How to Block a Lace Wig

Lace wigs are very delicate and need to be handled with care because they are so fragile. In our lesson we learnt the correct way with how to block lace a wig so that we can start styling them. 

It is important that you get this right as if you block it wrong it will affect the whole style. 

You need to make sure that the wig is central and the ears are in line with each other before blocking. Each lace wig is made for a specific person so the chances are very unlikely that it will fit everyone or even the block! If the block is too small, most people add padding between the block and the wig to get the head shape right. No wigs are styled on the model, they are always placed on a block beforehand. Touching up the hair may be done on the model where it may have come loose during application. 

Blocking the wig:

Equipment:

• Block head
• Galloon
• Pins
• Large wig pins
• Spray bottle
• Padding (tissue in tights)

Steps:

1. Place the wig on the block, making sure everything is placed centrally and correctly. 
2. Using the spray bottle, dampen the lace and use the padding to smooth it to the block. Dampen the galloon too, and press it against the lace making sure it is smooth. Start off with the middle and pin it to the lace. Work your way round the edge of the lace, pinning the pins in a zig zag formation as this creates a strong structure. Keep the strands of hair out of the way, as they may get pinned under the galloon, making it harder for you to style. 
3. Continue pinning all the way round the lace, going round to the ears and with any remaining lace cross over at the front of the block.
4. With the large wig pins place one in the top of the head for security and 2 at the sides where the ears would be. Pin 2 at the back of the wig as well to ensure that the wig is secure and won't move. 

I didn't take any step-by-step photographs of me putting the galloon on, just one of it finished. It was quite difficult for me as I chose a wig that had a small amount of lace, close to the hairline meaning I had to carefully place the galloon around the block, ensuring that all the lace was covered with the galloon and that no hair was caught in it. I feel I did quite a good job with it and am confident when it comes to me styling it.