Why Customization Matters
A brand-new wig straight out of the package rarely looks natural. The hairline is too uniform, the knots on the lace are dark and visible, and the parting looks artificial. Professional customization is what bridges the gap between “wearing a wig” and “looking like your own hair.”
At The Wig Repair Shop, customization is one of our most requested services. Here is a step-by-step look at what happens when you bring your wig in for professional customization.
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
Every customization begins with a conversation. We examine the wig’s construction — lace type, hair density, knot style, and hair texture — and discuss your goals. Do you want a natural everyday look? A dramatic style for a special event? The customization approach changes based on your answer.
We also assess your skin tone, natural hairline pattern, and face shape. These details guide every technical decision that follows.
Step 2: Bleaching the Knots
Knots are the tiny points where individual hairs are tied to the lace base. On an un-customized wig, these knots appear as small dark dots along the lace, making it obvious that you are wearing a wig.
Bleaching lightens these knots so they become nearly invisible against the lace. This is a delicate chemical process — too little bleach and the knots remain visible, too much and the hair becomes weak and prone to shedding. Our specialists control the timing precisely to get the right balance.
Step 3: Plucking the Hairline
Natural hairlines are not perfectly straight or uniformly dense. They have subtle irregularity, with slightly thinner edges and baby hairs that frame the face.
Plucking involves carefully removing individual hairs from the hairline area to reduce density and create that natural, gradual transition. This is done by hand, strand by strand, to mimic the way real hair grows along your forehead.
Step 4: Creating Baby Hairs
Baby hairs are the fine, wispy strands along the edges of a natural hairline. We leave specific shorter strands during the plucking process, then cut and style them to lay naturally against the skin. When done correctly, baby hairs are one of the most convincing details of a customized wig.
Step 5: Lace Tinting
Wig lace typically comes in a generic light brown or transparent shade. If it does not match your skin tone, the lace edge becomes visible — especially in photos or direct sunlight.
Lace tinting involves dyeing the lace to match your exact skin tone. We use specialized tinting products that are gentle on the lace while providing an accurate colour match. This step alone can dramatically improve how natural the wig looks.
Step 6: Custom Parting
The parting area on an un-customized wig often looks too perfect. We create a more realistic parting by lightly plucking the part line and, in some cases, applying concealer or scalp-toned powder to simulate the look of real skin beneath the hair.
For closure wigs, we ensure the parting blends seamlessly with the surrounding wefts. For frontals, we can create multiple parting options so you can switch up your style.
Step 7: Final Styling
Once all the technical customization is complete, we style the wig to your preference — cutting, shaping, and finishing it so it is ready to wear immediately. This includes setting the curl pattern, trimming any uneven layers, and ensuring the overall shape complements your face.
How Long Does Customization Take?
A full customization typically takes two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the work. We recommend booking in advance, especially for special occasions.
Ready for a Custom Look?
If you have a new wig that needs personalizing or an existing wig that has never been properly customized, book your customization appointment with The Wig Repair Shop in Calgary. We will make it look like it was made just for you — because after we are done, it will be.