OhMai Wigs Wonderland: Knotting Hair

Introduction to knotting:

A comprehensive understanding of how hair falls, sits and parts is key to hairstyling. However a crucial element to this is wigs, which are formed to create the illusion of real hair. It is the job of the wig maker to knot hair into patches of hair. This is created by a process known as knotting, and it is vital to knot extra hair to strengthen softening hair to create full body.

The template:

The initial process requires a template, which is typically achieved by wrapping clingfilm around the area of the model’s head/face in which the wig will be placed. A thin adhesive tape is usually used to keep the clingfilm in place, which makes it easier for marking. When creating a moustache, only one side is to be marked out. This half moustache is then retraced onto a piece of folded card. Unfolding the card gives a full symmetrical moustache.

Preparing to knott:

The moustache is then taped onto the mannequin head and lace is pinned over the taped moustache area. Once this process is completed, it is ready to have the hair knotted to create the moustache.

The knotting process:

The knotting process itself is by far the most time consuming and delicate part of making the moustache or any wig. It requires great attention to detail as every individual strand of hair is knotted through the lace to create a full area of hair. In this case a single strand of hair is knotted at a time however there can be more hair added to create thicker moustache.

The actual knotting process takes place with the appropriate type of hair and needle to suit the mesh.

In this example the type of knotting is known as single knotting. A distinguishing feature of single knotting is that individual knots of hair are added to the lace, one hair at a time.

The knotting process overview:

Thread the hair via the hook at an angle (see Figure 1). Slide the hook under the lace knotting the hair to the template.

(Figure 1)https://aikaterinigkinosati1.wordpress.com/2014/10/12/facial-postiche/

Single knotting in depth:

A single strand of hair is to be captured by the hook, then the hook is to slide under the lace. With a twisting motion a knot is to be formed (one hair at a time) and great care must be exercised in this process, especially with brittle hair to prevent its damage or snapping the hair. Slide the loop up the arm of the hook, wrap and return over the top of the hook whilst twisting the hook away from you. Slide the hair down in a brush-like motion to monitor progress from time to time. A step by step diagram below (Figure 2) shows the single knotting: