What You Need
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Plastic food wrap | The template base |
| Clear tape (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide) | Strengthens the wrap into a firm shell |
| Fine permanent marker | Marks the outline, hairline and details |
| Flexible measuring tape | Records measurements |
| Comb and clips | Keeps the client's existing hair out of the way |
| Envelope or small box | Ships the template without crushing it |
How to Make a Hair System Template, Step by Step
- 1Prepare the head Comb the existing hair flat and away from the area. Clip back long hair.
- 2Wrap the head Pull plastic wrap tightly over the whole area, twisting the ends at the back so it sits snug and smooth.
- 3Tape over the wrap Lay strips of clear tape in one direction across the area, then another layer crossways, until the shell is firm.
- 4Draw the outline of the area to be covered, about 1/4 inch into the client's remaining hair, so the base edge sits under existing hair.
- 5Mark the front hairline exactly where the client wants it, usually 2.75 to 4 inches above the eyebrows.
- 6Mark the details part position, crown (swirl) location and hair direction with arrows.
- 7Write the client's name or code and "front" on the template.
- 8Remove and trim along the outline, leaving the marks clear.
What to Measure
| Measurement | How |
|---|---|
| Front to back | Front hairline to the back of the area |
| Ear to ear | Across the top, at the widest point |
| Temple to temple | Across the front |
| Circumference | Around the area's outline |
| Hairline height | From the middle of the eyebrows to the planned hairline |
Measurements alone work for many clients, but a template gives the most accurate fit, especially for unusual shapes.
Common Template Mistakes
These are the problems we see most often when templates arrive at the factory, and each one changes the finished base.
- 01Wrap not pulled tight Loose wrap wrinkles and lifts off the scalp, so the shell comes out bigger than the head and the base gaps at the edges. Pull the wrap until it lies flat with no air pockets before the first strip of tape goes on.
- 02Lines drawn on soft wrap Marker on bare wrap stretches as the wrap moves, so the outline shifts by several millimetres. Draw only after at least two crossed layers of tape have made the shell firm.
- 03No "front" mark A round crown template can be read either way round, and a reversed template puts the hair direction backwards. Write FRONT at the hairline and an arrow pointing to the face.
- 04Crushed in transit A template folded into an envelope arrives flattened, and a flattened shell measures wider than the head. Pack it in a small box with tissue inside the shell.
What to Write on the Order Form
List the base type, front contour, density, hair direction, hair type and length, curl or wave, color (matched to the sample, with the grey percentage) and front finish. For a filled-in example and the density and direction options, see Hair System Density and Hair Direction. For bases, see our hair system bases guide.
Sending It to the Factory
- 01Hair sample cut a small bundle of the client's hair from the sides and back, at least 2 inches long, and tape it to a card
- 02Template pack it flat in a box so it doesn't crush
- 03Order form include all specs, with photos of the template from the front and top
- 04Courier use a tracked courier, and send us the tracking number
We confirm every spec before production. Custom systems take 25–40 days. See Stock vs Custom Hair Systems for when a client needs custom.
FAQ
Which photos should I take of a template before sending it?
Four: the template on the client's head from the front and from the top, and the template off the head from the top and side with a ruler beside it. If it gets crushed in transit, these photos let us check the original shape and size before we cut the base.
Can I order a custom hair system without a template?
Yes, with detailed measurements. A template gives a more accurate fit.
How much hair should I send for color matching?
A small bundle at least 2 inches long, from the sides and back, where the system will blend.
Do I need a new template for every reorder?
No. Keep the specs on file and reorder to the same template, unless the client's hair loss changes.
Send Your First Custom Order
Ask for our custom order form and send it back with your template, or start a custom order with our team.
Related reading
![Photo of [Production Author Name]](/images/author-production.jpg)
Runs production and quality control at ZUVI WIGS, from raw hair sorting to final inspection. [Production Author Years] in hair manufacturing.
Reviewed by [Production Manager Name]