Wigmaker

Introduction

Wigmakers make wigs and hair pieces which are worn for fashion, in the performing arts and for therapeutic reasons. Wigmaking involves detailed, intricate work.

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Work Activities

Wigs are worn for fashion, for therapeutic reasons, and in the performing arts. Wigmakers use human hair or artificial materials to make wigs and hairpieces. There are also legal wigs (worn by advocates and judges) made out of horsehair.

Making a wig involves detailed work, fixing fine 'sections' (between two and six hairs) into a fine mesh net. A net foundation, knotting holder and needle (or knotting hook) are used to make the wig, and a range of dyes are used to colour it. Weaving frames are sometimes used to fix the hairs onto silks, but the result is not as natural.

As well as making the wig, a wigmaker may cut, style and fit it. You can specialise in any of these areas, though most wigmakers do the whole range. A person who specialises in cleaning, styling and fitting is known as a posticheur; it is possible to train as a hairdresser and then as a posticheur without qualifying as a wigmaker.

Wigmakers who work for manufacturers make wigs and hairpieces to the clients' measurements. Freelance wigmakers may have direct contact with their client (though some may work only through a posticheur). They discuss with the client what is needed and offer advice about styles and colours. They then take measurements. After making the wig they fit it to the client and make any changes needed. They show the client how to care for the wig, though the wigmaker may offer care and cleaning as part of their service.

Wigmakers working in TV, theatre or film may have to study historical documents and illustrations to design suitable wigs. They may also work with people like make-up artists and special effects technicians.

Wigmakers providing a service for National Health Service (NHS) clients may be dealing with people who need wigs as a result of injury or of the side effects of treatment.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a wigmaker you'll need to be creative, have good hand skills, an eye for detail and patience as the work is slow. You'll need good communication skills. If you are going to work with NHS patients you need to be tactful and reassuring.

Some commercial and business skills would be useful if you intend to do freelance work.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for wigmakers vary depending on the employment sector.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Wigmakers earn in the range of £190 - £250 a week, rising to £320 - £420 a week. Higher earners can make around £500 a week.

Wigmakers in film, TV or theatre might have to work long and unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends, often under pressure.

There are limited opportunities for wigmakers.

There are only a very few manufacturers of wigs in the country and it may be possible to work from home if you are employed by one of these. These companies make wigs for a variety of clients including the NHS.

Most opportunities are with film, TV or theatre costume departments, or as a freelance wigmaker. Work with film, TV and theatre companies is often on a contract basis and is very competitive.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have relevant skills and abilities gained in hairdressing work.

16% of people in occupations such as wigmaker are self-employed. 10% work part-time. 4% have flexible hours. 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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