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Wig Introduction and DefinitionsIndex
Intro to Wigs
Some Definitions:"Costume quality" is the worst quality wig. Some are downright nasty -- the kind you find in Wal-Mart, etc. Good choice for kids and anyone on a budget, but it will not look natural unless you know how to style it really well. Often have very small cap sizes -- since they're geared to kids and teens. "Streetwear quality" could be worn everyday, but won't fool a hairdresser. I think streetwear is more than sufficient for Galadriel, since her hair seems all one color (no highlights) and has unnatural waves. "Lace wigs" are actually some of the best wigs to have, used by most professional theatre companies and even a lot of film companies, because the construction of the hairline allows it to recede as a real hairline does, and the lace edge can be easily hidden by makeup. There is no telltale edge at the forehead and sideburns, as with most other types. Lace wigs, however, or lace beards and other hairpieces, are made only by special craftspeople and are quite expensive. "Skin top" means it has a latex cap at the top, so your part looks natural. I recommend this type, if you can afford it and IF you have skin the color of fleshtone latex. If you have a style that parts, this are almost required for a natural look. It allows for a change in the part "Standard top" means the normal netting on wigs. "Synthetic" = wig not made of real human hair. "Cap" = the "cap" shaped netting that forms the base of the wig. There will be pull tabs that fit at your temple. Good wigs will have little hooks on the inside to adjust the size of the cap. "Hair Lace" = a fine net that hair is woven in to. These are normally attached to the front of the wig to give a more natural front. Only found on the most expensive wigs. You can it it yourself, but takes lots of time "Hair Weft" or just "Weft" = A length of hair that is sewn to a wig. Most wefts are just made by folding the length of hair in half and stitching at top one edge. Really cheap wefts, like doll hair, just fold over a tad and stitch... these make the hair uncombable without great care. Really, expensive, historical wefts are made by knotting from 1-3 hairs at a time onto 3 strands of thread. (Insanity.) Wearing BasicsYour hair must be controlled under a wig. There are multiple options.
For more details on wearing the wig... check our wearing wig tips. First time putting the wig on
Determine in advance how much stress you're putting on the wig before you wear it for the day.
(these tips aren't credited because they've come from multiple folks) Notes and Warnings:Most wigs will come with bangs in front to hide the seam of the cap. If you have the same hair color, you can pull your own bangs up and over. Lengths: You're not going to find one long enough for Galadriel made in human hair, and even if you could it'd cost well over $1000. Most of the very long wigs come straight, but it is possible to give them waves. Do NOT use a curling iron on a synthetic wig, though, because it'll melt. If you're adventurous, you can try braiding the (dry) wig hair or wrapping it around curlers, then steaming the wig. Otherwise, take it to a professional stylist. Remember that a straight wig will shorten when you add waves. Heat can cause a synthetic wig to permanently fritz. Use a wig shampoo and a separate comb to keep your wig healthy. Do not pull on knots.... the synthetic fibers will stretch, and friz. Also combing to hard will pull hair from the wigs since the stitched wefts do not hold hair in place well.. Most synthetic wigs (ie: not constructed of human hair) are made with more strands than you will generally find on a real person, making them unusually full and giving them a telltale "wig-look". Especially when considering than most of the elves have straight hair that is flat on the crown of the head. To achieve this look with most commercial wigs, thinning will be necessary. General links for wig notes out on the web
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This page was last updated 04/22/08 |