The results are worth it even though it takes a lot of time.There is no guarantee that a pre-made cap will fit you.You should make your own wig cap to make sure you have a good base.You can either modify an existing wig head or get a custom-sized wig.The wig cap may be too small if you work off of a standard wig head.
Step 1: Pull your hair back the same way you would wear it under the wig.
Some people prefer cornrows while others prefer 1 to 2 French braids.The wig cap's size and shape will be affected by how you braid your hair now.To modify the wig head, you need to take a mold of your head.The cap for your wig will not fit you if you don't do this.If you already own a canvas head for wig making that has the same measurements as your head, you can skip this part and continue.
Step 2: Put plastic wrap on your hair.
The plastic wrap needs to be extended past your head.Your ears, forehead, and nape are included.Extending the plastic wrap past your head will make it less likely that the tape will stick to your hair.If you can, use clear plastic wrap.It will make the later steps easier.If you have a nylon wig cap, it's a good idea to put it on first.Attach the plastic wrap to your forehead with a piece of tape.
Step 3: 2 layers of clear packaging tape are needed to cover the plastic wrap.
Taking care to avoid the skin, Wrap the tape around your head first.There are rows of tape over the rest of the plastic wrap.Do this again.There shouldn't be any soft spots left.You missed the plastic wrap if you feel a soft spot.It should be covered with a piece of tape.There will be some give to the taped plastic.It should not be soft.If you do not use clear packaging tape, you will not be able to see your hair in the next step.
Step 4: A permanent marker can be used to trace your hair and ears.
When you reach the back, it's a good idea to get someone to help you.You can see your hair through the plastic wrap if you look at yourself in the mirror.Take a look at your head from forehead to nape.You should include your ears as well.Don't worry about getting the marker on your hair.You extended the plastic wrap past your head.You can see the back of your head if you hold a smaller mirror up in front of you.
Step 5: The plastic wrap should be removed.
You should be able to remove it from your head.Run your finger along the inside edge of the cap to separate it from your skin if you can't.If you can't get the plastic off, cut a slit into it and then slide it off.The plastic wrap mold can come off if you put a nylon wig cap earlier.Remove it by peeling it away.
Step 6: To remove excess tape and plastic wrap, use a pair of scissors.
Follow the line that you drew with a marker and leave a 2 to 1 in border.You need to cut out the ears as well.You should have a cap that fits perfectly on your head when you're done.
Step 7: Attach more tape to the inside of the mold.
If you cut a slit into the mold, you need to close it and tape it.Use smaller pieces of tape to cover the inside of the mold as you go.Wrap tape around the edges of the cap to get a nicer finish.
Step 8: There is a Styrofoam wig head.
You can find Styrofoam wig heads in arts and crafts shops, wig shops and beauty supply stores.
Step 9: The wig stand has a wig head on it.
wig stands can be found online and in wig shops.It can be either the tall one on the floor or the shorter one that you mount onto the table.If you don't have a wig stand, you can use a Christmas tree stand.You can put it into a bucket filled with rocks.You can use a paper towel holder instead of a wig stand.You may have to break off the stick that touches the paper towel.
Step 10: Attach the inside of your head mold to the wig head.
It's possible to do this with cotton pads or paper towels.How much you pad depends on how big your head is.Styrofoam wig heads are small so you may need to pad your mold a lot.If you choose to use paper towels, be sure to crush them and not fold them.It will be easier to insert the pins later on.
Step 11: If needed, add more padding to the wig head.
Attach the padding to the wig head.It needs to be padded so that it feels firm when you touch it.You will need to pad the mold out more if you see any buckling.
Step 12: Attach the wig head with pins.
Below the drawn hairline, place the pins right along the edges of the mold.If you use the simple, all-metal pins, they will look like nails.If you use plastic or glass beads on the ends, it will be hard to fit the net for the wig cap.You are ready to make a wig cap when you do this.The wig head can be secured with tape.The best way to work on this is with masking tape.You should re-trace your drawn hair if you cover it up.
Step 13: A wig making supply store has a weaving net.
It would be better if you stacked the nets together.This will make the base stronger.You can buy weaving nets online or in shops that sell wig making supplies.If you're buying nets from a fabric store, you need enough to drape over your head and cover the rest of your body.Other types of lace can be used for wig making.Ventilating lace is what you should get if you are going to do it.
Step 14: Attach the net to the forehead with sewing pins.
The front edge of the net should be 1 to 2 inches below the drawn hair.Pull the net taut across the forehead and secure it with sewing pins.You will need a pin at each temple and at the front center of the net.The pins should be inserted at a slight angle to prevent the net from slipping past them.
Step 15: The back of the wig head needs to be repeated.
Go towards the back of the wig.The net should be taut across the top of the head.Put it in the nape with more sewing pins.The pins should be placed about 1 inch below the drawing.
Step 16: Place the sides of the net over the ears.
Pull the net down as you pin to make it snug.There is a pin behind each ear hole.Make sure the lace goes past the head.It is either off-center or narrow.You will need to cut a bigger piece if the lace is too narrow.If the lace is off-center, you need to re-position it.
Step 17: To create darts, pinch the net.
The dart needs to be in front and behind each ear.To lay the net against the wig head, pinch the edges.Pin the dart to the wig head.When you are done, you should be able to see the net across the wig head.You should only be pinning through the net.Don't put pins in the wig head.
Step 18: The wig cap needs to be pulled off of the wig head.
Remove the pins from the wig head and slip it off.The darts are held together by pins.You should not remove the mold from the wig head.
Step 19: Use the pins you put in as a guide to sew the darts.
You can do this on a sewing machine or by hand.If you are using a sewing machine, you should backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing.Remove the pins as you sew, and use a thread color that matches the lace.
Step 20: The seams should be cut down.
If you sewed the darts on a sewing machine, you'll have triangular flaps sticking out of the seams.Cut them down to 2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) wide.If you used a serger, skip this step as the machine already did it for you.
Step 21: Use a zigzag stitch to go over the raw edges.
If you used a serger, you don't have to do this, but it will give you a nicer finish.If you are using a sewing machine, backstitch with a matching thread color.If you use a serger, skip this step.The seams have been finished.
Step 22: Remove any loose threads.
Cut off any loose or hanging threads by covering your wig cap.If you want a nicer finish, consider tacking down the seams by hand.
Step 23: The wig cap needs to be finished.
The excess lace can be trimmed to match the rest of the body.You can either sew in an elastic or hem the lace.You can sew a ventilating panel to the top and then cut the net from under it.If you are making a lace front wig, don't trim off the excess lace on the front.To glue the wig down, you will need this.