How to apply a wig block

How to apply a wig block -

Research - Applying non-natural pieces of hair is created to add length, fullness or to change the overall style of the hair. There are many methods such as: tape in extensions, clip in or clip on extensions, fusion method,  weaving methods and wigs. 

Netting - Netting is a technique which involves braiding natural tresses under a thin net that  serves a flat surface onto which stylists can weave extensions. Using this method you will need to use a hair net or cap to place over the models hair.  Netting provides flexibility. 

Lace Fronts - The most recent development is lace fronts, which we are using in class. The lace fronts are made from a nylon mesh material formed into the cap that is then hand ventilated by knotting since strands of hair into tiny openings of the cap. this gives the hair a more natural and authentic appearance . The extension can be woven in or attached to a persons hairline with special adhesives. this method is commonly used by women around the world as it makes possible to access a certain area of the scalp and at the same time giving a natural and attractive look. 

Human hair wigs - Human hair shaft is made up of dead, hard protein, called Keratin, in three layers. Th dinner layer being the medulla and may not be resent, Secondly the cortex and the outer layer is the cuticle. The cortex makes up the majority of the hair shaft. The cuticles are formed tightly into packed scales in an overlapping structure. There are pigment cells that are distributed throughout the cortex  which gives the hair its colour. The cuticle is responsible fro the strength of the hair fibre. If the cuticle is healthy it works more than just a protective layer but also controls the water content of the fibre which controls the shine.

The human hair industry includes the selling of wigs, weaves and other styling products that generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year and is growing a large export economically in places such as Asia and India at a rate of 10-30% annualy. In India, a large portion of the hair is sourced from Hindu temples where the hair is donated for religious practises, to honour of the Hindu God Vishnu. The hair is sought out for its 'virgin' untreated qualities as well as its length. From there the hair is then collected and cleaned and any colour is removed before being re-dyed for international styles tastes.

Manufactures of artificial hair use a standard scale to classify hair colour. The lower number 1 usually is darkest black and would become lighter with the increasing number ending at the lightest blonde, then finally white. 

Demonstration - 

In class we got the chance to experiment with different hair and facial pieces which can be used in television shows, films and theatre productions. Below i have included a photo from the lesson where the teacher demonstrated how to apply a victorian head piece and did a victorian hairstyle to go with.

My Final Outcome - 

Within this lesson we were taught how to apply a section of hair to the actual head. I have chosen a long plait and have curled it around the bun to extend the length and shape of the bun. Firstly i brushed through the hair and created a small bun using the extra pieces of hair and use hair grips to place the bun into place.. You are going to want to twist your bun in the direction you want your plait to go round and position your plait where you want to start from. Although this was quite simple to do i am going to experiment more with extensions and how i can change the overall look of the hair and how i can include them into hairstyles with shorter hair.