Many people are concerned about the production process and origin of wigs, especially those marketed as real human hair wigs. Common questions include:
- What steps are involved in making a human hair wig?
- How is real hair processed to ensure safety for users?
- Are the production stages carried out under strict quality control?
In this article, Gugu Hair will explain the step-by-step process of creating a high-quality human hair wig.
The 4 Main Stages of Human Hair Wig Production
Stage 1: Preparing Raw Hair (Unprocessed Hair)
First, hair artisans gather strands of hair into small bundles and align them in the same direction. They do this by holding a handful of hair, rolling it between their fingers, and trimming any excess strands. These small bundles are then grouped into larger ones. Shorter strands (typically under 7.5 cm) are separated from the larger bundle using a fixed metal brush.
After this, the hair is secured tightly with fine thread to keep it neat before moving on to the cleaning process.
Next, the raw hair undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it is free of lice and other contaminants. Any unwanted elements are removed by boiling the hair in an acetic acid solution and combing it through a steel machine. The bundles are then soaked in a hot soapy water tank containing disinfectant, followed by multiple rinses with clean water.
To dry the hair, artisans carefully wring out the bundles using a towel and either let them dry naturally under sunlight or place them in a steaming oven at 176°–212°F (80°–100°C). Once completely dry and sterilized, the hair is straightened using a specialized machine.
Stage 2: Creating the Wig Cap
In this stage, the base of the wig, known as the cap, is constructed. The process begins with selecting a soft mesh fabric that matches the hair color. High-quality silk and cotton are commonly used for the inner lining.
The lining and mesh are then sewn together into a single piece, with a strip of white silk inserted at the appropriate position to reinforce the structure. The cap is then placed on a wooden head-shaped mold, with a carefully designed paper template positioned underneath for visibility during the knotting process.
The internal padding is sewn together using a silk ribbon band. To secure the mesh cap, cotton thread is stitched through the padding and anchored to thin steel loops that form the cap’s framework.
Stage 3: Knotting the Hair onto the Cap
This is the most intricate and time-consuming stage of wig-making, requiring skilled craftsmanship and precision. Long hair strands are sewn directly onto the cap using a specialized technique called “knotting.”
There are three common knotting methods used by manufacturers, with the “V-knot” being the most popular. Using this method, a hair bundle of approximately 63 cm can be turned into a wig measuring around 30.5 cm in length.
The thickness of the wig depends on the number of hair strands tied into each knot. Different needle sizes are used based on hair density requirements. The outer edges of the wig are typically made with single strands, while the top crown area may contain up to six strands per knot.
After all hair strands are secured onto the cap, the wig is removed from the mannequin head and transferred onto a fabric model for finishing touches. The edges are reinforced with additional stitching, and for maximum safety, clips and fasteners are securely attached using heat-setting machines.
Stage 4: Styling the Wig
In the final stage, the wig undergoes styling to achieve the desired look. First, the hair is dampened using a wet brush and then blow-dried. Handmade wigs require meticulous effort and time to perfect.
Once the hair is fully dry, it is combed again before moving on to the coloring process. The color of the wig is adjusted based on the stylist’s expertise, ensuring each wig has a unique and natural appearance. Finally, a thin protective mesh is placed over the wig before it is sent into a steaming chamber for the finishing process.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the production process of real human hair wigs—premium-quality wigs that offer a natural look and feel. Gugu Hair is dedicated to sharing industry knowledge and helping customers find the perfect wig to boost their confidence and enhance their beauty.
If you have any questions about our products, do not hesitate to contact us. Gugu Hair is always here to assist and support you!