Using Hair Wefts

Today's lesson focused on using hair wefts and hair pieces to create a hair style.

Hair extensions can come in weft forms, have clips pre-sewed to them and be pre-prepared into a particular style such as a bun, ponytail or even a fringe. They are made using synthetic fibres or human hair which is treated and dyed to suit. When clips are not already attached to wefts, a less cost effective and easy method of clipping the extensions in place involves using the models natural hair to create a pin curl and then clipping the weft onto it.

 As I am quite comfortable and confident with using clip in extensions, I decided to use a hair piece and incorporate it into a modern style.

I began by sectioning the hair and creating two pin curls, which I cross gripped to secure. These pin curls would act as a base for the hair switch. I placed the hair switch over the pin curls and gripped into place until it felt secure. It is important to ensure any hair attached to the head is fully secure, especially when working on a performer who moves around a lot. I then loosely braided the hair piece, rolled it into a bun and secured it into a neat even shape.

 

I then used the remaining natural hair left around the hair switch to create a decorative pattern around and over the hair piece. I neatly pulled the hair directionally towards the bun and twisted at the base of the hair switch ans secured. I then twisted the remaining hair over and around the bun to create a modern and textured finish.

Finished look

Overall, although I am pleased with the finished result, I struggled to get there at the beginning as I tried to disguise the hair switch rather than incorporate the natural hair into it. As soon as I began to ignore the difference in colours I was able to create a textured design. Also after checking the hair through the mirror, I noticed I had attached the hair switch onto the dolly head at an angle. I wanted it to be central. Instead of removing the hair switch and starting again, I used more hair and created bigger shapes on the side of the bun which the hair switch leant away from. This added uniformity and balance.

I think I would really benefit from using more visual references when styling hair, as I struggle to design looks off the top of my head.