Wigs
From CosplayWiki
Contents |
What are wigs made of?
Wigs are made of human hair or various types of plastic. Human hair wigs look more realistic, and can be used with all sorts of hot tools, such as curling irons, hot rollers, and so on. They are, however, extremely expensive. Wigs made of plastic, usually referred to as synthetic fibers, come in more colours than human hair, and are much cheaper (usually). The best quality synthetic fibers are Kanekalon and Toyokalon (you may also see the term Eleora, which is a coated type of Kanekalon). However, synthetic wigs look less realistic, and the fiber can melt when hot tools are used on them.
You can purchase wigs online (the two largest sites are Amphigory.com and Cosworx.com, but many people have also had success when buying from eBay sellers) or at a local party store. Generally speaking, the wigs online are of significantly higher quality, and also of significantly higher price. This is not to say that the opposite cannot be true, especially if you are lucky enough to have a store devoted exclusively to wigs near you, but the best way to purchase a wig is to explore all your options.
How do I keep a wig from slipping off my head?
First, you should always wear a wig cap underneath your wig in a colour that matches the colour of your wig. You can purchase one of these at Amphigory.com, Cosworx.com, or at your local beauty store. For short wigs that are going to be worn for a short time, this may be enough. However, for any heavy style, or a wig that will be worn for a long time, or under lots of stress (such as a stage performance), hairpins will be necessary. Hairpins are not the same as bobbypins--hairpins are u-shaped and thinner than bobbypins. You use hairpins by sliding the pin into the wig's mesh half way, then twisting it 90 degrees, and sliding it in the rest of the way. If you put on enough hairpins, you should be able to do a cartwheel without your wig falling off.
If your hair is long, you may want to French braid it underneath your wig cap. This gives the hairpins something to grip into, giving you a more secure hold. It also distributes the hair more evenly beneath the cap. When you are putting long hair in a wig cap, you should make sure that the bulk of your hair is at the back of your head. This is the part of the wig that has the most stretch.
What products can I use on my wig?
You can use almost any products on a wig that you use on your own hair. Hairspray is an excellent tool when it comes to gravity-defying styles. Cheap hairspray will work fine for wigs; you'll be using a lot. Hair glue, such as the brand sold by Got2B, is very effective at holding together the tips of spikes, but should not be used on an entire large spike, because it will weigh the spike down and make it look rumpled. Pomade is excellent for giving a pieced-out look.
You cannot use products on your wig that are made to react to the natural oils in your hair. This includes bleach, hair gel, and boxed hair dye. If you want to change the colour of your wig, you can use dyes bought online (such as from PettingZooWigs.com) or a mixture of rubbing alcohol and raw pigment (recipes are available on Cosplay.com involving both Sharpie markers and artist's pigment ink). There is no way to lighten your wig.
How do I untangle my wig?
Most brushes are designed to pull out extra hair from your scalp, because this is healthy for humans. Clearly, that is not something you want on your wig. You should only use a wide-toothed comb or a specially designed wig brush on your wig. When untangling a wig, it is best to start with a comb. Comb gently through the wig, and then use the handle of the comb to 'tap' any difficult tangles (gently, so as not to stretch the fiber). If a tangle is too difficult to remove, you can either cut it out, or try and apply detangler. PettingZooWigs.com and Amphigory.com both sell wig detangler, and the hair detangler from stores may also work.
How do I straighten a wig?
Hot water and straightening irons work the best, but hot water is the safest to use. Heat water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (this can be done easily with a meat thermometer to gauge the temperature). Kanekalon and Toyokalon wigs are melt-resistant to around 200 degrees, but this may melt lesser-quality wigs. If you don't know the fiber your wig is made of, a swatch test is recommended to determine a safe temperature. Pin your wig to a wig head (using ball-head pins, the kind used for quilting), and place it in a sink or bathtub. Make sure all the fiber is hanging straight down. Pour your hot water on the wig, paying special attention to the parts that need straightening. Do not pour water around the crown of the wig unless you want it to be completely flat and cling to your head (read: look very unattractive). Let the wig air-dry once you're finished. Comb it out carefully once it's dry. Repeat if necessary.
Using straightening irons is harder, and you run the risk of melting your wig. Before trying to straighten a wig with this method, a swatch test is recommended. Always keep the heat on a low heat and keep the iron moving, never keep it in one place for too long or it will melt the wig's plastic fibers. If the fibers melt, they can ruin your iron as well as your wig.
How do I remove a botched dye job?
If you dyed your wig and want to return it to its original colour, you can fill a large resealable bag or basin with rubbing alcohol and swish the wig around in it. This should remove the dye. You should wash your wig with wig conditioner afterwards. Wig conditioner is sold at PettingZooWigs.com.
