How to Put on a Fake Beard

Create a realistic looking beard with crepe hair or knotted hair lace pieces.

Beards completely change the way a person looks. Whether you are in a play, movie or simply want a different look for the day, a fake beard helps you with your change. However, you must apply the beard so it looks realistic and not obvious. Many people use crepe hair, while others use lace knotted hair to create realistic-looking beards.

Things You'll Need

• Package of crepe hair
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Scissors
• Liquid latex
• Facial cleanser
• Skin barrier spray
• Gum spirits
• Knotted hair lace pieces

Instructions

Crepe Hair

1. Unwrap your package of crepe hair. Separate the braids of hair so the hair lays flat.

2. Turn on your iron. Place the temperature on high heat steam.

3. Lay the hair flat on an ironing board. Quickly and efficiently iron the length of the hair until it straightens out.

4. Finger separate the hair so it looks more natural. Run your fingers through the hair and pull at certain strands.

5. Cut the hair to the length that you want your beard. Cut the top of the hair, not the bottom.

6. Open a bottle of liquid latex. Apply a quarter sized amount of liquid latex directly on the chin with the latex applicator.

7. Press a section of hair onto the chin. Hold the hair in place until the liquid latex dries.

8. Continue applying hair on the chin, sides of the face and upper lip in the same manner. Cut the hair accordingly.

9. Apply small sections of hair at a time in thin layers. Start at the bottom and work your way up to the cheeks.

Knotted Hair Lace

1. Clean the face with facial cleanser or an astringent. Wipe the face dry with a clean cloth.

2. Apply a barrier spray on the chin, sides of the face and upper lip area. Let the spray dry.

3. Apply a thin layer of gum spirit to the same areas. Let the spirit dry. Combined with the barrier spray, the first layer of gum spirit works as a barrier against perspiration.

4. Apply another layer of gum spirit on top of the first layer.

5. Press the hair pieces against the skin. Start with the beard piece and work your way up to the mustache area. Hold each hair piece against the skin for a few seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test products against a small area of your skin before applying to your face. Wait 24 hours before application after your skin test.

• Work in small sections with crepe hair. This makes styling and applying much easier than applying big chunks all at once.

• Thoroughly wash your face after each wearing.

• Never pull off beards that use gum spirit. Always use gum spirit remover.

References

• Jokesters: How to: Crepe Hair
• Upstage Review; Techniques for Beards and Moustaches; Graham Holt

Resources

• Hallopino; How to Apply Crepe Hair; October, 2009