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Writer's pictureAmid Beauty

German and Asian Hair Ventilating Needles | Which Tool is Best for Making Wigs?

Updated: Jan 21, 2023

THE HAIR VENTILATING NEEDLE

The hair ventilating needle (also known as a “knotting hook”)  is the #1 tool used by professional wigmakers to design beautiful wigs.  The two needles are great to have as part of your wig-making tools.  They perform the same function of adding individual strands of hair into mesh foundation or net, but can be easily used with different techniques.


SIZE AND NEEDLE TYPE

Each hair knotting needle will come  in a variety of sizes.  Asian needles will range from 1-5 and German needles will range from1-13.  The sizes describe how many strands of hair the needle will hold at one time.  For example, needle size 1-2 will only pull 1-2 strands of hair at a time.

Please note that many vendors do not carry all sizes.

Two types of needles may be chosen in addition to the size.  An “S” needle is for ventilation into skin or PU materials.  An “N” needle is designed for ventilation through mesh or lace net foundations.

When selecting your needle, you must choose the size and type.  For example,  an S1-2 needle is described as a wig-making needle that will ventilate 1-2 strands of hair into skin or PU material.


THE NEEDLE HOLDER

A hair ventilating needle cannot be used alone.   You must purchase a needle holder.  Most professionals tend to use the brass hair ventilation needle holders with an adjustable tip, but the holders can also come with plastic or wooden handles.  The holders with plastic or wooden handles are normally the more inexpensive selections provided by overseas vendors.


GERMAN NEEDLE

The German hair ventilating needle can be 1 – 1.5 inches in length.   This needle is great for hair ventilation using the French Method or creating double knots.  If you feel that the needle length is too long, remember that you can also clip the base with a small pair of wire cutters.

German hair ventilating needle, knotting hook for lace wigs and hair extensions

ASIAN (KOREAN) NEEDLE

The Asian ventilating needle is approximately an inch in length and is most commonly used with the standard hair ventilation techniques.  Standard techniques include single knots, double knots and split knots.  Creating double knots is possible, but tends to be easier when using the German needle.

Asian needles are also great for adding baby hair to wigs.  Baby hair gives lace wigs a more natural look.

Wigmakers use the Asian (short) hair ventilating needle to make realistic lace wigs, closures and hairpieces

WHICH WIG MAKING TOOL IS BEST?

It depends on your skill level and the type of knots you plan to create when making your wig or hairpiece.  Always work with the tool that you are most comfortable using, but eventually become familiar with other wig making tools as well.

Tool for wigmakers - German (long) hair ventilating needle for wig making


WIG NEEDLE MAINTENANCE

Hair ventilating needles will last for an extended amount of time, however, to receive the very best knotting experience, it is best to use a new needle for every 3-4 wigs.  This will ensure that your needle tip remains very sharp and you will experience less snagging.

For more information on a variety of wig making tools and supplies, visit Amid Beauty.

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