Simple weft wigs come in different sizes and are relatively inexpensive, mass – produced wigs that are good for crowd scenes. These wigs use machine-made hair wefts that are either synthetic or real hair that has been acid-reduced (to facilitate styling). A synthetic wig cannot have its style changed, though a reduced hair wig can be styled with limitations.[45]
A stretch weft wig is designed to fit most people; these are the kind of wigs most often found in costume shops for Halloween, are cheap, and are mostly synthetic hair, though reduced-hair stretch wigs do exist. These wigs could be suitable for a crowd scene but probably won’t fool anyone up close. On the other hand, because they’re so inexpensive (especially compared to hand-knotted wigs), they can come in handy when push comes to shove. I’d call these "last resort" wigs.
Another type of weft wig is more expensive: fashion weft stretch wigs. These are also known as combination wigs because the tops of these wigs have a large area of hand-tied, drawn-through parting-style work.4 This makes the hair appear to be growing directly out of the scalp. These are stretch wigs designed to fit most people, are medium to expensive in price, and are made in a variety of hairstyles and colors.
These weft wigs are easy to care for and easy to wear, but there are disadvantages, which include:
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Hand-knotted wigs are almost always made to order from specific measurements and can be quite expensive. Unless you have a money tree in your backyard, these are not Halloween wigs. They are the real deal, and they look and fit fantastic. These are fully custom wigs that are available in varying weight, color, length, and quality. Being custom wigs, knotted wigs can have hand-sewn foundations or machine-sewn vegetable (veg) net foundations with a galloon (silk lace ribbon) base; they can also have a hair-lace front that will allow the wigmaker to knot an actual hairline for theatrical use. The lace is so fine that with makeup it becomes invisible to all but the closest scrutiny. Even then it can be barely perceptible.
Hand-knotted wigs can have a very long life if well cared for. For stage and screen, hand-knotted lace wigs are what principal cast members wear. In researching wigs and postiche for this book, I’ve learned a great deal about the craft from Diana Ben Kiki, hair and wig mistress for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. She and her work are amazing, and I’m sure glad I know her.
