How to Make a Theatrical Wig
Theatrical wigs are designed to match an actor's head shape and size. They're used when an actor requires a hairstyle their own hair just can't achieve. They are also used when stylists don't have time to restyle the actor's hair between scenes. You can make your own theatrical wig as long as you have the right tools and materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Bobby pins
- Roll of bandages
- Wig cap
- Wig block
- Cotton ribbon
- Nails
- Lace
- Hackle
- 2 drawing mats
- Human or synthetic hair
- Ventilating needle
Instructions
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Measuring
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1
If the actor's hair is more than 2 inches long, take inch-long sections of his hair from the front hairline. Roll the sections up into a loop until they meet the scalp. se bobby pins to pin the loop down flat. Do the same for the rest of the hair on the head. If the actor's hair is less than 2 inches long, just pin the hair down flat to the head.
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2
Take a roll of bandages and wrap it round the actor's head, following along the hairline. Wrap about two layers of bandage. Pin the bandage down using bobby pins, and place a wig cap over the hair.
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3
Measure the actor's head with a tape measure. First measure along the hairline. Measure overhead from the forehead to the neck. Measure overhead from ear to ear. Measure around the back of the head from ear to ear. Measure from temple to temple from around the back of the head, then the width of the neck, then from the ear to neck, which you should measure on both sides.
Preparation
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Nail cotton ribbon to a wig block, using the measurements you took to create the shape of the hair. Place a piece of wet lace over the wig block and sew it to the cotton ribbon. This will create a wig cap.
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5
Select the type of hair you want. It can be real hair or synthetic hair, and different colors can be mixed to create various tones in the hair. De-tangle the hair and remove any broken hairs by pulling the hair through a hackle.
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6
Place the hair between two leather pinned drawing mats and press the mats together so they interlock. Hold the hair in place.
Making the Wig
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Pull a few strands of hair out of the drawing mat and fold the hair to create a loop.
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Starting at the nape of the neck, take a ventilating needle and attach a strand of hair to it. Fold it at the root end to make a loop. Pull this hair through the lace and back out through the loop, ensuring that you keep hold of the hair. Knot the hair to secure it.
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Repeat this process all over the head. It can take up to 60 hours to finish.
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References
- Photo Credit Ting Hoo/Digital Vision/Getty Images
