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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7531

Wig and hairpiece maker

A wig and hairpiece maker is a person who makes, adapts and maintains hair prostheses for everyday wear.

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Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

understand artistic concepts

dye wigs

maintain wigs

use personal protection equipment

adapt to artists' creative demands

About wig and hairpiece maker

The maker works from sketches, photographs and artistic visions, and knots or ventilates hair into a foundation that has to fit one particular head. Wigs are then cared for: washed, reset, restyled and repaired, so that a hair prosthesis lasts as long as possible.

Chemicals are handled safely. Colouring, bleaching and the adhesives and solvents used in fitting are all active products, and a hair prosthesis may be worn by someone whose scalp is already sensitive from illness or treatment.

Current trends are followed. The workspace is prepared and kept in order, and the maker uses personal protective equipment, since the work involves fine fibres and solvents. Deadlines are met and the work is done ergonomically. The maker works in close collaboration with designers and uses knowledge of the human body to make sure a hairpiece allows full freedom of movement and is comfortable for everyday wear.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.dye wigsdye wigsApply dyes to wigs to obtain the desired colour.maintain wigsmaintain wigsOrganise, maintain and repair wigs and hairpieces. Use special shampoos, conditioners and combs. Store wigs in a safe environment.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.maintain theatre equipmentmaintain theatre equipmentCheck up on, maintain and repair tools and machinery used for onstage purposes, such as lighting equipment, stage sets or scene-change machinery.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.meet deadlinesmeet deadlinesEnsure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.create wigscreate wigsDesign and maintain wigs and hairpieces.maintain workshop spacemaintain workshop spaceKeep your workshop space in working order and clean.decide on wig making processdecide on wig making processDecide on what materials and techniques to use for performance wigs, and document the decision.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
Optional (9) — show
manage consumables stockmanage consumables stockManage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.plan workshop activityplan workshop activityPlan workshop activities according to production needs.develop the look of a productiondevelop the look of a productionDevelop the overall look or style of a theatre, opera, television, or film set.support a designer in the developing processsupport a designer in the developing processSupport designers in the course of the developing process.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.organise workshop spaceorganise workshop spaceArrange the space of an equipment workshop for maximum efficiency, such as, install lighnting, install a workbench, etc. Decide on the activities and equipment to fit in, and the most convenient way t...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...design make-up effectsdesign make-up effectsDevelop and apply special make-up including effects.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a wig and hairpiece maker do?

Wig and hairpiece makers create adapt and maintain hair prostheses for use in live performance. They work from sketches, pictures and artistic visions combined with knowledge of the human body to ensure the wearer maximum range of movement. They work in close cooperation with the designers.

What skills does a wig and hairpiece maker need?

A wig and hairpiece maker needs 17 essential skills, including work ergonomically, understand artistic concepts, dye wigs, maintain wigs, use personal protection equipment.

Will AI replace wig and hairpiece maker jobs?

The AI disruption score for wig and hairpiece maker is 18/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: keep personal administration, manage consumables stock, manage technical resources stock. Most resilient: work with respect for own safety, understand artistic concepts, maintain workshop space.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupFood processing, wood working, garment and other craft workers
Essential Skills17

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