Plan to Revitalise Wig-Knotting Trade

The Little Princess Trust and leading wig manufacturer, Banbury Postiche, have partnered to campaign for the establishment of a dedicated wig making apprenticeship in the UK. The initiative aims to revitalise the craft, ensuring a new generation of skilled professionals can meet the growing demand for high-quality, handmade wigs.

With increasing reliance on overseas production, traditional wig making skills have dwindled in the UK.

The apprenticeship, proposed by The Little Princess Trust and Banbury Postiche, would provide structured training, equipping learners with essential techniques to create an increasing number of handmade wigs for individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.

The Little Princess Trust and Banbury Postiche first began a formal working partnership in 2020 when they helped to launch a UK wig making co-operative.

The project sees freelance wig knotters receive training at Banbury Postiche’s headquarters in Oxfordshire before going on to make wigs for the children and young people using The Little Princess Trust’s free wig provision service.

The success of the partnership, which saw its first wigs made in 2021, has provoked ideas to help increase the number of UK wigmakers further and led to the call for a dedicated wig making apprenticeship.

Phil Brace, CEO of The Little Princess Trust, which provides free wigs to children and young people with hair loss, emphasised the importance of the initiative.

Phil Shared, “We want to ensure wig making thrives in the UK, allowing us to continue providing free, real hair wigs with the highest standards of craftsmanship.”

Banbury Postiche, a leading supplier of wigs and hairpieces, is backing the move to secure official recognition for the apprenticeship.

Managing Director Nick Allen added, “This is a crucial step towards rebuilding the industry and nurturing homegrown talent.”

“Our organisations are calling on training providers and industry leaders to support our vision and help get more wigmakers working in Britain.”

The Little Princess Trust is a UK charity that provides free, real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions. To find out more about their work and how you can support them, visit www.littleprincesses.org.uk