Buzz
Occasionally, actors need to transform their appearance for a role. This might involve wearing a unique costume or employing complex makeup techniques. One challenging aspect can be working with crepe hair — a bundle of colored wool that's customizable for various costume needs, from simple mustaches to intricate werewolf looks. While it might seem daunting at first, applying crepe hair is simpler than anticipated.
Steps
Choosing and Preparing the Crepe Hair
Decide on your desired facial hair style. Crepe hair offers versatility for character looks, so it's essential to envision the type of facial hair you want. Popular choices include mustaches, sideburns, and beards. You can also use online makeup charts to plan the application process, especially if combining it with other makeup effects.
- If visual aids help, consider printing out a makeup chart from the internet to map out the crepe hair placement. This can be particularly useful when integrating it with other makeup effects.
Purchase crepe hair in your preferred color and length. You can buy crepe hair online from retailers like Amazon or from local costume stores. Crepe hair comes in various colors and is often crafted from real wool. It typically comes in tightly woven braids that expand to three times their packaged length.
- Natural hair often features a blend of colors. For a more authentic appearance, consider mixing different shades.
Grasp one end of the crepe hair and delicately unravel the braid. Crepe hair is braided with multiple strands of twine. Pulling gently will loosen the twine holding the braid together. Once the braid is undone, discard the twine.
Trim the bunch of hair to your desired length. Cutting the hair to a manageable length facilitates easier styling. If you intend to use the entire length, there's no need to trim.
Separate and fluff the strands according to your character's appearance. If you're aiming for a curly beard, for instance, separate and fluff the crepe hair strands before application.
Straighten the hair by soaking and drying it 24 hours before use. To achieve straight hair, immerse it in water for 30 seconds. This process helps relax the curls. After soaking, lay the hair on a towel to air dry completely before application.
- While effective, soaking the crepe hair is time-consuming. Plan to do this at least a day in advance.
If you need to quickly straighten the hair, use a steam iron. Steaming small sections of crepe hair can eliminate curls or waves. Work on one section at a time to ensure effective straightening.
- To streamline the process, anchor one end of the section on your ironing board and gently pull it taut while steaming.
- A steam iron is the fastest method for straightening crepe hair, although it can be tedious for those inexperienced with steam irons.
Application of Crepe Hair
Cleanse and dry your face.
Ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying crepe hair.
Apply stage makeup before affixing the crepe hair. If using stage makeup, apply it first and allow it to set before starting with crepe hair application.
Divide the hair into small sections, each no wider than 1 inch (2.5 cm). Working with smaller sections provides better control during application and results in a more natural appearance.
Commence application from the lower part of your face and progress upward. When applying crepe hair, start from the lower areas of your face and move upwards.
- To craft chin hair, initiate with a line of crepe hair beneath your chin and layer thinly upwards.
- For a mustache, apply short tufts of crepe hair on your upper lip, layering them thinly towards your nose.
- To form a beard, start with a crepe hair line from ear to ear, across your neck, and layer thinly upwards.
- For sideburns, begin with a horizontal crepe hair layer along your jaw, then layer thinly upwards towards your hairline. Repeat on the other side, striving for symmetry.
Apply spirit gum or liquid latex to your skin using a small brush. Apply the adhesive in small sections, working upwards from the bottom of your face. Avoid covering large skin areas to prevent unwanted drying or adhesion of crepe hair.
- Avoid applying adhesive near your eyes; instead, use eyelash adhesive for eye areas.
- To enhance tackiness with spirit gum, gently tap the applied area with your finger after brushing.
Press the prepared crepe hair section onto the adhesive. Not all strands may stick, so remove those that don't adhere well.
Continue the application process until the desired skin area is covered. Apply crepe hair thinly in layers for a realistic look, building upwards on your face.
- Consider your facial bone structure when placing hair on your face for realism.
- For non-facial areas, use visual judgment for natural placement.
Trim the applied crepe hair as needed with scissors. After application, trim excess crepe hair to achieve your desired style.
- Fill in any bald spots before trimming, if necessary.
Crepe Hair Removal
Gently remove as much crepe hair as possible, taking care not to harm your skin. Maximize skin exposure to facilitate adhesive removal. If crepe hair is stubborn, trim it with scissors.
Peel off liquid latex with your fingertips. Liquid latex behaves like a peelable paint layer on your skin. Start from any raised edges or use your nail to lift the outer edges. Note: Removing liquid latex may also pull out small hairs underneath.
Dissolve spirit gum with spirit gum remover. Spirit gum must be dissolved rather than pulled off. Apply remover onto cotton balls or a soft cloth and wipe the spirit gum until it dissolves, allowing any remaining crepe hair to fall off.
- Multiple applications of remover may be needed for complete dissolution.
- Rubbing alcohol is an alternative to spirit gum remover, but the remover acts faster.
Cleanse your face with warm, soapy water. If your skin is irritated from adhesive and remover, thoroughly cleanse to remove any residual substances from your pores.
Essentials
- Crepe wool - choose your preferred color
- Liquid adhesive such as spirit gum or liquid latex
- Sharp scissors
- Well-lit mirror for accurate application
- Cotton balls or soft cloth
- Spirit gum remover (optional)
- Steam iron and ironing board (optional)
- Basin with temperate water and towel (optional)
- Makeup chart and pencil (optional)
Pro Tips
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Wear old clothes, especially if it's your first time using crepe hair - it can get messy.
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If shaving is necessary, do it the night before to prevent skin irritation from adhesive.
Caution
- If you have allergies to liquid latex or spirit gum, avoid using these adhesives. To test for allergies, apply a small amount on your inner wrist and wait for 30 minutes. If there's no reaction, you're likely not allergic. Allergic reactions typically manifest as itching similar to an insect bite. If you experience discomfort during application, stop immediately and remove the adhesive as directed.
- Avoid applying liquid latex or spirit gum near your eyes. For eye areas, use eyelash adhesive. Eyelash adhesive contains trace amounts of ammonia, making it safe for use around the eyes.
