The Importance of Learning About Wigs and Hairpieces in Cosmetology School
Barbers and hairdressers find that they use the wig and hairpiece skills learned in beauty school in their professional life often. Male-pattern baldness affects about one in every five men, and for many, a well-made hairpiece is an affordable alternative to scalp therapy or hair transplantation. Many women use wigs and hairpieces, as well, including hair extensions and full-head wigs. Therefore, the fitting and care of simulated hair are important abilities for cosmetologists who work with both female and male clients. There are several different types of wigs and hairpieces, so the hair-focused courses in beauty school teach the methods involved in caring for all of them.
Male and Female Wigs and Hairpieces
Male clients commonly ask their hair design experts about hairpieces to cover balding patches or receding hairlines. Occasionally cancer treatment or even natural hair thinning leads a woman to seek out a hairpiece that attaches directly to the scalp. However, a majority of female clients in a salon request hair extensions, long sections of hair that attach under the natural hair to create instant length. When applied well, hair extensions can give a client a whole new look, with the volume and length it would take months or years to achieve naturally. A huge selection of full-head wigs for men and women can be found at specialty wig retailers, and sometimes a hairdresser is asked to style or cut the wig.
Types of Hairpieces, Wigs, and Extensions
There are several different types of wigs and hairpieces:
- Synthetic
- Human-hair
- Custom-made
- Ready-made
Wig and Hairpiece Lessons in Beauty School
In beauty school, it is likely you will not learn how to custom-make hairpieces for your customers but you will learn the most appropriate methods of fitting them, coloring them to match the natural hair color, and caring for them after placement. For example:
- Fitting can be done with adhesive gels, clips, metal snaps, or bonding solutions. There is not one preferred method, as each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Bond dissolver must be used to remove any hair bonding glue.
- Regular care is different depending on whether the customer chooses a synthetic or human hairpiece. Synthetic pieces must be washed in cool water and must never be blow-dried, while human hairpieces can be washed in warm water and blow-dried, if desired. Both should be washed every seven-to-ten days, and special shampoos may be recommended.
- Coloring must be done with gentle and precise color formulations. In ordinary hair, damage slowly grows out; however, damage to a hairpiece cannot be repaired. Repeated coloring may damage the hair, so extreme caution must be taken.
Knowledge of hairpiece and wig care is a significant step on the path to becoming a well-rounded barber or hairdresser.
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