Knotting hair - Moustache

Knotting Hair - Creating a moustache -

Research -

Wigs are worn when a character needs a particular hairstyle but doesn't have the natural hair which is suitable for the certain style. Hair knotting is generally created in Asia where costs are significantly cheaper for what is a labour intensive skill. The quality of the wigmakers workmanship will have a huge impact on the final outcome. 

Single hairs to create single knots are considered the best method of knotting, producing individual single strands of hair. Two or three dimple strands of hair can be knotted at the same time to speed the  process up however will create a larger knot. Double knots involve knotting the hair twice which provides a stronger, durable knot. However the finished look using the double knot method can be more visible under close inspection. This can be a problem as it doesn't create a natural hairline and for this reason most hair lines are created with single knots on a flesh tone material to create more of a natural looking outcome. 

As a makeup artist you're not required to make wigs however it is useful to understand how they re made so you can recognise good workmanship. Knotting is a delicate technique and requires good eye sight and patience. It is best to use straight hair about 150mm in length. Also selecting a suitable knotting needle to suit the size of the mesh of the net will make knotting the hair easier.

How to -  Below i have attached a link where it demonstrates how to knot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaHlaYv8WWU

Types of knotting - There are many different techniques of knotting used when making or repairing a wig.

Single knotting - This is where individiual knots of hair are added to the net. This is the most common method of knotting when a fine net is used. Different types of sizes of knotting hooks will be used depending on the amount of hair wanted for each knot.

Double knotting - Double knotting is when you need to make the hair 100% secure. The overall result however is unsightly as the knots are less concealed. Double knots are commonly used on the crown and large parts of the foundation but double knotting will normally be used for the more visible parts of the wig.

Under knotting - After the piece of hair has been knotted, the hair is then turned inside out on a malleable block. You then apply single knotting technique to the edge of the foundation, following the direction of the hair on the opposing side. Add two- three rows of under knotting. Once you have finished the wig is usually pressured using tissue paper or a cloth to protect each piece of hair.

Point knotting - This is where you are single knotting the point ends of the hair. You cut the routs ends away, this allows the hair to lift from the piece. This technique is commonly used for mens short-haired postiche, on the nape of a short haired women or on light fringes.

Creating a Moustache! - 

How to - 
1) Cling film over the upper lip and using a marker pen draw around the shape of the upper lip.
2) Sellotape over the cling film so it doesn't rip or stretch
3) Trace the outline of the upper lip onto the paper
4) Cut out the shape and pin into place onto your head
5) Place netting on top of the lip to create the moustache
6) Begin single knotting over the area you want to be knotted

My final outcome - 
Below i have included images of my development when knotting. At first i found this technique very difficult and couldn't find the patience to practice to carry on as it required time and concentration to practice to eventually reach the technique. After a couple of stressful minutes i had finally created  my first knot and was over the moon. Once i had done one knot, the others became easier and easier as i kept practising. As soon as i know it half of the moustache was complete. Once i had succeeded and was happy with single knotting i tried speeding things up by adding more hair each time to make the moustache thicker. Overall am very happy i stuck with it and didn't give up as i have learnt a knew technique and feel my outcome was successful.