Wig Making 101: How to Turn Custom Units into a Revenue Stream

A guide to pricing, packaging, and promoting your wig services online and in the salon.'

Custom wigs aren’t just a service—they’re a scalable income stream. Whether you’re a stylist who installs wigs in the salon, or a beauty pro ready to sell glueless units online, wig making gives you the flexibility to work on your own time while earning high-ticket revenue.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to turning custom units into serious cash.

Price for Profit, Not Just Time

Too many stylists undercharge because they only factor in time—not materials, skill level, or packaging.

Your pricing should include:

• The cost of the hair (plus your markup)

• Cap, lace, and customization tools

• Labor (braiding, plucking, bleaching knots, sewing, styling)

• Packaging materials

• Your profit margin (typically 30–50%)

Example: If materials cost you $120 and you spend 3 hours building a unit, you shouldn’t be charging $200. You should be charging $300–$500 depending on the customization.

Don’t be afraid to create tiered pricing based on length, parting, install method, or lace type (closure vs. frontal).

2. Package Your Wigs Like a Pro

When your client opens their wig, it should feel like a luxury purchase—even if they never meet you in person.

What to include:

• Satin storage bag or branded box

• Wig care card (how to wash, store, and style)

• Optional: edge band, mini brush, or bonnet

• Thank-you card or discount code for future orders

Packaging is part of the experience—and clients will happily post it online, which doubles as free marketing.

3. Promote on Social Like a Product, Not a Service

Selling wigs means showing the transformation and the lifestyle, not just the process.

Post content like:

• Before/after of clients switching from leave-out to a unit

• “Watch me build this unit start to finish” time-lapses

• Client selfies + reviews in your wigs

• Tutorials: how to wear, secure, and maintain your wigs

• "Wig of the Week" drops with limited quantity

Use platform tools like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Instagram Shopping (if you have a website) to build hype and convert followers into customers.

4. Set Up a Simple Online Storefront

Even if you're starting small, your wig business should have a home online.

Options:

• A free or low-cost Shopify or Wix store

• A booking site with wig add-ons (like Square, GlossGenius, or Vagaro)

• Linktree with a catalog and payment form

• Etsy or other third-party marketplaces

Make sure each unit listing includes:

• High-quality photos from multiple angles

• Cap size, lace type, and parting info

• Wig specs (length, density, color)

• Care instructions and shipping timeframe

Pro Tip: Offer made-to-order options and ready-to-ship units so clients with different needs can buy immediately.

5. Offer Add-On Services in the Salon

If you also work behind the chair, bundle your wig services with your in-person offerings.

Examples:

• Wig Install + Customization Package

• Bring-Your-Own Wig Wash + Revamp

• Color + Restyle Your Old Unit

• 1-on-1 Wig Fitting and Styling Session

These upsells not only increase your income per appointment, but also help retain clients who already wear wigs and want professional help maintaining them.

Final Word: Wigs = Passive(ish) Income with High ROI

You can only do so many appointments in a day—but with wigs, you can sell multiple units a week on your own schedule. Whether you make them in between clients, at night, or on weekends, wig making gives you freedom and flexibility—as long as you treat it like the business it is.

Ready to scale your custom wig business?Join CosmoVerse and get pricing calculators, packaging templates, promo ideas, and real-life success stories from wig artists across the country.