Wigs: human, animal and syntheric

On the previous blog we talked about how to apply wigs, we can now look at what different types of wigs there are.  The three main types of wigs are human, animal and synthetic.  You'll see combinations of the three main groups as well.

Human hair:
They are the most expensive wigs.  That is because it's the most natural looking, they can lasts much longer then synthetic wigs.  You can even be washed, cut, or styled with blow dryer, curling iron and hair straightener.  However, it can frizz if you're in a humid environment.  The life span could be as long as 10 years if well maintained.

Human hair mixed with animal hair:
Slightly cheaper then human hair, and still looks very natural.  You can style it as if it was your own hair.

Animal hair:
Wigs made from 100% animal are the cheapest of all the natural hair wigs.  The most popular animal to get wig hair made from would be the Yak.

Synthetic fiber hair:
They are most likely made from nylon or acrylic.  It is the lightest weight, which make them more comfortable to wear.  It is also suggested to avoid strong heats from blow dryers, rollers, hair curlers, and flat irons, seeing that the high heat can melt the fibers.  They typically last 3-6 months before drying out and tangling, but if worn lightly and taken care of they can last up to 2 years.

Depending on your budget and the type of look you're going for you can weigh out the pros and cons of each type.  If you're going to be using it for a special fx project and for a short period of time, a synthetic wig would be the way to go.  However if you're working on a high end film, you'd want human hair, so it could look as natural as possible!

Wigs: caps, adhesives and removers

Before applying any type of adhesive to hold your wig in place, you're going to want your hair pulled back.  The best way to do this is to use a wig cap.  Adhesives are a very important part in wig wearing.  You want the right type of adhesive, whether its something to hold for a short period of time, or upwards to 4 weeks. Then you'll need some type of remover to unstick the adhesive.

Wig caps:
They are extremely cheap, and are available in a small range of colors to match your skin tone.  They typically come in either a fishnet/mesh like weave or a nylon material.

You can find wig caps in a 2 pack for under $5 at any party store.

Daily or short term adhesives:
Usually for costume wear, or trying out a wig for the first time, you'll want something short term.  Or maybe you change your look a lot.  For this, you don't want a super strong glue.  Something like wig tape, or a short term daily glue would work best.

Walker Mity Tite Adhesive is more of a daily glue.  You can find it for under $9 for .5oz.

Wig Tape -  You can find some at a local party store.  Party City has a 25 count of stripes for only $5.99.  Although, it is really just a strong double sided sticky tape, which you can find at an office store.

Long term adhesives:
If you're looking to be wearing your wig for a month or more, you'd need some heave duty adhesives.

Walker Ultra Hold is a thick, strong adhesive that lasts 4-6 weeks.  It is waterproof and has a brush attached to the bottles lid.  It runs for under $8 a bottle for .5 ounces.

BMB super glue for lace wigs for under $10 for .5 ounces.  This adhesive lasts 4-6 weeks.

Removers:
You will most likely need some type of remover if you've used an adhesive.  They sell removers for softer adhesives as well as strong.

Walker C-22 Citrus Solvent is a soft adhesive and tape remover.  It costs under $5 for a spray bottle full of 4oz of the remover.

ProTouch Adhesive Remover is one of the best deals costing about $9 for 16oz and works on both short term and long term adhesives.

Putting on a wig is much more then sticking it straight onto your head and calling it a day.  Remember to use a wig cap to conceal whatever natural hair you have.  Then use an appropriate adhesive for the duration of time you will be wearing the wig.  And lastly, always have an adhesive remover handy.

Wigs: Overview

The word Periwig was added to the English dictionary in 1675 and we have since shortened it to "wig".  A wig is defined as a head covering made from human hair, animal hair or synthetic hair.  They are used in many cases; to hide baldness, to improve ones look, for religious obligation, or for costume.  In the special effects industry, a wig can really bring a costume to life.

History:
The earliest known wearings of wigs is by the Ancient Egyptians, they wore wigs to shield their bald heads from the sun.  Periwigs became popular between the 17th and 19th centuries.  French and British men and woman wore them to show their high class.  Also, wigs were worn at that time for health reasons.  During those times, many European counties looked down on bathing.  Most high class men would only bath once a year, so to prevent lice they would shave their heads.

Types:
During the 17th to 19th centuries wigs were made with human hair, sometimes an animal hair was used as a filler, along with the human hair for a cheaper cost.  Now days we use human hair, animal hair and synthetic fiber.  Human hair is always preferred due to its natural look and movement.  However, some people get synthetic, considering its cost is considerably cheaper.  Synthetic fiber also has the least amount of maintenance required.

Applications:
The Ancient Egyptians used beeswax to adhere their wigs.  Now days, we use a few things to help keep a wig on.  The first is a wig cap, this holds whatever natural hair you have, down and out of the way.  Then there are adhesives like wig tape (a strong double sided sticky tape) and some even use things like spirit gum.

Wigs have been around since B.C.  They can be used for many things, to achieve many different looks.  Whether you're using real hair or synthetic, there are a few options of adhesives to help keep your wig in place.

Body Paint: Removal

Overall tips to help in removing body paint:
- Use a primer
- Moisturize post removal

Liquid Latex:
It is removed by peeling it off.  However, you can run it under warm water to try and loosen it from the skin, making it easier to pull off.

Cream Based:
Using a cold cream, like Ponds, is the best way to remove cream based paints.  If you have any residual residue you could follow up the cold cream with a baby wipe to remove any access product.

Water Based:
Simply, warm water and soap.

Oil Based:
Use some type of body scrub to remove oil based paint from the skin is the easiest way.  You could even make your own with either salt or sugar mixed with a little oil like olive oil or vegetable oil.  Then you scrub, scrub, scrub and remove with warm water.

Alcohol Based:
This can be removed by using more alcohol (99% works best).  However, the use of so much alcohol on your face drys it out pretty bad, make sure you moisturize after!

RMG Paint:
Typically olive oil works pretty good.  If you're still having difficulty getting it off, you can use a scrub as well.

Body Paint: Rubber Mask Grease Paint

Rubber mask grease paint is also known as RMG.  You can add a couple of drops of 99% isoprophyl alcohol to create washes of color or blend colors together.  The easiest way to apply it is with a sponge.  It works remarkably well on top of latex, but takes a little TLC to remove.

You can apply RMG with either a sponge or brush.  It's texture is thick, and somewhat sticky, like rubber, therefor it would definitely not work in an airbrush machine.

Pros:
RMG works well on top of latex, which helps tremendously if you're trying to blend out a bald cap, or latex prosthetic onto the skin.

Cons:
The texture takes time getting use to, it has a sticky consistency.  There is a little bit of a struggle to remove this paint.  There is special products you can buy for removal.

Although it's not necessarily a great body paint, it would be prefect for coloring a bald cap, or a type of latex prosthetic.  Just be sure to apply with a sponge, and  take your time to be sure you remove all of the paint from your skin.

Body Paint: Alcohol Based

Using alcohol based paint is more for advanced make up artists.  If you do not set it in powder, its finished product tends to look like "plastic" which could be awesome for particular projects.  This is probably the longest lasting based paint, it stays on for a truly long time.  However, it comes at a cost, its scent can be pretty strong and bothersome.

Airbrush is a popular way to apply alcohol based paint, but the machine does tend to clog a lot more often.  You could also use a brush or sponge.  Although like other paints, the sponge tends to absorb the paint.

Pros:
This paint will not come off!   Not only does it last for long periods of time, it's comfortable.  It drys on contact, which works great for having to work in a fast pace environment.

Cons:
As a result of the base being alcohol, it has a tendency to have very strong fumes, which could really bother some people.  This product is not recommended to be used on the face.  Another downside to it is that its fairly hard to remove and you most likely will need a special type of remover for it.

Although it has a few disadvantages, it's longevity makes up for some of them!  If you use an airbrush to apply, make sure to clean it frequently to prevent clogs.  Supposing that you want to wear your makeup/paint for an all day event and not wanting to worry about it smearing or coming off, alcohol based paint would be a great choice.

Body Paint: Oil Based

You can buy oil based paints in tubes, sticks and cakes.  It's texture is very thick, and creamy.  However, because it is heavy, it takes a long time to dry, so you have more time to work it.  You do need to set it with a powder so it'll dry and not stay "sticky".

Since its consistency is on the thicker side, brushes work best to apply and move the paint around on the body.  You could also use a sponge, but they tend to look more streaky.  If you use a sponge, be sure to dab it on, it will provide better coverage without streaks.

Pros:
Oil based paint is water proof, so you don't need to worry about sweat.  It blends nicely.  You have a lot of flexibility with working it for a long time, seeing that it's movable until you set it with powder.  Also, you can use your oil based paint on top of water based paint to create more depth to your project.

Cons:
It has a texture that is thick and sticky.  Because it is thick, it takes a long time to dry.  It is difficult to remove from the skin.

Oil based body paints are effective if you're looking for a thick, long lasting product.  Just remember to use a brush to apply it and always set it in powder once you're achieved your desired look, so it does not stay sticky and smear.

Body Paint: Water Based

Water based body paint is just paint, in liquid form, or you can buy it in a solid form, and use water to activate it, then apply it.  The most common way to apply it is by airbrush.  Although it dries very, very fast, there's a huge chance it will rub off at the first signs of sweat.

For applying the water based paint, you could use brushes, which lets you get more detailed.  Some have used sponges, however they tend to soak up most of the paint.  But the easiest, and fastest, way to apply water based body paint is by airbrush.

Pros:
Water based paint drys incredibly fast, usually in about 1 minute.  It is also a cheap product, you can get a 1 ounce squeeze tube for around $3-4.  For removal, you don't need any makeup removers, just some soap and water.

Cons:
It is reactivated with water, meaning it can rub off easily with sweat.  If you were outdoors, in the summer, it wouldn't last long.

If you want something short term, where you won't be in hot environments, water based body paint would work for you.  It is also great to use on kids, because it dries so fast and kids don't tend to sweat as much as adults.

Body Paint: Cream Based

Cream based paints are used mainly for face painting.  They can also be used for body paint, depending on your project.  They are easy to use, however they have the downside of rubbing off easily.

Paint brushes are a great way to apply the paint, gives you more of a chance to get detailed with your work.  Also, for large areas, a sponge could be used.

Pros:
Cream based paints are very easy to blend.  It is also forgiving if you make a mistake, you can just wipe it clean and start over.

Cons:
The biggest disadvantage to cream based paint is that is can easily rub off or crease.  Also, if you have oily skin, it will increase your chances of creasing.  Two things to possibly prevent this would be to use a primer, and/or you could apply a quick dusting of translucent setting powder, but this could give it a matte look.

Cream based paint would be best if you're planning on needing body paint that is easily blended but not needed for long periods time.  Using brushes gives you more freedom in adding details.  And, although it blends well, be sure to use a primer to prevent creasing.

Body Paint: Liquid Latex

Liquid Latex is essentially a liquid version of rubber.  It is one of the most popular body paint options.  It costs about $15-$20 for 16 ounces, which should cover about 3 layers of a painted on shirt, and may have a little left over.  This blog will be going over what type of applicators you can use with liquid latex, as well as the pros and cons of using it.  Don't forget to always do a skin test before applying liquid latex!

By airbrush is a common way to apply the paint.  You could also use a sponge, but it could take twice as long, and not only that, the texture isn't as smooth.  One layer of the liquid latex takes about 5 to 10 minutes to dry.

Pros:
There are many different color options for liquid latex including neons, metallics, and even nudes.  Once dried, the latex shrinks by three percent, as if it was just a second layer of skin, therefor it is easy to wear.  Then, once it's dry... that's it, it wont rub off like a cream based paint would.  It lasts for hours, sometimes even up to a day if you're not very active in it.

Cons:
It has a tendency to stick to itself, so purchasing a slick spray to apply to the dried latex would be recommended, or even using a setting powder.  Liquid Latex is removed by simply peeling it off, which can be a bit painful, especially for people with sensitive skin, so be sure to use a moisturizer before applying the latex.  Also, the more layers you use, the easier it is to pull off.

Of course you have to outweigh the pros versus cons before using it.  Using an airbrush machine would be the easiest way to apply it.  It would not be in the best interest to use it on someone who has very sensitive skin.  If you're looking for something that is long lasting without a huge mess, liquid latex would be the way to go.