Starting Out in Wig Making & Supplies

I have had more queries about starting out making wigs. As a result, I have added a search box to help people find information in previous blog posts. Please use it before contacting me, as I may have already provided you with the information and answer.

To recap, this post is helpful for anyone getting started: http://makingwigs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/how-to-get-started-in-wig-making-and.html
I definitely suggest getting the book (and no, I am not an affiliate/don't get paid to say that!), as it will help you to learn wig terminology and provides a useful reference tool, as well as plenty of inspiration.

Wig making supplies -
My UK recommendations are here: http://makingwigs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/where-to-buy-supplies.html
There are others in Europe, but for various reasons including price and ease of ordering, these would be my preference if you are living in Europe. You should be able to order from those companies internationally too (so if you are in the US or Canada, don't discount them), but obviously shipping costs may be prohibitive.

If you are in the US, then His and Her sell wig making supplies. There are other places that sell bits and bobs, but His and Her has the widest selection. Alcone Company sells some products and is worth a look: http://www.alconeco.com/Products/Character/Wig-Making-Supplies I have not used either of the US companies - shipping is too expensive and I can get what I need on my side of the pond, so to speak.

I shall also start a glossary of terms, so that people who are confused what various terms mean can refer to it.

Where to buy supplies...

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is where to buy wig making supplies if living in the UK.

There are two main places that spring to mind:

Banbury Postiche - http://www.banburypostiche.co.uk
Hugo Royer - http://www.royer.co.uk/main.php

Both of these companies are located in the UK. As well as selling lace/tulle, galloon, needles, holders and blocks, they supply virgin European human hair. As far as I am aware, both companies can colour/texture match, which is particularly useful for making hair pieces that need to blend properly with the wearer's bio hair.

Banbury Postiche will sell you hair to practice with, but I personally have saved money by using old processed wig hair - Asian/Indian origin. If you have an old human hair wig that you do not want anymore, or some old wefts or just raw hair - you might as well use those rather than buy hair specially to practice making a piece or wig with.

If you are just getting started, you may also want to check out my first blog posts for tips on how to save money when learning and seeing whether you actually like wig making/have an aptitude for it. No point spending lots of money if you eventually find you do not enjoy making wigs or do not have the time.

You can definitely get away with a polystyrene head for purely learning ventilation, a needle holder, some needles and practice hair. You would not be spending more than maybe 20 to 30 pounds.