Wigs: Storage and Transport


MOCHI > The Workshop > Makeup, Etc. > Wigs > Storage and Transport

Storage and transport

The first thing to get is a styrofoam head to store your wig. This may seem like a needless, extra expense, but it is worth it. If the place that you buy your wigs from doesn't sell any styrofoam heads, there are a few places on-line that will happily do so. If you're on a budget, keep an eye out for styrofoam heads that have been used as store display models: they are usually dinged up a bit and you can try getting them at a discount. You also should keep an eye out for store closings: we were able to pick up six styrofoam heads that were used in the store's window display for very cheap.

Storing the wig on the head helps it keep it's shape. The wig doesn't end up sandwiched somewhere were the strands can rub against each other (which is where the mats start). If you want something more portable for travelling, you can buy collapsible stands. They are more compact than a styrofoam head, but aren't as nice to work with. (It's harder to style a wig on a stand than it is to style a wig on a head. You can pin the wig onto the head.)

Hair nets are helpful for both storing and transporting wigs -- especially long-haired ones. These are fairly cheap, usually costing no more than $1 apiece. Hair nets are very thin mesh-like things that help hold hair in place. For long-haired wigs, this is very helpful since it prevents the hair from going all over the place. If you wash your wig and let it dry, the hair net can also be helpful when trying to reshape the wig when wet.

Very simply styled wigs can usually be transported in seperate plastic zip-locked bags. [For extra "insurance", I usually put them inside a hair net. - Daifuku.] We've had luck transporting more complex wigs in hatboxes. Put the wig on a styrofoam head, making sure to pin it in several different places. Put a hair net over the whole thing. Put the head into the hatbox, so that the head is "lying down". Pack stuff around the head: some small hand towels usually fit. Close up the hatbox.

At a garage sale, we were able to find a 60's era vinyl-covered hatbox that zips shut and has a carrying handle. It cost a whopping $5.00. Sometimes you can find hatboxes in craft stores, although you'll probably have better luck looking in vintage or second-hand shops.

If you're going to be traveling a lot and space is precious, you might want to get a wig stand. The particular model that we have is made out of three pieces plastic. It packs flat (great for the bottom of your suitcase or in a garment bag) and can be put together very quickly.