Master the Art of Wigs and Hairpieces: Essential Skills for Makeup Artists and Hairstylists
- Ellie Mansfield
- Oct 23, 2024
- 3 min read

When it comes to working as a professional makeup artist or hairstylist, versatility is key. The ability to handle not just natural hair but also wigs and hairpieces is a highly sought-after skill in today’s beauty industry. Whether you're working on set, at a special event, or behind the scenes at a theatre production, understanding the ins and outs of wig styling and application can open up countless opportunities.
In this post, we’re diving into why mastering wigs and hairpieces is a must-have skill and how you can add it to your professional toolkit.
Why Wig Skills Are Essential
Working with wigs and hairpieces isn’t just for special effects or stage productions—it’s a valuable skill for bridal looks, editorial shoots, TV shows, and more. Many clients require hair solutions beyond their natural hair, whether it’s to achieve a specific style, add volume, or create an entirely new look.
From creating dramatic updo's for formal events to transforming actors on set, wigs offer the flexibility to take your hairstyling and makeup artistry to the next level.
What You Can Learn
As part of my Professional Artist Education, I offer personalised, hands-on training in all aspects of wig and hairpiece work. Here’s what you can expect to cover in our sessions:

Wig Application: Learn how to apply wigs seamlessly for both natural and dramatic effects. You’ll gain skills in both glueless and adhesive application methods, ensuring your work is secure and flawless.
Wig Styling: I’ll guide you through cutting, shaping, and styling wigs to suit a variety of looks, from period-specific styles to modern, voluminous waves. You’ll learn how to work with both synthetic and human hair wigs, giving you the confidence to tackle any job.
Wig Maintenance: Keeping wigs in top condition is crucial for longevity and reusability. I’ll teach you how to properly care for wigs, including washing, detangling, and storage techniques that maintain the integrity of the hair.
Facial Hair Application: Expand your skillset even further by learning how to apply facial hair, including moustaches, beards, and sideburns. Whether you’re working on character transformations or special events, knowing how to handle facial hair adds an extra layer of versatility to your work.
Customisation: Learn how to customise wigs for specific clients, including cutting, and adding texture. We’ll cover everything from subtle tweaks to dramatic transformations.
How Wig Mastery Elevates Your Career
Incorporating wigs and hairpieces into your repertoire can elevate your professional portfolio and make you more competitive in the industry. Whether you’re working in film, TV, bridal, or editorial, being able to offer wig styling and maintenance sets you apart from other artists.
Clients will love that you can create fuller, more dynamic looks, while directors and photographers will appreciate your ability to transform talent into exactly what’s needed for the production.
The Hands-On Learning Experience
As with all of my training sessions, the education is hands-on. You’ll have the opportunity to work with different types of wigs and facial hairpieces, and I’ll provide step-by-step guidance to help you master each technique. We’ll go beyond theory and dive straight into practical application so you can feel confident in your new skills.
Why Learn From Me?
With over 12 years of experience working in film, TV, and theatre, I’ve styled everything from elegant bridal wigs to theatrical characters requiring complete hair transformations. My experience in fast-paced, high-stakes environments has given me a wealth of knowledge that I’m excited to share with you.
As part of your education, you’ll also gain valuable insights into industry best practices, wig kit essentials, and tips for working efficiently on set or at events.
Ready to Add Wig Expertise to Your Toolkit?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your makeup and hairstyling career, my Professional Artist Education can help you master the art of wigs and hairpieces. Whether you want to learn everything from scratch or perfect your existing skills, I’ll tailor the training to your needs and goals.
Book your session today, and let’s unlock new creative possibilities together!









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