Convenience, versatility, and cost-effectiveness – there are many reasons for wearing a wig these days. To keep up with the ever-changing trends, you always need a new hairstyle to go with your most fashionable outfits. By purchasing a wig, you can enjoy the freedom of switching up hairstyles in a blink of an eye without worrying about committing extensive hairstyling time or damaging your hair roots. Although cheaper than visiting a hair salon, human hair wigs can be quite costly. For those who want to save some extra cash and have trouble finding a perfect wig, getting crafty and making your own U part wigs would be a great option to consider.
What is a U part wig?
A U part wig is a type of modified half wigs that allow you to cover its tracks with your own hair. It has a U-shaped opening in the front, usually the central front portion of your head so that your natural hair shows through. This allows your hair to blend with the wig and preserves your natural hairline. You can manipulate this portion of your hair freely, allowing for more versatile hairstyling choices. It is also possible to close off the U-shaped opening with a closure if you prefer to do so.
What are the benefits of a U part wig?
Convenience: There is no need to sew in individual tracks. By following a series of simple steps, you can create your unique U part wig and pop it on whenever you wish to. You no longer need to book regular appointments at the hair salon to maintain your hairstyle. Just put on another wig and you are ready to go!
Versatility: Since you are the creator of your unique U part wig, you can customize it however you want. Unlike many other types of wigs, the U part wig has an opening that allows access to your natural hair, so you are able to style that portion without exposing any tracks. This expands your options of hairstyles. A U part wig can also be taken off and reinstalled at any time. You can always take off the wig and go through your hair care routine whenever you wish to.
Prevention of damage: Styling a wig instead of your natural hair protects your hair from being exposed to damaging heat and chemicals. Unlike sew-ins, a U part wig does not require tight braids and protects your scalp from damage caused by constant tension and pulling.
Cost: The upkeep of a hairstyle may be quite high if it requires visits to a hair salon or frequent bleaching. You can create a U part wig can at home with only a one-time upfront cost. This definitely a major money saver.
Coverage: Wigs help cover up any traces of hair loss or thinning hair. By wearing a wig, you will always have a look of luxurious and voluptuous hair.
How to make a U part wig?
Now that you are convinced that a U part wig is the best option for you, we will walk through the steps to craft your very own U part wig. The process can take some time, but the results are gorgeous and 100% worth it.
There are two popular methods: the sewing method and hot glue gun method. The difference between the two methods lies in how the hair wefts are secured. The traditional sewing method utilizes a needle and thread to secure the wefts onto a wig cap. This extends wig longevity and ensures the hair bundles are firmly attached to the cap. The hot glue gun method is less time consuming and does not require any level of sewing skills. However, it is inappropriate for people who may be allergic to glue or have sensitive skin.
Before we get into the details of how to make a U part wig, you need to purchase a couple of tools from your local craft or beauty supply stores. The list of tools can be found below:
- A wig cap
- A foam head
- Pins
- Scissors
- Pen
- Comb
- Hair bundles of choice (2 to 3 bundles would usually be good enough but this still depends on the volume and length of your desired hairstyle. If you are aiming for a layered look, you can choose different lengths of wefts)
- C-curved needles and thread (for the sewing method only)
- Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks (for the hot glue gun method only)
Step 1: Preparing your hair
Comb out your hair smoothly and apply hair oil in preparation for braiding. Determine where you want your part to be and then section off the hair as a “leave out area”. This area will be the U-shaped section of the wig. You can use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a V-shaped part that is about 2 to 3 inches wide at the front and 1 to 2 inches wide at the back. Note that the V-shaped part should reach back to the top central portion of your head. Then, braid this section to keep this part of your hair away from the rest of your hair. Next, you need to create two more braids at each temple. These will be unbraided once you wear the wig. Cornrow the rest of your hair.
Step 2: Creating the wig (sewing method)
Measure the length and width of your leave-out area. Also measure diameter around the back of your head from ear to ear. Accurate measurements are important to ensure that the wig fits your head. Next, start crafting the wig by pinning a wig cap onto a foam head. Use the measurements and draw the U-shaped part onto the wig cap. Make sure the foam head is placed on a stable stand so that it does not fall over during the process.
Next, turn the wig cap inside out. After pinning the cap back to the wig head, you are ready to sew in the first weft. The weft should be sown from ear to ear along the bottom edge of the cap based on your measurements. Double check that the thread you are using matches the colour of your wig. After you finish sewing the first weft, turn the wig cap right-side-out, and then cut off the excess hair weft. Start the next row ¼ to ½ inch above the first one. Continue sewing in rows of wefts from bottom to top. Note that you should aim to sew the final rows closer together. This way, you will have an easier time when styling the wig and it will blend with your hair more naturally. Stop when you reach ¼ to ½ inch from the marked U-shaped section.
Pull out a pair of scissors, remove the wig from the foam head, and cut away the U-shaped section along the lines you drew earlier. Take extra care when cutting along the edges. Try not to cut too close to the tracks. Once this is done, you need to sew in the final row of wefts right along the cut edge. Lastly, sew in combs to the insides of the wig. Choose a set of flexible wig combs that match the length of your U-shaped section. You should sew 2 combs, one on each side of the U-shaped part, with the teeth facing away from the part. You may also sew another set of smaller combs to the nape of the wig with the teeth facing away from the hem.
Step 2: Creating the wig (hot glue gun method)
As mentioned above, this method replaces sewing with gluing to save you time. Instead of sewing the wefts into the cap, you can use a hot glue gun instead. Glue dries very quickly and laying it onto the cap takes very little time. To protect your foam head, you may need to place a nylon cap onto it so that the glue does not come into direct contact with the Styrofoam.
Step 3: Style your wig
You can style the wig based on your preferences. It is possible to layer, straighten, curl, dye or bleach your wig. You can also trim the ends that frame your face to make the wig look more natural.
Step 4: Wear your wig
Remove your completed, styled U part wig from the foam head and pull it over your head. Ensure that the combs are inserted properly into your braided hair on both sides of your leave-out area. Do not cover the braids that are part of the leave-out area. After securing your wig, unbraid the hair in the leave-out area. Part your hair with a comb to cover up the edges of the wig. Lastly, blend the wig hair into your natural hair until they merge seamlessly. Apply some hair serum to complete a shiny, flawless look.
Where can I buy a U part wig?
Looking for high quality and affordable U part wigs online? Aligrace hair offers a range of different options from ready-to-go U part wigs to kinky hair bundles for those who like to make their own U part wigs. All of the products from Alicegrace are made out of 100% 12A grade virgin human hair and hypoallergic Swiss lace. There are frequent sales and coupons found on the website to save you some extra bucks. If you change your mind within 7 days after purchase, you can always return or exchange the wig. Shopping with Aligrace is always a fun and hassle-free experience!