Wig Apprenticeship
Most of the wig artisans who work for Custom Wig Co started their wig careers as apprentices in our shop. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to build and style wigs, an apprenticeship might be a great fit for you!
Many, though not all, of our apprentices begin their time with us while they are still in school. Often, they are studying theatre or fashion and have an interest in learning more about wigs as part of their coursework. Others want to build their skills so they can move into a full time wig artisan job once they’re done with school. There is no specific major or area of study that is preferred or required for a wig apprentice.
Apprentices generally work part time, as their schedule permits, learning how to ventilate, piece wig foundations, style wigs and much more.
The structure of each apprenticeship, and the apprentice’s learning path, is unique and is based on their skills, interests and goals as well as their availability and our current production schedule.
Apprenticeship requirements:
- be interested in wigs and hair goods and have a strong desire to learn
- have some experience with Google drive and Google Sheets
- be able to tolerate repetitive work. Ventilating (knotting wigs) involves many hours of tying small knots. While we think it’s a fun way to pass the time, the process can feel tedious to some, and does require small, repetitive movements.
Our studio is in Louisville, KY, apprentices must be local and able to be on-site in our studio. Apprenticeships are a paid position.
If you’re interested in a wig apprenticeship, please submit the form below.
Wig Artisans and Associate Wig Builders
We employ full time staff wig artisans as well as associate builders.
At this time, we are actively looking for new associate builders.
We are not actively hiring full time wig artisans at the moment but are always happy to connect with artisans who may be interested in working with us full time in the future as our needs change.
Wig artisans work full time in the studio, where their days consist of ventilating wigs and facial hair, styling pieces and other assorted wig studio work.
Associate builders generally only piece foundations and venilate. Associates take project as their schedules permit and as our workload dictates. Some choose to work at the studio, while others prefer to work off-site.
Associate builders are company employees and are paid by the project, all materials are provided. This role is perfect for wig builders who want to pick up projects in between design jobs or other commitments. Some of our associate builders take projects steadily, others take projects only when they have room in their schedule.
Associate builders don’t necessarily have to live in Louisville, but they will need to pick up and drop off projects in person at our studio.
CWC Wig Artisan and Associate Builder General Qualifications
- can piece foundations for wigs and facial hair
- able to ventilate on 30 and 40 denier (stage) grade lace, as well as veg net and other foundation materials while controlling knot size, density, direction and speed.
- comfortable working with human, synthetic and yak hair, including mixing colors
Artisans should also have some experience styling wigs, including work with rollers.
If you’re interested in working with us as an apprentice, artisan or builder, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below.