Hair color and style are elements that can really make or break a cosplay. If you can dye and cut your hair to fit a character, you can get some amazing results, but for those blue haired or very long (or short) haired characters wigs are often a much better.
What to Consider When Choosing a Wig
When choosing a wig you will want to keep in mind your desired
When choosing a wig you will want to keep in mind your desired
- Hair color
- Hair style
- Hair length
- Cost
Types of Wigs
The two main wig types are synthetic and human hair.
Human hair wigs are the most natural looking wigs. They are made from hair people sell and as a result tend to be quite expensive.
Synthetic wigs are cheaper than human hair wigs. In addition, they hold their style very well and need little upkeep.1 Synthetic wigs also come in lots of bright colors that are commonly use in anime.
Because synthetic wigs lend themselves so well to cosplay the follow suggestions will be geared towards the use of synthetic wigs.
Human hair wigs are the most natural looking wigs. They are made from hair people sell and as a result tend to be quite expensive.
Synthetic wigs are cheaper than human hair wigs. In addition, they hold their style very well and need little upkeep.1 Synthetic wigs also come in lots of bright colors that are commonly use in anime.
Because synthetic wigs lend themselves so well to cosplay the follow suggestions will be geared towards the use of synthetic wigs.
Styling a Wig
When styling a wig it is very important to remember not to use a blow drier or any heated device, as temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit can melt the wig fibers. Make sure you also never brush a wet wig and use brushes specifically designed for wigs.2
Products recommended for styling wigs include hairspray and hair glue, like got2b spiking glue.3 If you aren't skilled at styling hair you can get a friend who is good at styling and cutting hair or a professional wig stylist to help you out. I have a sister who styles hair and have always had her style my wigs. Chances are, someone you know is good at styling hair even if you aren't.
Keep references of you character on hand or up on a nearby computer when styling a wig so you can get all of the details. Some character's hair is very dramatic and you may choose to take a more realistic approach and style the hair in a similar, but more natural fashion.
When styling a wig it is very important to remember not to use a blow drier or any heated device, as temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit can melt the wig fibers. Make sure you also never brush a wet wig and use brushes specifically designed for wigs.2
Products recommended for styling wigs include hairspray and hair glue, like got2b spiking glue.3 If you aren't skilled at styling hair you can get a friend who is good at styling and cutting hair or a professional wig stylist to help you out. I have a sister who styles hair and have always had her style my wigs. Chances are, someone you know is good at styling hair even if you aren't.
Keep references of you character on hand or up on a nearby computer when styling a wig so you can get all of the details. Some character's hair is very dramatic and you may choose to take a more realistic approach and style the hair in a similar, but more natural fashion.
Coloring a Wig
In order to color synthetic wigs, liquid fabric dyes, such as Rit, can be used. Use four ounces of dye for a gallon of warm water and let the wig sit under the water until the desired color is reached.4
Sharpies can also be used with decent results, but the dyeing process can be a bit of a hassle and is fairly messy.5 Figure 1 shows and example of a wig that was bought dyed, and a blonde wig that was colored using sharpies.
In order to color synthetic wigs, liquid fabric dyes, such as Rit, can be used. Use four ounces of dye for a gallon of warm water and let the wig sit under the water until the desired color is reached.4
Sharpies can also be used with decent results, but the dyeing process can be a bit of a hassle and is fairly messy.5 Figure 1 shows and example of a wig that was bought dyed, and a blonde wig that was colored using sharpies.
 | |
| Figure 1 - The top wig was originally blonde and dyed with red sharpies, while the second was bought dyed. |
Where to Buy a Wig
Wigs can be found many places online, such as eBay, but most veteran cosplayers suggest online sellers such as amphigory and cosworx.
Wigs can be found many places online, such as eBay, but most veteran cosplayers suggest online sellers such as amphigory and cosworx.
Resources
- FAQs | www.Wigs.com. (n.d.). Wigs - Human Hair Wigs | Lace Front Wigs | Hairpieces | Monofilament Wigs. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.wigs.com/information.php?info_id=4#q2
- How to care for your wig - Wig care instructions - Directions on how to wash, comb, cut a wig. (n.d.). Hats, Turbans & Wigs for Hair Loss & Cancer Chemotherapy Patients. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.headcovers.com/care_wigs.php
- ghost613. (2007, November 24). Common Questions About Wig Styling - Cosplay.com. Cosplay.com. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=132516
- Coloring Synthetic Wigs. (n.d.). All About Wigs. Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://allaboutwigs.wigwiz.com/allaboutwigsresults.asp/topic_COLORING+SYNTHETIC+WIGS
- ButterflyPanic. (2006, May 21). Dyeing w/ Sharpies. Cosplay.com . Retrieved November 14, 2011, from http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=82947
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