You know when I am not online blogging about hair extensions I am up to something else hair-related, right? With the launch of my hair extensions business Essi's Heads Up (on Facebook) and my essiwigs (c) brand of wigs, I have been trying new things with wigs. Lately, braided wigs have been occupying my time.
These wigs, are time consuming , taking about 9 hours to create. I am well aware that there are pre-braided extensions out there that I can just crochet into a wig, but there is something beautiful and soothing about working those hair extensions to the end of the braid. It's equally satisfying to see the plait count increase -- from a single one , to a patch of plaits then just one more to go.
I am usually my own guinea pig when I design a new wig. I created the wig that you see here using Supreme Super X in 1B 33 because I craved that wine colour. I created this in one sitting , which means that I didn't do it over three days as I tend to do with the wigs I make for clients . Honestly, I am usually too anxious to try on the wigs I make for myself, to go beyond a night.
I used three packs of hair extensions to create this beauty and I have to tell you that it was very thick and heavy, unlike the ones found at the Beauty Supply Stores. I didn't work with the full length of the braid, opting for an 18-inch length which made my wig corporate-suitable. I tried the wig in different styles -- all down, top up , bottom down, to the side , in a low ponytail. I settled on this style with my the top tied in a knot loosely and the bottom down.
The best part of having my own go-to essiwig(c) is that I can take it off before bed and put it on again the next morning. Another plus? I don't have to take down my braids as I would have if I attached the extensions to my own hair AND my natural hair remains intact (no tight braids pulling on my hairline).
I also created a Senegalese twist essiwig (c) using the pre-braided two strand twists. I completed that wig in half the time I did my braided wig and I was so pleased with the results.
The best part of making a wig for a client is witnessing their transformation during try on. The best part of making a wig for myself is being able to produce the a hair piece that is exactly what I want! Would appreciate your feedback. Don't forget to check out my page and some of my wigs at Essi's Heads Up on Facebook :)
- Me, in my braided essiwig (c)
- Senegalese Twist essiwig (c)
