasting attachment.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Silicone Grips: Often added to the base of wefts to prevent slipping and to keep extensions securely in place.
    • Adjustable Straps (for Halo Extensions): Some halo-style extensions have an adjustable strap that sits around the crown of the head for added volume without attachment to natural hair.

Techniques used to construct hairpieces:

• Full wigs
  
  • Base materials
    
    • Lace: Provides a natural-looking hairline, lightweight, and breathable, often used in front or full lace wigs.
    • Monofilament: Offers a realistic scalp appearance, allowing for multi- directional parting and better styling flexibility.
    • Polyurethane: Known for durability and often used for a secure, skin-like base that can be adhered directly to the scalp.
    • Mesh: A breathable, lightweight material sometimes used for the crown or back of the wig for comfort.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Preferred for a natural appearance, can be styled, curled, and dyed, offering more versatility.
    • Synthetic Hair: More affordable and low-maintenance, often used in budget wigs or for clients who want pre-styled hair.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Clips: Small, built-in clips allow easy attachment to natural hair, ideal for short-term wear.
    • Adjustable Straps and Velcro: Common in full wigs to adjust fit, allowing for secure yet comfortable wear.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Ventilation: Hand-tied or machine-ventilated for a realistic appearance, especially around the hairline.
    • Silicone Grips: Integrated for added security, particularly for those without natural hair.
• Toppers and Partial Hairpieces
  
  • Base Materials
    
    • Monofilament: Provides a natural look and feel for the scalp, with a lightweight design suitable for smaller hairpieces.
    • Polyurethane: Often used around the perimeter for better adhesion and comfort on partial pieces.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Blends well with the client’s existing hair and allows styling for a seamless appearance.
    • Synthetic Hair: Used for ease of maintenance and affordability, often pre- styled to reduce effort.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Clips: Discreet clips that attach to existing hair, providing secure but temporary attachment.
    • Tape and Adhesive: Useful for securing partial pieces on bald or thinning areas, especially around the hairline.
  •  Additional Components
    
    • Wefts: Commonly used to add volume to partial hairpieces, with wefted rows to create a full appearance.
    • Silicone Grips: Help the piece stay in place, especially if placed over bald spots or sparse areas.
• Toupees
  
  • Base Materials
    
    • Lace: Provides a realistic look along the hairline and is breathable, often used in the front of toupees.
    • Polyurethane: Creates a skin-like base for secure adhesion, offering a more seamless appearance for those with partial hair loss.
    • Mesh: Adds comfort and airflow, often combined with other materials to cover larger areas.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Often used to blend naturally with the client’s own hair and offers styling options.
    • Synthetic Hair: This can be used for durability and cost-effectiveness, with some pre-styled options.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Tape and Adhesive: Used for a more secure fit, particularly for clients with little to no natural hair on top.
    • Clips: Suitable for clients with some natural hair for added security and ease of removal.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Ventilation: Hand-tied ventilation helps to create a realistic look, especially along the edges.
    • Silicone Grips: Adds grip and security, ensuring the toupee stays in place even with regular movement.
• Hair Extensions (Wefts, Clip-Ins, Tape-Ins)
  
  • Base Materials
    
    • Wefts: Hair is sewn onto strips or rows, which can then be applied to the client’s natural hair for volume and length.
    • Polyurethane Tape Base: For tape-in extensions, the polyurethane base is thin and flexible, providing a comfortable and natural-looking attachment.
  • Hair Material
    
    • Human Hair: Provides a natural blend, can be styled, and offers longevity, commonly used in high-quality extensions.
    • Synthetic Hair: More budget-friendly, suitable for temporary or occasional use and often pre-styled.
  • Attachment Methods
    
    • Clips: Clip-in extensions are temporary and easy to apply, removed after each use.
    • Tape: Adhesive-backed tape extensions create a semi-permanent attachment, typically lasting several weeks.
    • Sew-In: Wefts are sewn directly onto braided sections of natural hair, offering a secure and long-lasting attachment.
  • Additional Components
    
    • Silicone Grips: Often added to the base of wefts to prevent slipping and to keep extensions securely in place.
    • Adjustable Straps (for Halo Extensions): Some halo-style extensions have an adjustable strap that sits around the crown of the head for added volume without attachment to natural hair.

4 Be able to produce a custom hairpiece

Sourcing hair for a hairpiece

• Full wigs
  
  • Human hair
    
    • High-quality, untreated human hair is preferred for full wigs as it offers a natural look, durability, and versatility for styling and colouring
    • Common sources include European, Brazilian, and Indian hair, with different textures suited to various client needs.
  • Synthetic hair
    
    • More affordable than human hair would need to be a high-quality form of synthetic hair
    • Advanced synthetic fibres mimic human hair but are less versatile for heat styling and dyeing.
  • Remy hair
    
    • This is a premium choice where hair cuticles are aligned in the same direction, reducing tangling and ensuring a natural appearance.
    • Remy hair is often sourced from Indian or Southeast Asian regions due to its texture and quality.
• Toupees and Partial Hairpieces
  
  • Human hair
    
    • Natural-looking human hair is often preferred for toupees to blend seamlessly with the wearer’s existing hair.
    • To look natural the hair colour, texture and density must match the client’s natural hair
    • European hair is fine and lighter, suitable for clients with similar textures
    • Asian hair (from countries like China and Japan) is thicker and better suited to clients with coarse hair.
  • Toupees sometimes use blended human and synthetic hair to balance durability and cost-effectiveness, especially for areas requiring less styling versatility.
• Hair extensions
  
  • Remy hair
    
    • For the highest quality, Remy hair extensions are sourced to ensure the cuticles are aligned and intact, which prevents tangling and allows for long-term use.
    • Common sources include India, Brazil, and parts of Eastern Europe.
  • Virgin hair
    
    • Extensions made from virgin hair (never chemically treated) are sourced for premium quality, offering natural shine and texture.
    • This hair is often sourced from India and Southeast Asia due to its naturally dense, untreated texture.
  • Synthetic hair
    
    • Synthetic hair is an affordable option sourced from companies specialising in high-quality synthetic fibres that mimic natural hair’s appearance.
    • These extensions are ideal for temporary use or special occasions but lack durability for heat styling.
• Custom Hairpieces (Hair Toppers, Fringes, etc.)
  
  • Custom pieces may require blended hair (human and synthetic) to create a lightweight, affordable piece that matches the client’s natural colour and texture.
  • Human hair
    
    • To ensure natural-looking integration, human hair that closely matches the client’s own is sourced.
    • Hair from Brazil or Europe is often favoured for natural highlights and textural variety.
  • Processed and Pre-Dyed Hair
    
    • For convenience, pre-dyed human hair options can be sourced, allowing quick and easy matching with the client’s existing hair.
    • This is especially useful for toppers or bangs that require seamless blending.

Styles of hairpieces

• Coil
  
  • Minim tightly coiled or curly hair textures.
  • Often used to add volume or shape to naturally curly or coily hair.
  • Coils can be used as individual pieces to fill in sparse areas, add density, or create a fuller look in curly styles.
  • Popular for those looking to enhance natural curls or add texture without heat styling.
• Buns
  
  • Bun hairpieces come pre-styled in various bun shapes and sizes, from sleek to voluminous or messy styles.
  • Ideal for quick updos, bun hairpieces can be attached using drawstrings, combs, or clips, making it easy to achieve a professional, polished look without extensive styling.
  • Popular for formal events or daily wear when an effortless, tidy style is desired.
• Ethiopian lines
  
  • Ethiopian lines are traditional braided hairpieces, often characterised by intricate rows of braids styled close to the scalp in symmetrical patterns.
  • Used to create a cultural, authentic look and are often worn for cultural events or to make a fashion statement.
  • Can be applied as braid extensions or in combination with natural hair to achieve a unique braided pattern.
• Extensions
  
  • Designed to add length, volume, or colour to the natural hair.
  • Extensions can be applied temporarily or semi-permanently to achieve a desired length or fullness, allowing for versatile styling options.
  • Popular for those looking to transform their hairstyle without waiting for natural growth or committing to a cut.
• Closures
  
  • Small hairpieces (typically 4x4 inches) used to close off a weave or sew-in
  • installation, providing a natural-looking scalp appearance at the top of the head.
  • Closures are often made from lace or silk and provide a seamless finish to a weave, blending with the natural hairline to create a cohesive, realistic look.
  • Essential for protective styles, allowing natural hair to rest while achieving a
  • polished finish. 
• Frontals
  
  • Larger hairpieces, typically 13x4 inches, covering the hairline from ear to ear and offering a natural scalp appearance with versatile parting options.
  • Allow for flexible styling, including pulling hair back or parting it in various directions.
  • Popular in wigs and sew-ins, allowing for a natural look while protecting the edges and hairline.
• Ponytails
  
  • Pre-styled in various lengths, textures, and thicknesses to attach directly over a natural ponytail for an instantly longer, fuller look.
  • Ideal for quick and easy styling, ponytail pieces attach using combs, clips, or wrap- around features.
  • Versatile for daily wear, workouts, or adding volume and length for special occasions.
• Ghanaian braided style
  
  • Ghanaian braids are characterised by thick cornrow-style braids with added hair extensions, starting smaller and gradually thickening, often in intricate patterns.
  • Used for both protective styling and to make a cultural or fashion statement.
  • Can be created with extensions for added length and volume, lasting several weeks with proper care.
• Wigs
  
  • Wigs come in a variety of styles, lengths, and textures, covering the entire head and providing a full transformation of hair length, volume, and style.
  • Widely used for convenience, hair loss coverage, or fashion.
  • Allow individuals to change their hairstyle instantly and offer protective styling for those looking to shield their natural hair from damage.
• Toupees
  
  • Toupees are partial hairpieces designed to cover specific areas of the scalp, commonly used by individuals experiencing hair thinning or balding on the crown.
  • Provide natural-looking coverage for bald spots or thinning areas, blending with the wearer’s natural hair.
  • Typically attached with clips or adhesive for security and can be styled to match the natural hair.

5 Understand styling techniques for hairpieces

Products that are usable on a hairpiece

• Shampoos: mild sulphate free wig shampoos, synthetic wig shampoos
• Conditioner
• Deep conditioning treatment (for human hairpieces)
• Heat protectants
• Wig spray
• Non-alcoholic products
• Detangling spray
• Dry shampoo (for human hairpieces)
• Products for synthetic hairpieces in particular
  
  • Fabric softeners
  • Steamers

Process of cutting a hairpiece

• Secure hairpiece on mannequin or wig stand (pin if possible)
• Examine headpiece
• Consult client notes to match needs
• Section hair
• Wet hair if needed
  
  • Human hairpieces are often cut wet
  • Synthetic cut dry
• Base cut
  
  • Start with the base cut to the desired length
  • Straight cutting shears for clean even cut
  • Cut less than you think they want
• Layering
  
  • Create layers for volume and movement
  • Point cutting for a softer more natural look
  • Thinner shears to reduce bulk and blend layers
• Use a razor to texturising sears to create texture and remove bulk
• Blend to ensure no harsh lines (if needed, extra attention is paid when cutting wefted hairpieces)
• Detailing (hairline and fringe)
• Comb through to check for stray hairs or uneven areas, threads, etc.

Styling that can be applied to a hairpiece

• Brushing and detangling (detangle hair)
• Parting (adjust to suit style, use fine-tooth comb)
• Heat styling for human hairpieces
  
  • Blow drying
  • Curling
  • Straightening
• Heat styling for synthetic
  
  • Steam styling
• Setting with rollers
• Braiding and twisting
• Volumising products
• Teasing/backcombing
• A range of updos and special styles

6 Be able to style a custom hairpiece

Washing a hairpiece: detangle with wide-tooth comb, rinse with lukewarm water, shampoo (with mild and sulphate free shampoo), rinse thoroughly, condition the hairpiece, final rinse, blot excess water (do not wring or twist), allow to air dry.

Colouring a hairpiece to meet client needs: consult notes from client consultation, consult images for inspiration (clients hair, additional example), strand test, determine intended colour, do not dye synthetic hair with regular hair dye, prepare hairpiece (detangle, clean, set up hairpiece), mix dye following instructions, protect workspace, apply dye (use applicator brush, apply section by section), process colour following instructions, rinse, condition, blot excess water (do not wring or twist), allow to air dry.

7 Understand packaging for hairpieces

Legal requirements for packaging hairpieces

(If local policy and legislation exist, teach those, if not, refer to the UK and EU legislation as discussed here)

• Labelling requirements
  
  • Product information
    
    • Description
    • Brand name
    • Origin
  • Care instructions
  • Size and fit
  • Safety information
    
    • Warnings
    • Allergy information
• Textile regulations
• Registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) compliance
• Consumer protection
• Environmental considerations
  
  • Packaging materials
  • Environmental claims
• Barcode
• Product ID
• Contact information
  
  • Customer service
  • Manufacturer or importer details

Optimal storage conditions for a hairpiece

• Cool and stable temperature (15°C to 24°C)
• Moderate humidity
  
  • 40 to 60%
  • Extreme humidity can cause mould and mildew
  • Low humidity can dry hair out
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Good airflow
• Clean and dry area
• Hairpiece bags
• Wig stands
• Mannequin head

Considerations to be made when pricing a hairpiece: cost of materials (type of hair, base materials), production cost, hair quality, brand, market position, overhead costs, market demand, competition, customer perception, willingness to pay, economic factors, tax and duties, packaging.

8 Be able to package a hairpiece

How to design packaging for a hairpiece

• Choose packaging type
  
  • Ridged box
    
    • Strong sturdy boxes.
    • Often made from thick cardboard or paperboard.
    • Ridged structure offers protection during shipping and handling.
    • Offers a luxury feel to the packaging.
    • Lots of space for branding and visual details.
    • Often reusable for storing hairpieces when not in use.
  • Folding cartons
    
    • Lightweight boxes made from paperboard.
    • Can be folded flat for storage.
    • Easily assembled when needed.
    • Less expensive to produce than ridged boxes.
    • Can be customised with visual elements and finishes.
    • Often recyclable.
  • Fabric bags
    
    • Often made from silk, cotton or satin.
    • Ideal for extensions or smaller items.
    • Often ecofriendly.
    • When premium fabric used, gives a sophisticated looks.
    • Allows hairpiece to breathe which is beneficial for natural hairpieces which need to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Plastic sleeves
    
    • Transparent, lightweight packaging often made from PVC or other flexible plastics.
    • Allow for easy display of the product.
    • Cost-effective option.
    • Protect hairpiece from dust and light moisture so ideal for synthetic hairpieces.
    • Are convenient to display because they can be hung on racks or pegboards.
  • Window boxes
    
    • Have a clear plastic or acetate window on the front.
    • Allow for easy viewing of the product.
    • Branding and customisation can be added around the window.
    • Protects the hairpiece while allowing customers to view the product.
    • Makes the products more appealing on shop shelves.
  • o Hanging packages
    
    • Often made from plastic or cardboard with a hook or hole at the top which allows the package to be hung.
    • Allow multiple items to be displayed in a compact space.
    • Allow for easy browsing of products.
• Consider sustainability in packaging materials
• Branding informative elements
  
  • Care instructions
  • Product details
  • Customer information
• Ease of use of packaging
• Size of packaging
• Legal compliance
• Creating a prototype
• Manufacturer selection
• Quality control

‍Instructions for use on hairpiece packaging: consider the type of hair in use, storage, washing and cleaning, styling, and warnings.

Maintenance advice for the hairpiece on hairpiece packaging: cleaning, storage, avoiding damage, and appropriate usage.

How to calculate a fair and reasonable price for a hairpiece

• Cost of materials
  
  • Type of hair
  • Base materials
• Production cost
• Hair quality brand
• Market position
• Overhead costs
• Market demand
• Competition
• Customer perception
• Willingness to pay
• Economic factors
• Tax and duties
• Packaging