In Depth- “Custom Made Wig Design Process”

Custom wig design process

Throughout the bespoke wig or hairpiece creation you will be guided by Gary Price, Daniel Galvin’s Wig Director at Selfridges in London. During the initial consultation he will discuss the options available to suit your particular needs and expectations. Gary will assist your decision making by showing you a variety of hair colour, texture and density samples. Daniel Galvin also stock a range of ready to wear wigs and hair pieces which you can try on to visualise the colour, length and style of your bespoke piece.

When choosing colour and style it often helps if you have photographs or hair colour samples to bring to the consultation. We can match any hair colour blend and texture with the custom made wig.

Template design & foundation

Once your specific requirements have been discussed and agreed, the wig designer will create a mould or template of the either the whole head or the specific area that the wig or hair piece is to fit. This procedure includes recreating a natural hair line pattern and a very precise fit. From this mould, your wig foundation will be created. On the foundation additions such as a lace front, as ‘skin’ parting and crown may be applied. Once this is completed, Gary will explain to you the choices of hair available and make recommendations on the best type of hair to use.

Hair choice

The choice of hair type to be used varies according to your specific requirements and ethnicity. Our suppliers will provide samples of different shades and curl patterns to be approved by you before the hand knotting of the piece begins, this ensures that the colour and curl match are perfect before your bespoke piece is made.

We use only the finest quality, ethically sourced hair. This includes high quality Remy hair and beautiful silky European hair, we create custom made wigs and hairpieces in blends of human and synthetic hair. Or, in the design of grey wigs and hairpieces pure resistant synthetics are recommended. Heat resistant synthetic hair can be blow dried and heat styled with appliances with a temperature up to 120° degrees only.

Construction

The completed template and agreed design will then be sent to the manufacturer. The makers construct a monofilament or lace cap and start hand knotting the hair into this base. A hand made wig can take 3-4 months to complete.

Fitting and attachment

According to the type of hair loss a variety of methods of fixing or attaching the wig or hair piece may be chosen. For clients with Alopecia Totalis we would recommend a bespoke ultra-secure wig foundation which grips to the skin and may be used with double sided wig tape. For clients who have some hair such clients with female pattern hair loss, or Alopecia Areata, clips or combs may be added to secure the wig to the existing hair. All of our hair pieces, toppers and hair enhancers are fixed with snap lock clips. Front hair line replacement systems, for clients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, are taped at the front hairline and the back of the hair piece is clipped to the clients existing hair .

Hard moulds are laser cut from the original template and the wig or hairpiece foundation is constructed directly onto this. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit in the completed item.

When the foundation is completed it is then sent to be ventilated, this is the process where thousands of individual strands of hair are knotted by hand into the transparent net of the foundation. The average amount of hairs knotted this way are approximately 150,000, in a higher density piece many more. The hand knotting of a bespoke piece is very labour intensive and can take 3 to 4 months to complete.

Final wig fitting

At the final fitting you will be shown how to apply your wig or hair piece and it will then be cut and styled by Gary Price at Selfridges. You will also be instructed in how to care for your new hair to maximise its condition and longevity. Aftercare instructions & FAQ can be found on the Daniel Galvin website.

Booking

For any enquiries or to book a consultation (check price) in a private room call us on 0207 3183663 or email Gary.price@danielgalvin.com