1940s 1950s Hairstyles - Can You Fix A Switch? - Hair Extensions - Part I - How To Secure

posted on 15 July 2010 | posted in 1940s Hair Design

From 'Modern Beauty Shop'

Here's How To Secure and Arrange Extra Hairpieces in Modern Effects

Do you know how to pin on an extra hairpiece so it will stay in place? Or how to arrange an extra hairpiece, once it's on the head, in really chic effects? Here are full instructions in this phase of the hairdressing art ...

Now, when coiffure effects are soft and feminine to complement the very feminine peacetime trend in dress fashion, there's nothing like an extra hairpiece to give a long-haired feminine effect to practical short locks!

When an extra hairpiece is dressed after it has been secured to the head, the effect is extremely natural because the hairpiece then seems to be part of the patron's own hair. A two-strand switch is particularly adaptable to a variety of natural appearing and very modern arrangements . . . and there are times when a hairpiece that has been previously dressed, before being attached to the head, better fills the bill. Figure 1 through Figure 6 illustrate how to attach a two-strand switch and a pre-dressed straight-weft piece to the head to stay. Figure 7 through Figure 17 are working illustrations showing you how to twist, coil and drape a two-strand switch, after it is on the head, in five different up-to-the-minute modes. A detailed and complete explanation of the sketches is given below.

Securing a Two-Strand Switch

Figure 1—Gather all the nape ends of the patron's hair into the left hand. Lay the center binding of the two-strand switch over the nape ends and hold the switch securely in this position with the thumb of the left hand. Hold the tips of the nape ends firmly with the right hand.

Figure 2—Turn the nape ends up over the center binding of the switch and secure the ends firmly with bobby pins. The nape ends now hide the center binding of the switch and also serve to anchor the switch securely to the head.

Another Way to Fix the Switch

Figure 3—Part off a section of hair about two inches wide behind each ear. Lay the center binding of the two-strand switch over the remaining hair ends at the center of the nape. Roll the center nape ends up over the binding of the switch and tuck in the ends with hairpins, as illustrated.

Figure 4—Pick up the sections of hair that were parted off behind each ear and wrap these sections around the switch, as illustrated, to further secure the switch to the head. Then pin the ends of the strands which were used for wrapping.

Attaching a Straight-Weft Piece

In this case, the straight-weft piece has been previously dressed in curls intended to be used as a "filler" across the nape of the neck. The patron's own nape hair has been curled and secured high on the crown and out of the way while the extra hairpiece is attached. Later the patron's own curls will be let down and combed in with the curls of the extra hairpiece.

Figure 5—To secure the straight-weft piece, first pin it across the back of the head in the desired position. Pick up a small strand of the patron's hair behind the left ear and two small strands of hair from the extra hairpiece. Braid the three strands of hair together into a braid about an inch long leaving the ends free to curl. Secure the end of the braided section with a rubber band or string.

Figure 6—Make a similar braid at the center of the nape, and another braid behind the right ear, as illustrated, using one strand of the patron's hair and two from the hairpiece.

The straight-weft piece is now in place . . . and to stay. Remove the hairpins, as the three braids are sufficient to hold the hairpiece securely to the head. Lower the patron's own curls and fluff them in with the curls of the extra hairpiece. Cont'd in Part II

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Disclaimer - Yes, we have to state it.

This Article is meant for Historical reference only. Advice given on Lotions, Potions and any Working Practices should be viewed with caution. Before following any procedure stated in this article you should seek the advise of a current, qualified professional.

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