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Getting Wiggie With a Template...


Figure 1, Wig Template measurements

For the artist goblin lock, she needs to make a wig. To do this the artist will have to take some head measurements of their model. Figure 1 shows the measurements required for making a wig. However, as the model is male there will be some additional measurements required.


To begin the artist will wrap clingfilm around the model’s head covering ears, past the name of the neck and down the forehead. The artist will need to make sure all the model’s hairline is visible, while still being covered. For a model with long hair, the artist would first have to wrap the hair or pin curl it in place. Then apply it would cap over the hair and the hairline visible.

Figure , Sellotape stage

Once all this is complete the artist will then apply tape of the entire head (figure 2). Ensuring no clingfilm is visible. The artist will apply the sellotape into layers, this will allow her to apply it both vertically and horizontally. Overlapping will ensure that no gaps appear and give more strength to the structure. Finally, she will draw a line around the entire hairline and ears (figure 3 for guidance.

Figure 3, Hairline and ears marked

Moving on the artist will now begin to measure set lines around the model’s head. These are.

· The circumference – chicken around the head from approximately 2 cm above the nape.

· Forehead to nape – the centre of the hairline to the nape of the neck.

· Ear to ear across the front of the head – from the front of one ear across the forehead on the hairline to the other ear.

· Ear to ear over the crown – same as above but over the crown.

· Temple to temple – around the back of the head from temple to temple.

· Nape of the neck – measure across the nape


While taking these measurements the artist will note down any abnormalities such as lumps or bumps. As she goes, she will detail important information such as hair length, colour, whether it is straight or curly or in the model’s case Afro hair. She will also not specific hairlines and growth patterns. Within these cuts, the artist will state how the completed work will be styled. She will keep all this information for the foundation stage, wig making and styling.

Figure 4, Wig Template addition measurements

Some additional measurements the artist will take at this stage are (figure 4).

· Temple to temple – over the forehead

· Bridge of nose to the hairline - straight up the nose

· Bridge of nose to the receding point - nose to any receding hairlines.

· Temple to sideburns - length from temple to end of sideburns.

· Ear to the nape of the neck

· Back of ear to ear - across the back of the head.

· Front of the ear to ear – same as above.

· Sideburn to sideburn – across the face

· Sideburn to sideburn – over the crown from the bottom of one sideburn to the bottom of the other.

· Width of sideburn

Figure 5, Measurement lines

As the artist takes the measurements, she will leave small lines where she measured from and to (figure 5). This will allow her to accurately measure the same lines several times to make sure the measurements are accurate.


Next, the artist will cover all lines and markings with Sellotape to seal them in. Carefully, the artist will then remove the template from the model’s head placing it on a week block. Taping the template in place to secure it she can then begin stuffing it.


Stuffing is not always necessary, however, when it is the artist will use a tissue to fill out gaps between the block and template to create a perfect shape. To stuff the template the artist will cut small lines and use a tail comb to push tissue paper into the gaps. The artist will fill out the gaps until the shape is flush with the template. This process is done across the full block and once the artist is satisfied full shape is perfect, she will take over all lines cut into the template securing them closed.


Figure 6, Template complete

Now the artist has a completed template (figure 6) she can begin making the wig foundation. To see the foundation in the making continue reading….


Reference List


Figure List

Figure 1, Wig Template measurements

Figure 2, Sellotape stage K. Ellison, 2021

Figure 3, Hairline and ears marked

Figure 4, Wig Template addition measurements

Figure 5, Measurement lines K. Ellison, 2021

Figure 6, Template complete, K. Ellison, 2021

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Kailegh Ellison Glam to Gore.jpg

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Glam to Gore is a blog written by a second year foundation degree student. It follows her journey through the final year.

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