CHRISTIANNE BAKEWELL COSTUME DESIGN
  • Portfolio
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Sketches
  • About
  • Contact

Wig Styling

8/11/2013

1 Comment

 
For all of you who have ever wanted to style a wig for a costume, cosplay, or show, below is my VERY simplified basic four steps for creating a bun updo with a lace front real hair wig. 
Picture
Step one: After refronting the wig with the actress' hairline, it is blocked on a head block. (Tip: Wet your bias tape so it follows the curve of the lace better)
Picture
Step two: The wig is roller set with setting lotion mixed with water to give it body and direction. (Tip: get the hair sections soaking with the lotion. The hair will work better for you)
Picture
Step three: After being placed in the dryer, the rollers are taken out, the hair is gently combed and styled. (Tip: Teasing the base of the hair or adding in an additional hair "rat" can add even more volume to a wig. Especially if you are making an updo)
Picture
Step four: Finish with a little setter. You may also want to cover the bun or other parts of the wig with a hairnet if you are using it for more than a few shows/cosplays/etc. This will keep flyaway hairs tamer longer. (Actress: Katrina Scoggins-Fiddler on the Roof)
There are many ways to style a wig. This is a jumping off point for anyone who wants to see the basics. 
If using a synthetic hair wig, which is cheaper and handles more wear and tear, you could use other securing mediums. I have cosplayer friends who use glue, hairspray, gafquat (style in a very well ventilated area for this product!) or even spray paint to keep those crazy hair shapes. 

Question of the Post

There are many crazy and beautiful hairstyles that can be done with wigs. What's your favorite character (TV, Movie, Stage) with crazy out of this world hair?

Mine? Take a gander at my portfolio and Truffaldino from Servant of Two Masters. 
1 Comment
Designer Tresses link
1/16/2025 08:12:43 pm

I absolutely loved this article! Your tips on wig styling are practical and inspiring, especially the emphasis on personalizing wigs to suit individual preferences. It's amazing how small adjustments, like trimming the bangs or adding layers, can make such a difference in creating a natural look. Do you have any advice on maintaining styled wigs to keep them looking fresh and long-lasting? Thank you for sharing your expertise—this is such a helpful resource for wig enthusiasts!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Topics

    All
    Collaboration
    Curious Fashion History
    Graduate School
    History's Halloween Costumes
    Planet Friendly Costuming
    Sample Pack Makeup History
    Theatre News/History
    Thoughts
    Wigs

    Archives

    July 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    March 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

Picture
Portfolio
About
Contact
  • Portfolio
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Sketches
  • About
  • Contact