Wig Work and Postiche ( Malleable block)

Types of wigs

Weft wigs(Synthetic weft wig)- These are usually synthetic hair and cheaper than knotted wigs. After a wash they need to be left to air dry. Only low heat can be used on them as the synthetic hairs can melt.

Knotted Wigs - These are either hand made or with a sewing machine and normally with human hair which is why they tend to be more expensive. They are better quality and can last for years. As the hair is human they can be washed, styled, permed and coloured.

Lace fronted knotted wigs - These are designed for theatrical used and sewn across a front hairline that creates a natural hairline. The lace is glued to the forehead and covered with make up.

Application of wigs

Productions with a big budget would normally have the wigs measured and fitted perfectly for the performers however if the company has a low budget wigs can be hired by sending the measurements and getting a good match. Most of the time human hair will be used even for extras however when the hairstyle does not need to look real and is for example a fantasy synthetic hair will be used as they attract light and look extremely shiny and unnatural.

Preparing a malleable block

list of products

• Mallebale block
• Wig stand
• Cling film
• Cellotape

Wrap the entire surface of the block with cling film as smooth as possible and apply strips of cellotape to cling film in place.

To make a shape of the head you take a clean field and u wrap it around the head. Go around the persons hair line and draw on with a sharpie on top and then when you take it off you have someone's head shape. You put the clean cling on the face and then draw around it and then u fold it in half and cut it out Draw it out on paper and then cut it out. Same for moustache.