Wig styling is an essential cosplaying skill. It takes a few tricks and some creativity.
Be sure to have the right wig and styling supplies ready before starting. There are a variety of wigs to choose from and some lend better to certain styles than others.
Cutting
Be sure to pin the wig down before styling to keep it in place. Keep in mind the wig head may be smaller than a human head therefore the style doesn't look the same when worn.
For big cuts use a simple horizontal cut. To make spikes or to avoid blunt edges, leave an inch or two of buffer because it may take a few rounds of cutting before getting the right shape. Cut vertically making the edges uneven and pointy.
Spikes
Spikes can be formed by styling the wig with freezing spray or hair glue. When using the spray, shape the spike and work the spray from root to tip and pinch the edges. Hold them in place until the product dries.
The glue is handy for hanging spikes, in other words ones that do not stand up. Work the gel into the tips of the hair.
Bald Spots or Holes
When styling a wig, watch out for holes or bald spots. This happens when you move the hair around on an open-cap wig, a wig that has rows of hair stitched in circles but with gaps in between. To cover them up, sew on matching extensions onto the wig underneath an existing row then feed it through the gap where the bald spot is. Use wefted extensions – hair that has been stitched at the top – because it is less trouble than managing loose hair.
Hairlines
Some styles have the hair pulled back and the hairline is showing. To avoid the hard edge of a wig, get matching extensions to create a new hairline. The edges cannot be wefted because they will be showing, so cut it off if it is. Cut a strip of fabric, ribbon or foam to lie against the wig hairline. Be sure the colour blends in.
Glue down the extensions to the material by leaving an inch or two off one edge, making the new hairline and the rest off the other edge. Make sure the hairline edge is cut somewhat uneven or pointed like a real hairline.
Then attach the material to the wig by sewing it down. Afterwards style the rest of the loose hair into the wig with freezing spray.
Ponytails
If the hair style has a ponytail, seriously consider getting a short wig with a clip-on ponytail. Many wig stores online offer them in colours that match their hairpieces. Wig ponytails are made the same as regular ones. Be sure to get rid of all the bumps by working the hair back. The hairline at the back of the neck may need some work. Refer to the hairline section above.
A ponytail offsets the weight of the wig. Hairpins may be needed to keep the it steady.
Strange Shapes
If the style is strangely shaped, it can be constructed using foam as a base. They are light and easy to modify. Foam can be bought in many shapes - spheres, cones, cubes - in a craft store. Similar to making a hairline, glue the hair extensions to the foam then attach that to the wig. Add more hair on top to blend it in if necessary.
Tangles and Brushing
Long wigs can easily tangle. If worn at a convention, be sure to detangle it periodically throughout the day by passing fingers through it. Comb it before storing to prevent more knots. Use a brush made specifically for wigs and be gentle.
Care and Transport
Read the instructions on the label. They usually include the washing temperature and shampooing directions.
To store or transport plain unstlyed wigs, keep them in the hairnet and the plastic case provided. For big styled wigs, put it on a foam wig head then place it in a box with some buffer around it, be it empty space or packaging foam.
Source: suite101
