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A specialization of the cosmetology field, wig design and
maintenance can become a way of caring for cancer patients
without having to deal with actual medical procedures. A good
wig can make all the difference for cancer patients experiencing
hair loss due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Instead
of feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, cancer patients
who have a skilled wig maker working with them can go out
in public without worrying about stares or questions.
How Wig Designers Work with Cancer Patients
Wig designers first measure a client's head before drawing
a design and cutting a pattern. The wig designer will then
choose materials, lay them out, and attach strands of hair
to a base. High-quality, realistic wigs for cancer patients
are usually made from human hair and a breathable base made
from lace.
As a wig designer, you can work with any number of charitable
organizations that offer discounted or free wigs and styling,
or you open your own boutique that caters to the special needs
of cancer patients.
A cancer patient is not like a regular wig customer and will
most likely value a wig designer and stylist with sensitivity.
Boutiques that cater to cancer patients should have private
areas for consultations and fittings and strive to make the
client as comfortable as possible. This particular kind of
wig designer must also be able to work with human hair to
create believable, natural-looking pieces that get mistaken
for "real" hair. A cancer patient may even bring
in pictures or come in while they still have hair so that
the wig maker can recreate the patient's old hair as closely
as possible.
There are, of course, a variety of other medical conditions
that can cause hair loss. They include alopecia areata, an
autoimmune disorder, and telogen effluvium, which is caused
by major trauma and results in the hair follicles shutting
down. If you aspire to help cancer patients as a wig designer,
chances are some of these folks will also come to you for
realistic hairpieces.
Other Careers for Wig Designers
Other careers for wig designers, wig makers and wig stylists
include making wigs for the elderly, creating hair extensions
and wigs for African American women, or making costume wigs
for theater or movies. Some wig designers focus exclusively
on hairpieces and toupees for men.
A Wig Designer's Salary
A wig designer's salary can vary a great deal depending on
location and clientele. To give you an idea of the range,
the average annual salary for a wig maker is $29,214 in Atlanta
and $46,210 in Indianapolis (according to SalaryExpert.com).
How to Become a Wig Designer
To become a wig designer, a cosmetology program at a career
college will first teach you how to style hair. While studying
for your cosmetology diploma or associate degree, you can
take classes to specialize in wig making and repair. Courses
in theater make-up may also deal with theatrical wig making.
Often, you may begin you career by working as a wig repairer
or wig stylist before becoming a wig designer.
There are many schools that offer cosmetology courses. To
see these and others, visit the Cosmetology
Schools directory today.
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Cosmetology Guide
