Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 3
Artificial hair
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Artificial hair
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Subject: Cosmetology
Class: Senior Secondary 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Theme: Hair Care And Hair Care Products
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List types of hairpieces and wigs. State the differencebetween wigs and hair pieces. State reasons for wearing wigs. State tips on buyingwigs and hairpieces. Care for wigs and hair pieces Practice how to maintain wigs and hair pieces. Fix artificial hair ona patron or volunteer.
cannot withstand heat styling, can look less natural, and have a shorter lifespan. Some advanced synthetic wigs (heat-friendly synthetic) can tolerate low heat. 2.
3. Difference Between Wigs and Hairpieces (Performance Objective 2): | Feature | Wigs | Hairpieces | | :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Coverage | Cover the entire scalp, from hairline to nape. | Cover only a specific section of the head; do not provide full coverage. | | Purpose | Complete hair transformation, protective styling, conceal hair loss, fashion. | Add volume, length, or a specific style to existing hair; enhance natural hair in specific areas. | | Attachment | Secured around the perimeter of the head using combs, clips, adjustable straps, adhesives, or elastic bands. | Attached to natural hair using clips, combs, drawstrings, elastic bands, or sewn in (weaves). | | Versatility | Offers a wide range of styles and colours, often allowing for complete changes in appearance. | Limited to enhancing specific parts of the hair or creating specific partial styles. | | Natural Hair | Natural hair is usually braided or laid flat underneath, fully concealed. | Natural hair is typically integrated and blended with the hairpiece. | | Cost | Generally more expensive, especially human hair and lace constructions. | Usually less expensive, as they require less material and complex construction. | | Maintenance | Requires full wig care routines (washing, conditioning, styling, storage). | Maintenance is localized to the hairpiece and often less intensive than full wig care. | | Example Use | Wearing a completely different hairstyle for an event; daily wear for convenience. | Adding a fuller ponytail, extending length for an updo, creating a temporary fringe/bangs. | 2.
4. Reasons for Wearing Wigs (Performance Objective 3): Wigs are a versatile and popular option for many individuals in Nigeria due to various compelling reasons:
1. Protective Styling: Wigs allow natural hair to rest from daily styling, heat, and chemical treatments, promoting hair health and growth underneath. This is a primary reason for many Nigerian women.
2. Fashion and Versatility: Wigs offer the freedom to experiment with different hairstyles, colours, lengths, and textures without altering one's natural hair. A person can switch from long straight hair to a short curly bob in minutes.
3. Convenience and Time-Saving: Wigs can be pre-styled, significantly reducing daily hair preparation time. This is particularly beneficial for busy professionals or those seeking a quick, polished look.
4. Hair Loss/Medical Reasons: Wigs provide coverage and restore confidence for individuals experiencing hair loss due to conditions like alopecia, chemotherapy, post-partum shedding, or other medical treatments.
5. Concealing Bad Hair Days/Growth Stages: Wigs are an excellent solution for covering up unkempt natural hair, awkward growth phases (e.g., during transition from relaxed to natural hair), or simply when one doesn't have time to style their own hair.
6. Enhancing Appearance: Wigs can add volume, length, or a desired aesthetic that might not be achievable with natural hair alone, instantly boosting one's look.
7. Professionalism/Conformity: In some professional settings or cultural events, a neat, styled appearance is required. Wigs offer a quick way to achieve this without extensive styling of natural hair.
8. Privacy and Identity: Some individuals prefer to keep their natural hair private for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, and wigs provide an effective means of covering it. 2.
5. Tips on Buying Wigs and Hairpieces (Performance Objective 4): Purchasing artificial hair, especially in a market like Nigeria with varying quality, requires careful consideration.
1. Determine Your Budget: Human hair wigs are more expensive but offer longevity and versatility. Synthetic wigs are more affordable but have limitations. Set a realistic budget beforehand.
2. Choose the Right Material (Human vs.
Synthetic): Human Hair: Best for natural look, heat styling, dyeing, and long-term use. Consider the type (e.g., Brazilian, Peruvian) for desired texture.
Synthetic Hair: Good for pre-styled, low maintenance, and budget-friendly options. Ensure it's heat-friendly if you want styling versatility.
3. Understand Cap Construction: Lace Front/Full Lace: Ideal for natural hairline, versatile styling. More expensive.
Machine-Made: More affordable, durable, but less natural hairline. * Size: Ensure the cap fits snugly but comfortably. Most wigs come in average 2.
1. Definition of Artificial Hair: Artificial hair refers to any hair product that is not naturally grown on a person's scalp but is added to enhance, alter, or cover their natural hair. This includes wigs, hairpieces, weaves, extensions, and braids made from human hair, synthetic fibres, or a blend of both. 2.
2. Types of Hairpieces and Wigs (Performance Objective 1): Hairpieces: These are smaller sections of hair designed to be attached to a specific part of the head to add volume, length, or a particular style. They do not cover the entire scalp.
Types of Hairpieces: Clip-in Extensions: Sections of hair with clips attached, easily clipped into natural hair for temporary volume or length. Very popular for quick style changes.
Ponytails/Drawstring Ponytails: Pre-styled ponytails that can be attached over a person's natural ponytail to create a fuller or longer look.
Buns/Chignons: Hairpieces designed to create the illusion of a full bun or chignon, often secured with elastic or clips.
Weaves/Sew-in Extensions: Hair wefts sewn onto cornrowed natural hair. Offers a protective style and more permanent integration.
Half Wigs/U-Part Wigs: Designed to cover only a section of the head, leaving some natural hair out at the front to blend. Provides volume and length while maintaining a natural hairline.
Toppers/Toupees: Smaller hairpieces specifically designed to cover areas of hair thinning or baldness, usually at the crown or front of the head.
Braiding Hair: Synthetic or human hair used for creating various braided styles (e.g., box braids, Ghana weaving, twists).
Wigs: These are full head coverings made of human or synthetic hair designed to cover the entire scalp. They are worn for various reasons, including fashion, convenience, or to conceal hair loss.
Types of Wigs by Construction: Full Cap Wigs (or Machine-Made Wigs): The most common and often most affordable type. The hair is machine-sewn onto wefts which are then sewn onto a stretchable cap. They offer good coverage but may lack the natural look of a lace wig at the hairline.
Lace Front Wigs: Feature a sheer lace material at the front hairline (typically 2-4 inches deep) to which individual hairs are hand-tied. This creates a natural-looking hairline, allowing for off-the-face styling. The rest of the wig cap is typically machine-made. Highly popular in Nigeria for their realistic appearance.
Full Lace Wigs: The entire wig cap is made of lace, allowing for versatile styling, including updos and high ponytails, as the hair appears to grow directly from the scalp from all angles. They are more expensive due to extensive hand-tying. 360 Lace Wigs: Feature lace around the entire perimeter (front, sides, and back) of the wig, allowing for ponytails and updos. The centre part of the wig cap is usually machine-made wefts.
U-Part Wigs: While sometimes considered a hairpiece, they function like a wig but have a U-shaped opening at the front, allowing a section of the wearer's natural hair to be pulled through and blended with the wig.
Types of Wigs by Material: Human Hair Wigs: Made from real human hair. They offer the most natural look and feel, can be styled with heat tools, dyed, and permed just like natural hair. More expensive and require more maintenance.
Grades: Often graded (e.g., 8A, 9A, 10A) to indicate quality, though this is not a universal standard. Common types include Brazilian, Peruvian, Malaysian, Indian hair, each with distinct textures.
Synthetic Wigs: Made from various synthetic fibres (e.g., Kanekalon, Toyokalon). They are generally more affordable, come pre-styled, and hold their style well.
However, most cannot withstand heat styling, can look less natural, and have a shorter lifespan. Some advanced synthetic wigs (heat-friendly synthetic) can tolerate low heat. 2.
3. Difference Between Wigs and Hairpieces (Performance Objective 2): | Feature | Wigs | Hairpieces | | :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Coverage | Cover the entire scalp, from hairline to nape. | Cover only a specific section of the head; do not provide full coverage. | | Purpose | Complete hair transformation, protective styling, conceal hair loss, fashion. | Add volume, length, or a specific style the internal adjustable straps (if available) for a snug but comfortable fit. Use the combs/clips inside the wig (if present) to secure it to the wig cap or the patron's natural hair.
5. Securing and Blending (for Lace Wigs): For lace front wigs, gently pull the lace forward to align with the natural hairline. Trim any excess lace carefully, leaving about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of lace to blend. Apply a small amount of lace adhesive, gel, or wig spray along the hairline to melt the lace into the skin. Press gently with the back of a comb or fingers until secured. Use edge control to smooth out the patron's natural baby hairs (if desired) at the front and blend them with the wig's hairline for a seamless look.
6. Styling: Gently comb and style the wig as desired using appropriate wig-friendly tools and products. Ensure the wig lays smoothly and looks natural. Ask the patron to check for comfort and satisfaction. --- periodically seal the wefts if they appear loose. 2.
7. Practice How to Maintain Wigs and Hairpieces (Performance Objective 6): This practical session will guide students through the actual process of caring for an artificial hair unit.
Materials: Wig/hairpiece (synthetic and/or human hair), wig stand, wide-tooth comb/wig brush, sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, clean towel, spray bottle (optional, for water), wig-specific styling products (e.g., leave-in conditioner, light serum). Procedure (Teacher Demonstration followed by Student Practice):
1. Preparation: Place the wig securely on a wig stand. If a hairpiece, place it on a flat, clean surface or hold it carefully.
2. Detangling: Gently detangle the wig/hairpiece using a wide-tooth comb or wig brush, starting from the ends and working upwards to the roots.
3. Washing: Carefully wet the wig/hairpiece under cool running water, ensuring the hair flows in one direction (downward). Apply a small amount of wig-friendly shampoo. Gently work it through the hair using your fingers in a downward motion. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing vigorously. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all shampoo is gone. Apply a moisturizing conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Allow it to sit for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear and the hair feels smooth.
4. Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Place the wig/hairpiece onto a clean towel and gently blot to remove more water. Do not wring or twist. Place the wig back on the wig stand (for wigs) or lay the hairpiece flat/hang to air dry completely. Ensure good air circulation.
For human hair wigs: A low-heat blow dryer can be used, but air drying is preferred.
5. Styling & Finishing: Once completely dry, gently detangle again. Apply a small amount of wig-friendly leave-in conditioner or serum for shine and frizz control. Style as desired using appropriate tools (e.g., wig brush, fingers, curling iron/flat iron for human hair on low heat with heat protectant).
For synthetic wigs: Use cool styling methods or simply finger-style to restore its original look. 2.
8. Fix Artificial Hair on a Patron or Volunteer (Performance Objective 7): This practical session focuses on the application of a wig, which is a common service in Nigerian salons.
Materials: Wig, wig cap, wide-tooth comb/brush, rat-tail comb, hair gel/edge control, hairspray, clips, wig grip band (optional), patron/volunteer with natural hair. Procedure (Teacher Demonstration followed by Student Practice):
1. Client Consultation: Discuss the desired look, ensure the wig is clean and ready, and check for any sensitivities or allergies.
2. Natural Hair Preparation: Ensure the patron's natural hair is clean and dry. Cornrow the patron's hair backwards or flatten it into a low ponytail/bun, ensuring it's as flat as possible to avoid bulk under the wig. Smaller, neater braids are preferred. Apply a light layer of leave-in conditioner or a protective serum to the natural hair before braiding.
3. Wig Cap Application: Carefully place a wig cap over the patron's flattened natural hair, ensuring all hair is tucked in. This protects natural hair and provides a smooth base. Ensure the wig cap is positioned correctly, usually about half an inch back from the natural hairline.
4. Wig Application: Hold the wig by the ear tabs and gently place it on the patron's head, starting from the front hairline. Align the wig's front hairline with the patron's natural hairline (or desired position for lace wigs). Carefully pull the wig down over the back of the head. Adjust the wig using the internal adjustable straps (if available) for a snug but comfortable fit. Use the combs/clips inside the wig (if present) to secure it to the wig cap or the patron's natural hair.
5. Securing and Blending (for Lace Wigs): For lace front wigs, gently pull the lace forward to align with the natural hairline. Trim any excess lace carefully, leaving about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of lace to blend. Apply a small amount of lace adhesive, gel, or wig spray along the hairline to melt the lace into
Entrepreneurship and Business Development: Students can establish businesses in wig making, customization, sales, and restoration (wig revamping). The demand for quality wigs and professional wig services is high across Nigeria (e.g., in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja). Knowledge of types, quality assessment, and care is crucial for running a successful wig lounge or online store.
Professional Salon Services: Mastering the art of fixing artificial hair is a core skill for any professional hairstylist in Nigeria. Salons frequently offer services like wig installation, styling, and maintenance. This knowledge allows graduates to secure employment and provide premium services to clients who rely on wigs for daily wear, special occasions (e.g., weddings, parties), or protective styling.
Personal Grooming and Empowerment: Understanding artificial hair empowers individuals to make informed choices for their personal grooming. It enables them to manage their appearance effectively, experiment with different looks, and address hair-related concerns (like hair loss or slow growth) confidently, boosting self-esteem and social confidence in various Nigerian social and professional settings. ---