How to Make a Closure Wig with 5x5 Closure with Bundles
Ever walked out of a wig store feeling like you just paid your rent for a custom unit?
You're not alone. 🫶🏿
But here's a little-known secret: you can save a bundle by making your own closure wig with a 5x5 closure and bundles.
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a salon-worthy wig from the comfort of your home.
What You'll Need:
Here are the tools you'll need to construct your custom wig:
- A dome head (matched to your head size)
- A sturdy dome-head tripod
- Spandex dome cap
- Curved needle
- Nylon thread
- T-pins
- Metallic marker or chalk
- A 5x5 closure and bundles
- Scissors
Pro tip: Make sure the dome head you use is the same size as your own head.
For instance, if the circumference of your head is 23 inches, then that's the dome head you should use.
Setting Up Your Foundation
Here's how to prep your wig cap:
- First, secure the wig cap onto your dome head, making sure it's nice and snug without any wrinkles.
- Use a T-pin to gently pull the back of the cap downward. This helps create a natural nape hairline that'll have everyone thinking you're wearing your own hair.
- Use the two vertical lines on your wig cap as guides while you're creating that perfect nape shape.
Position the Closure
Now, onto the 5 by 5 closure.
You want to position it about an inch in front of your wig cap's hairline so everything looks aligned and the tracks don't show.
Pin the closure in place using t-pins and make sure that it's well positioned.
You should also ensure that your closure is stretched out as much as possible so that it lays flat with no lumps, bumps, or air bubbles.
Sewing the Wig
Now that the closure is pinned into place, put it into a ponytail before you start sewing on the bundles.
Here's how the sewing process works:
- Thread your curved needle with nylon thread — nylon is the superior choice because it doesn't swell like cotton.
- Then, start sewing over the edge of the closure instead of under it, and create a strong anchor knot by sewing in the same spot twice.
- Ideally, your stitches should be close together to help prevent any awkward bumping or lifting.
- Secure the bundles with a triple-loop knot every five stitches to give the closure wig extra security. Yes, it takes extra time, but it's totally worth it.
Map Out Your Tracks
Before you start laying those beautiful bundles, you should create a roadmap by marking the places where the tracks should be:
- Use your metallic marker or chalk to draw horizontal lines on your wig cap, starting from just above the elastic band.
- Space them about an inch apart, or use the two-finger method to determine the spacing. Just make sure they're not too close or too far apart from each other.
- Continue marking until you reach the closure area.
Installing Your Bundles
Now for the main event — installing your bundles:
- Start by securing your first weft with T-pins, one in the middle and two on the edges, so it doesn't fall out of place while you're sewing.
- Follow your pre-drawn lines and start sewing the wefts in. You'll want to avoid sewing through the elastic band but rather sew through the mesh to give your wig the stretch it needs to fit comfortably.
- Sew underneath the wefts rather than piercing through them. This technique extends the life of your bundles and creates a flatter, tighter, and more natural look.
- To make sure the thread is tight, tie knots every five threads you make, then loop it around three times for a nice tight knot.
- Secure each track with three loops around your needle and a tight pull-through.
Pro tip: If you're double wefting (using two wefts for a thicker, more voluminous wig), make sure the top and bottom wefts are aligned as you're sewing.
The Grand Finale
As you're working on the last track next to the closure, you want to make sure that there are no gaps between the weft and the closure — they should be right next to each other.
This is key to creating a seamless look. Since the last weft is what makes or breaks the entire thing, you should also continue to understitch right next to the closure and keep it as neat as possible.
Once you're done, tie the thread three times around the needle, pull it through, and then cut it off.
Next, cut off any extra weft or thread that's sticking out. You should also cut away any excess cap material under the closure so it's not peeking through, and you can get that natural scalp look.
But be careful not to snip your stitches. You can add foundation or lace tint to the lace to match your skin tone before installing it.
Customizing Your Wig
Once your wig is complete, it's time to make it yours.
Start by customizing your hairline using small scissors or tweezers to pluck the closure for a more natural-looking part.
If your closure is too dense, gentle plucking can create a more realistic appearance.
To create baby hairs, carefully cut small sections at the front and style them using edge control and an edge brush.
You can also add layers to your wig for more movement and dimension. Just put the wig on a mannequin head, section it carefully, and cut at a 45-degree angle.
Remember to cut less than you think you need.
You can always trim more, but you can't add length back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many bundles do I need for my wig?
A: For 8-14 inch long hair, two bundles will do the trick.
For 16 inch hair and up, you'll want three to four bundles. Remember, longer hair typically has less volume, so the longer you go, the more bundles you'll need.
Q: What's the difference between tracks and wefts?
A: They're actually the same thing.
A weft is the hair sewn together to create the extension. You can choose between single-wefted (thinner, flatter lay) or double-wefted (thicker, more volume).
Q: Why undersew instead of sewing through the wefts?
A: Undersewing extends the life of your bundles, creates a flatter appearance, and makes your wig reusable.
It's the secret to professional-looking results.
So, grab some Body Wave Bundles with 5*5 Closure or Deep Wave Bundles with 5x5 Closure now!
Go Forth and Slay
Creating your own closure wig might seem daunting at first, but with these steps and a little patience, you'll be crafting gorgeous units that rival any salon creation.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and every wig you make will be better than the last. 💗
Remember to take pictures of your process — not just for the 'gram, but to track your progress and perfect your technique with each creation.
Check out How to Install 7x7 Closure with Bundles.