How to Be Wig Maker/Barber - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 30, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Wig making and barbering are closely related trades, as both involve cutting and styling hair. Wig makers craft hair pieces that are designed to look like a real scalp and hair, while barbers specialize in cutting men's and women's hair. Both professions require a high level of skill and precision, as their work affects the overall look and feel of the individuals appearance.

Wig makers must be proficient in the art of hair styling and cutting, as they must create a wig that fits the individuals head perfectly and looks natural. Barbers must also be skilled in cutting hair, as they must make sure that the hair is properly trimmed and blended to create the desired look. Both professionals must also be knowledgeable in the use of hair care products, such as styling gels, mousses, and sprays, as well as styling tools, such as curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers.

In addition, both professions require knowledge of customer service and communication skills, as they must interact with clients in order to understand their needs.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most barbers and wig-makers must be at least 16 years old and be able to read and write.
Apply to a barber school or wig-making school. Barbers must attend a state-approved barber school, while wig-makers can attend programs offered at beauty schools, cosmetology schools or specialty wig-making schools.
Complete the program. Barber school programs typically last nine months to one year and cover haircutting, styling, coloring and other aspects of barbering. Wig-making programs usually require six months to one year of study and focus on styling and cutting wigs, understanding hairpieces and working with synthetic hair.
Take the licensing exam. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the licensing exam administered by the state board of barbering or cosmetology.
Obtain a license. After passing the exam, you will receive a license to practice barbering or wig-making, which must be renewed every few years.
Look for a job. You can find jobs in barbershops, beauty salons, wig-making shops or through private clients.

Having an ideal and efficient approach to wig making/barbering starts with having the right tools. Using quality scissors and clippers is essential for a perfect cut and accurate styling. maintaining a clean and organized workspace will help to keep a professional look and feel.

Keeping the area tidy can also help save time in the long run. Furthermore, having an organized system for storing supplies and equipment will help to have everything on hand when needed. Finally, having a strong understanding of the various techniques and styles available will ensure that the finished product is of the highest quality.

With the right tools, a clean workspace, an organized system, and a good understanding of the trade, it is possible to achieve an ideal and efficient approach to wig making/barbering.

You may want to check Haircut and Beard Trimming Technician/Barber, Haircutting Color Technician/Barber, and Celebrity Barber for alternative.

Job Description

Hair Stylist
Hair Colorist
Hair Extension Specialist
Hair Conditioning Specialist
Hair Cutting Specialist
Hair Braiding Specialist
Hair Treatment Specialist
Wig Maker
Hairpiece Maker
Barber

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hair cutting techniques
Knowledge of styling/coloring techniques
Knowledge of basic barbering tools, including clippers, shears, and razors
Ability to consult with customers to determine their desired hairstyle
Ability to provide advice on hair care maintenance and styling
Ability to create custom wigs, toupees, and extensions
Ability to create styles that are flattering and appropriate for the customers face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle
Ability to stay up-to-date on current trends and products
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment

The ability to be a successful wig maker or barber is dependent on having certain skills. One of the most important skills to have is a knowledge of hair styling techniques. This includes being familiar with various cutting, curling, and coloring methods to achieve different looks.

having good communication skills is essential for understanding clients needs and preferences. it is important to be able to work quickly and efficiently while still maintaining a high quality of work. Finally, being able to stay organized and keep up with the trend of style is also necessary for success in this field.

With these skills, a wig maker or barber can ensure that their clients are happy with the end result and that they keep returning for future services.

Hair Coloring Technician/Barber, High-end Mens Haircut Specialist/Barber, and Creative Barber are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How long have you been a wig maker/barber?
How did you become interested in wig making/barbering?
What techniques do you use to create wigs and/or cuts?
How do you ensure a wig or cut looks natural?
Do you offer any special styling techniques?
Describe the process of creating a wig from start to finish.
How do you keep up with the latest trends in wig making/barbering?
Do you have any experience with styling wigs for special occasions?
What challenges have you faced as a wig maker/barber?
What sets your work apart from other wig makers/barbers?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Clippers. a handheld device used to trim hair, typically with adjustable settings for different lengths (eg: Wahl Professional Super Taper Hair Clipper).
Trimmers. a small electric appliance used to cut and shape facial hair (eg: Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 7100).
Scissors. a hand-operated cutting tool consisting of two metal blades joined in the middle by a pivot, used for cutting hair (eg: Joewell Professional Hair Cutting Scissors).
Razors. a tool with a sharp blade used to shave body hair (eg: Gillette Mach3 Mens Manual Razor).
Combs. a tool with teeth of varying sizes and shapes used to detangle and style hair (eg: Kent Handmade Wide Tooth Comb).
Brushes. a grooming tool with bristles made of animal hair, synthetic fibers, or plastic, used to smooth and style hair (eg: Mason Pearson Styling Brush).
Towels. a cloth used for drying or wiping the face or body (eg: Turkish Cotton Towels).
Capes. a protective covering worn by a hairdresser or barber to protect the client's clothing from hair clippings (eg: JRL Professional Barber Cape).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Barber Boards of America (NABBA)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
International Hair Styling Association (IHSA)
American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
Wig Industry Network (WIN)
International Wig Association (IWA)
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA)
Professional Hairdressers and Beauty Association (PHBA)
International Association of Hair Designers (IAHD)

We also have Up-to-date Barber, Salon Barber, and High-class Beard Trimmer/Barber jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Clipper. A specialized hair-cutting tool equipped with a rotating blade used to trim or cut hair.
Trimmer. A handheld tool used to create precise lines, edges, and shapes in a persons hair.
Comb. A wide-toothed tool used to detangle and style hair.
Shears. A pair of scissors used by barbers and stylists for cutting hair.
Razor. A sharp blade used for close shaving of the face and neck.
Hair Dye. A product used to add color to hair.
Blow Dryer. A tool used to dry and style hair using hot air.
Curling Iron. A tool used to create curls or waves in hair.
Hair Spray. A product used to add volume and hold to a hairstyle.
Hair Gel. A product used to add hold and shape to a hairstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Wig Maker/Barber? A1: A Wig Maker/Barber is a specialist who creates, styles, and cuts human hairpieces, known as wigs, to customers' specifications. Q2: How long does it take to make a wig? A2: It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to make a custom wig, depending on the complexity of the style. Q3: What type of hair is used for wigs? A3: Most wigs are made with human or synthetic hair. Human hair wigs are the most natural-looking and offer the most versatility in styling. Q4: What tools do Wig Makers/Barbers use? A4: Wig Makers/Barbers use a variety of tools such as scissors, razors, combs, brushes, hot irons, and hair dryers to create and style wigs. Q5: What certifications are required for a Wig Maker/Barber? A5: Most states require Wig Makers/Barbers to be licensed cosmetologists or barbers, meaning they must complete specialized training and pass an exam.