How to Make a Hair Wig at Home

Wigs are a great way to change your look, protect your natural hair, or cover hair loss. You can buy ready-made wigs from various sources, but you can also make your own wig at home with some tools and materials. Making your own wig allows you to customize it to your preferences and save money. In this blog, I will show you how to make a wig by hand or by sewing machine, following these steps:

Step 1: Pick the Lace Cap and Hair

The lace cap is the base of your wig, where you will attach the hair extensions. You should choose a lace cap that matches the color and shape of your scalp, and that fits your head comfortably. You can find lace caps online or at beauty supply stores.

The hair extensions are the main part of your wig, so you should choose them carefully. You can use human hair or synthetic hair, depending on your budget and style. Human hair is more expensive but more natural-looking and durable. Synthetic hair is cheaper but more prone to tangling and heat damage. You should also consider the length, texture, color, and quality of the hair extensions. You will need about two to three bundles of hair extensions for a full wig, plus a closure or a frontal.

A closure is a piece of lace with hair attached to it that covers the top of your head and creates a natural parting. A frontal is similar to a closure but covers the entire front of your head from ear to ear, giving you more styling options. You can choose between lace closures or frontals, or silk closures or frontals. Lace closures or frontals are more common and blend better with your scalp, while silk closures or frontals are more realistic and comfortable but more expensive.

Step 2: Form the Wig Foundation

To form the wig foundation, you will need a mannequin head, some T-pins, an elastic band, and a net cap. A mannequin head is a dummy head that you can use to shape and style your wig. You can find one online or at beauty supply stores. You should measure your head circumference and choose a mannequin head that matches your size.

A net cap is a thin mesh cap that you will place over the mannequin head and use as the base for your wig. You can find one online or at beauty supply stores. You should choose a net cap that matches the color of your lace cap and has small holes for ventilation.

An elastic band is a stretchy strap that you will attach to the back of your net cap to secure your wig on your head. You can find one online or at beauty supply stores. You should measure the distance between your ears behind your head and cut an elastic band that fits that length.

To form the wig foundation, follow these steps:

1. Place the net cap over the mannequin head and secure it with some T-pins around the edges.

2. Place the lace cap over the net cap and align it with the front of the mannequin head.

3. Sew the lace cap to the net cap along the perimeter using a needle and thread

4. Cut off any excess net cap around the edges of the lace cap.

5. Sew one end of the elastic band to one side of the back of the net cap, about an inch above the nape.

6. Stretch the elastic band across the back of the net cap and sew the other end to the opposite side.

7. Cut off any excess elastic band.

Step 3: Prep the Hair

To prep the hair extensions, you will need some scissors, a comb, some clips, and some wefts sealant (optional). A wefts sealant is a product that you can apply to the wefts of your hair extensions to prevent shedding and fraying. You can find one online or at beauty supply stores.

To prep the hair extensions, follow these steps:

1. Comb through your hair extensions gently to remove any tangles or knots.

2. Apply some wefts sealant to both sides of each weft and let it dry completely (optional).

3. Measure and cut your hair extensions to fit each section of your lace cap, starting from the back and working your way up to the front.

4. Use clips to hold each cut weft in place on your lace cap.

Step 4: Start Sewing

To sew your hair extensions onto your lace cap, you will need a needle, some thread, some clips, and a sewing machine (optional). You can sew your hair extensions by hand or by machine, depending on your preference and skill level. Sewing by machine is faster and easier, but sewing by hand is more precise and secure.

To sew your hair extensions by hand, follow these steps:

1. Start with the closure or frontal and place it on the front of your lace cap. Align it with the hairline and pin it down with some clips.

2. Thread your needle and knot the end of the thread. Use a C-shape needle for easier sewing.

3. Sew the closure or frontal to the lace cap along the edges using a loop stitch. Make sure to sew through both layers of lace and secure each stitch with a knot.

4. Cut off any excess thread and lace after sewing the closure or frontal.

5. Move on to the hair extensions and start from the back of your lace cap. Place the first weft along the nape of the neck and pin it down with some clips.

6. Thread your needle and knot the end of the thread. Use an I-shape needle for easier sewing.

7. Sew the weft to the lace cap using a blanket stitch. Make sure to sew through both layers of lace and secure each stitch with a knot.

8. Cut off any excess thread after sewing each weft.

9. Repeat this process for each weft, working your way up to the top of your lace cap. Leave some space between each weft for a natural look and avoid sewing over the closure or frontal.

Step 5: Style Your Wig

To style your wig, you will need some scissors, a comb, a flat iron or a curling iron (for human hair wigs only), and some styling products (optional). You can style your wig according to your preference and occasion, but here are some general tips to follow:

1. Trim the lace around the hairline of your wig to make it look more natural. Use sharp scissors and cut as close to the hairline as possible, following the shape of your forehead. Be careful not to cut any hair or damage the lace.

2. Comb through your wig gently to remove any tangles or knots. Use a wide-tooth comb for curly or wavy wigs and a paddle brush for straight or slightly wavy wigs.

3. Heat style your wig if it is made of human hair. Use a flat iron or a curling iron to create the desired look, but make sure to use a heat protectant spray before applying any heat. You can also use rollers or flexi rods to create curls or waves without heat.

4. Avoid using any heat tools on synthetic wigs. Synthetic wigs are usually pre-styled and cannot withstand high temperatures. If you want to change the style of your synthetic wig, you can use steam and other heatless methods, such as rollers or braids.

5. Apply some styling products to your wig if needed. You can use some hairspray, mousse, gel, or wax to add some hold, volume, texture, or shine to your wig. However, do not use too much product as it can weigh down your wig or cause buildup. You can also use some oil or serum to add some moisture and smoothness to your wig.

6. Store your wig properly when not in use. Place your wig on a wig stand or a mannequin head to keep its shape and style. You can also store your wig in a silk or satin bag or pillowcase to prevent it from getting tangled or frizzy. Avoid exposing your wig to direct sunlight, dust, or heat sources.

Step 6: Wear Your Wig

To wear your wig, you will need a wig cap, some bobby pins, some wig glue or tape (optional), and a comb. You can wear your wig with confidence and comfort by following these steps:

1. Prep your natural hair by brushing it back from your face and pinning up any long sections. Try to keep your hair as flat as possible against your scalp.

2. Cover your natural hair with a wig cap that matches the color of your wig. Secure the cap with some bobby pins to prevent it from slipping off.

3. Apply some wig glue or tape along your hairline if you want extra security for your wig. Follow the instructions on the product and let it dry slightly before putting on your wig.

4. Put on your wig by tilting your head forward and placing the front part of the wig on top of your front hairline. Then, gently slide the rest of the wig over your head, making sure that all of your hair is tucked underneath.

5. Adjust your wig until it looks natural and comfortable. Align the wig with your natural hairline and ears, and use a comb to smooth out any bumps or wrinkles on the lace cap.

6. Secure your wig with some bobby pins if needed. You can also use some clips or combs that are attached to the inside of the wig cap to fasten it to your natural hair.

7. Enjoy your new look and style your wig as desired. You can use a comb, a flat iron, or a curling iron (for human hair wigs only) to create different looks with your wig. You can also accessorize your wig with hats, scarves, headbands, or jewelry.

Congratulations! You have successfully made and worn a hair wig at home. Now you can change your look anytime you want with ease and fun.