Wigs: Altering a Wig's Shape


MOCHI > The Workshop > Makeup, Etc. > Wigs > Altering Shape

Anime has such a bizarre range of hairdos. From long, straight hair in the traditional schoolgirl cut to a mass of pink locks that probably weigh three times as much as the person wearing them, gravity-defying curls of braided hair to a forelock that falls just so over one eye, it can be a challenge to get a wig to look right. We've still got a lot to learn in this area, but here are a few notes that you might find useful ....

Getting the wig cut

Someone who is willing to cut (or "style") your wigs for you can be an invaluable resource. (Especially if you don't have the talent to do it yourself!) Getting the cut of a wig altered can make it hang closer to your face, further away from your face, look fuller than it really is, fall into separate locks, make it easy to "spike" by teasing it -- you get the idea.

Most of the time, getting a wig styled is like getting your hair cut: you put on the wig and the stylist cuts it. Since wig-hair won't grow back, make sure that you have some good pictures to show the stylist. You also need to make sure that you have realistic expectations about what you can do with a wig. Some anime hair styles might only work well when done in foam or in neoprene sheets.

Using additives

What, exactly, do we mean by "additives"? Additives are "things that you add to the hair to get it to hold its shape". One time-honored way to change the shape of your hair is to tease it use a comb and hair spray. After all, there are lots of anime hairdos which lean towards the poofy side. Hair spray is a great method for getting a wig to hold a certain shape. Since you aren't actually the one wearing the hair spray, go for cheap hairspray with serious hold. After all, you won't be stuck with "helmet-head": you get to take the wig off.

AquaNet is a hair spray of choice for MOCHI. You can use other additives as long as they'll set by air drying. For example, sculpting mud and pomades won't do. Mousse works pretty well.

If you need something with serious staying or "lift" power, the old punk stand-bys included using a thick solution of cornstarch or white glue (like Elmer's), mixed or thinned down with some water. Although you can (theoretically) wash out the wigs and use them again, it's probably best to do this only to wigs that you're going to permenantly use for a particular character.