How to Prep the Face for Fake Facial Hair

People choose to wear fake facial hair for a variety of reasons, such as part of a costume for actors or because they don’t feel their own natural hair supply is adequate. Whatever the reason, choose a hair type and style that matches the rest of your physical characteristics. If you have straight dark hair that is thin, choose a thinner, dark moustache or beard. The key to looking authentic is consistency. Read on to learn how to prep the face for fake facial hair.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Spirit gum
• Liquid latex
• Pros Aide

1. Clean the skin thoroughly before applying facial hair with 99 percent alcohol. Remove any make-up. Hair will not stick to oily or dirty skin, so be sure you use a soap that will remove the oil.
2. Spray Barrier Spray onto the skin for a more permanent moustache or sideburns. It is probably not needed if you are applying a beard or eyebrows for a short time but if you will be under any conditions such as high heat or high stress that will cause you to sweat, you may want to go ahead and use the spray.
3. Apply a layer of spirit gum, liquid latex or Pros Aide to the area where the hair will be placed by dabbing it onto the skin surface. If using spirit gum, allow it to dry completely. This will act as a barrier to sweat, also.
4. Paint a second layer of spirit gum onto the area if that is what is being used. Wait for it to become slightly tacky and then press the facial hair in place firmly and pat facial hair for a couple of seconds to help it attach to the spirit gum. When applying a moustache, apply in two pieces to achieve a more natural look that is more comfortable.
5. Use a velour powder puff and gently press the edges of the hair against your skin to allow the edge of the hair lace to sink into the spirit gum and become invisible.
6. Smile to ensure the facial hair does not cover your natural smile lines and to make sure the hair will not detach from the face.

Tips & Warnings

• Always add hair from the bottom and slowly build upwards to give a more natural appearance.
• If using liquid latex, keep away from eyes and out of hair as it is made with ammonia.