Where do you get a wig? Check the sources in the Suppliers section. The very best wig for a ventriloquist figure is an expensive child's wig that fits with no modification. When money is no object, or when nothing but the best will do for your partner, go for the top of the line.
If you buy an adult wig, you'll have to modify it. I'll explain what I did for Fred, but what you do will depend on the wig you select and the look you want for your figure.
You can pay a lot of money for a new adult wig, or you can get a cheap one. I prefer to get a cheap one that someone else paid a lot of money for. Every time I visit a thrift shop I ask about wigs. People (female-type people) often find they rarely wear that expensive wig they bought on impulse, and they donate it to charity because no one else wants it. The wig I chose for Fred cost $1 in a Salvation Army thrift shop. It is an adult female wig. I prefer wigs that have sideburn tabs, and this one does. I had to fit it and cut it. Here is Fred wearing the wig the way I got it.
The first step is to comb the wig the way its going to be combed for Fred. Many wigs are configured for a part on the left side. Here's Fred with a roughly combed mop.
If you want that much hair, fine. I prefer a haircut that looks like what a little boy would have when he's just about due for another trip to the barber. First, this wig has too much long hair in the back. To eliminate it, I cut off the rear part of the wig skull cap just above the label and below the adjustment straps.
I also cut off the straps. They're not useful in this application. When you tighten them to make the wig fit better, the wig bulges on either side in the rear. Instead, I cut a wedge out of the back of the wig in the center.
I closed the wedge and stitched the two sides together with brown thread. Then I added Velcro strips at the critical places on the wig. I stitched the Velcro strips to the wig and used adhesive strips on the head.
Some figure makers use hot glue to attach the wig. Others staple the wig to the head casting. Velcro is less messy than either of those ways and makes it easier to remove the wig to do some maintenance.
A Hartz or Selberg figure is not likely to need maintenance any time soon. But remember, you built this one yourself. Chances are you'll be opening the head more than once in the days to come. Use Velcro.
Here's Fred's bald head with the velcro loop strips in place.
I put the wig on Fred and cut Fred's hair. I can't teach you to be a barber, because I am not one. I kind of did what I've seen my barber do and it doesn't look too bad. Here's the procedure I used:
I don't mind chopping away on a one dollar wig no matter what it cost the original owner. I'd be very reluctant to take shears to something I paid a lot of money for. Some builders take their figures to the barber or a hairdresser. I've heard good and bad reports from their experiences. Remember, whatever gets cut off won't grow back.
Following are four views of Fred with a full head of hair.
