{"product_id":"introducing-sofubi-wigs","title":"Introducing Sofubi Wigs","description":"\u003csection class=\"block image-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003ca data-fancybox-type=\"image\" href=\"[product-image:9f504b27-7f5d-4144-90cd-c69e2bc67f2b.jpg]\" rel=\"gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"full-width\" src=\"[product-image:9f504b27-7f5d-4144-90cd-c69e2bc67f2b.jpg]\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block heading-block\"\u003e\u003ch4 class=\"text-uppercase\"\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e The Sofubi Wigs are ready for prime time. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e But as usual, I won’t be telling you why I think they are the bee’s knees. Instead, I’m going to tell you all the reasons why you may want to sit this one out, or perhaps wait to hear from the horse’s mouth when other customers get their hands on them before deciding. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e After all, in this day and age, how can anybody trust what a maker says about their own product? :-) \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block heading-block\"\u003e\u003ch4 class=\"text-uppercase\"\u003eWhat Are Sofubi Wigs?\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Sofubi Wigs are made from the same type of soft vinyl material used for Smart Doll bodies. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Unlike traditional fiber wigs, where the final look relies heavily on styling skill, Sofubi Wigs are molded. This gives them a more consistent look and also lets us create stylized hair shapes that resemble the gravity-defying physics of anime and manga. :-) \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e They’re also much easier to maintain. No brushing, detangling or styling is required, which some folks may appreciate. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block heading-block\"\u003e\u003ch4 class=\"text-uppercase\"\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Each wig is made from two halves that connect. Folks who saw an earlier video on Instagram may remember that we originally used magnets, but after more testing, we found they weren’t strong enough and occasionally popped out. The production version now uses ribbed pegs instead, which provide a much more secure fit. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e The Sofubi Wig comes with both halves connected. Before installation, gently prise the two halves apart using the same method shown in Video 2 below. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Place the back half of the wig around the back of the Smart Doll head, align the ribbed pegs with the holes on the front half, then push the two halves together one side at a time as shown in Video 1. Make sure the pegs are pushed all the way in for a secure fit. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e To remove the wig, gently prise the two halves apart as shown in Video 2. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block column-list-block grid-flexbox\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"grid-flexbox__item large--six-twelfths medium--six-twelfths small--one-whole\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"block video-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"video\"\u003e\n\u003cvideo autoplay loop muted playsinline=\"\" style=\"width:100%;\"\u003e\u003csource src=\"[product-video:ff8382d8-7cc6-42a2-9133-116aface3909.mp4]\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\u003e\u003c\/video\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Video 1 - attaching the wig. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"grid-flexbox__item large--six-twelfths medium--six-twelfths small--one-whole\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"block video-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"video\"\u003e\n\u003cvideo autoplay loop muted playsinline=\"\" style=\"width:100%;\"\u003e\u003csource src=\"[product-video:75165fc4-88d6-47a8-9977-f91a7991e5e2.mp4]\" type=\"video\/mp4\"\u003e\u003c\/video\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Video 2 - removing the wig. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block image-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003ca data-fancybox-type=\"image\" href=\"[product-image:376006f9-02b9-4c9c-903c-c0be7a154f4a.jpg]\" rel=\"gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"full-width\" src=\"[product-image:376006f9-02b9-4c9c-903c-c0be7a154f4a.jpg]\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Once installed, give the wig a little wriggle if you feel the fringe is sitting too high or too low. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Unlike our fiber wigs, which have elastic caps that naturally grip the head, Sofubi Wigs are rigid. They may therefore wriggle around slightly while you pose the head (image 1 above). Simply adjust the wig back into your preferred position as shown in image 2 above. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e If yours moves around more than you’d like, a small amount of Blu Tack or similar can help, although we haven’t generally found this necessary and have not included any with the wig. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block heading-block\"\u003e\u003ch4 class=\"text-uppercase\"\u003eReasons You May Not Want to Buy One\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e This wig is the first product of its kind that we know of at this size made in sofubi, so there isn’t much precedent to work from. It’s therefore important to set expectations. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block image-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003ca data-fancybox-type=\"image\" href=\"[product-image:75831fd5-ce1b-4a43-94fa-f0f160df9b32.jpg]\" rel=\"gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"full-width\" src=\"[product-image:75831fd5-ce1b-4a43-94fa-f0f160df9b32.jpg]\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEngineering\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eEngineering was a hair-pulling experience (which is why I don’t have any left). \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e The wigs were modeled in ZBrush, but getting them to work as Sofubi in the real world was another matter. The flat part of the funnel is the top of the mold, so ideally the hair strands need to face downward for gravity to help the liquid vinyl reach their tips. However, the strands also need to be shaped so the finished part can actually be removed from the mold without creating undercuts that lock it inside. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e At the same time, we had to figure out where the flash would form so it could be cleanly cut away while still allowing the front and back halves to fit together. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e We ended up creating three pairs of molds, for a total of six molds. Each physical mold taught us something that couldn’t necessarily be predicted in ZBrush, which informed the design of the next one. Something always comes from something. Nothing always comes from nothing. :-) \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e I initially avoided sharing the funnel design online because it would make the manufacturing technique easier to copy, but I’ve since changed my mind. If other makers can learn from what we’ve done and create more options for consumers, that’s ultimately a good thing. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Sharing it also gives folks a better idea of what goes into producing two relatively small pieces of vinyl. As you can see, each funnel is huge, roughly the size of a Smart Doll bust, but that volume and shape are needed to get the vinyl where it needs to go while still allowing the finished part to be removed from the mold. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Rather than hiding this stuff, I think it’s better that you can see what goes into making one. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block image-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003ca data-fancybox-type=\"image\" href=\"[product-image:27ac3597-7749-4152-83f1-9f4ab16f2bb0.jpg]\" rel=\"gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"full-width\" src=\"[product-image:27ac3597-7749-4152-83f1-9f4ab16f2bb0.jpg]\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned for Smart Doll\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eSofubi Wigs were designed specifically around Smart Doll heads, including the shape and position of the ears. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e You’re welcome to try them on other doll brands and share your findings, but as always, we can’t accept returns from folks who specifically purchased a Smart Doll product hoping that it would fit another brand. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt’s Plastic Hair\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you don’t like molded plastic hair, like the kind found on many figurines, you probably won’t like Sofubi Wigs. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Folks who don’t particularly enjoy maintaining traditional fiber wigs, however, may find this to be a happy middle ground. :-) \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStaining and Surface Contact\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe haven’t experienced staining with Sofubi Wigs during testing, but we’re still giving them the same high-risk stain rating as all our fiber wigs. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Fiber wigs can leave stains, oils, or indentations after prolonged contact with vinyl. We don’t have years of long-term data for Sofubi Wigs yet, so we’d rather set expectations conservatively. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThere Is a Visible gap\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eThe wig is made from two hemispheres, so there will naturally be a visible gap between them. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e We’ve sculpted some of the hair to flow around the join to help disguise it, but the gap can still be visible from certain angles and may bother some folks. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Due to the nature of Sofubi production, there can also be slight variations between individual pieces, meaning some wigs may have a slightly more visible gap than others. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePainted Versions Can Scuff\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eThe metallic purple version shown here is painted. Dropping it onto a hard surface, scraping it or scratching it can permanently scuff the paint, so please handle painted versions accordingly. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block image-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003ca data-fancybox-type=\"image\" href=\"[product-image:3938f7c0-9f25-48b8-937c-bef240ba1c2d.jpg]\" rel=\"gallery\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"full-width\" src=\"[product-image:3938f7c0-9f25-48b8-937c-bef240ba1c2d.jpg]\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShould You Get One?\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eSofubi Wigs aren’t intended to replace traditional fiber wigs. They’re simply another option. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e If you enjoy brushing and styling fiber wigs, you may prefer to stick with them. If you prefer something you can pop on without brushing, detangling or styling, or you like the sculpted anime and manga aesthetic, Sofubi Wigs may be your cuppa tea. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e And if you’re still not sure, there is absolutely no need to be an early adopter. \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e \u003csection class=\"block paragraph-block\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e Wait until other Smart Doll owners get theirs, check out their photos and impressions, and then decide whether Sofubi Wigs are for you. :-) \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Smart Doll Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48999069417626,"sku":"PV-48999069417626","price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0997\/files\/IMG_20260810_150808_cbebd3fd-0d72-4542-9715-d346ba2baf78.jpg?v=1786518491","url":"https:\/\/shop.smartdoll.jp\/products\/introducing-sofubi-wigs","provider":"Smart Doll Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}