How to make a hairline on a wig cosplay?

Choosing the Right Wig

Character Accuracy

• Color and Style: The wig should match your character's hair color, style, and length. Websites like CrazeCosplay.com offer a wide range of wigs tailored to specific characters from popular anime, games, and movies.
• Quality: Look for wigs made from high-quality synthetic fibers that mimic natural hair. Heat-resistant fibers are preferable as they allow for styling with heat tools.

Cap Construction

• Lace Front Wigs: These wigs offer a more natural-looking hairline and are ideal for characters with exposed hairlines. However, they require careful handling.
• Traditional Wefted Wigs: These wigs provide more volume and are better for styles that don't require a visible hairline.

Preparing Your Hair

• Clean and Dry: Start with clean, dry hair to prevent any oils or dirt from affecting the wig.
• Braid or Pin: Braid long hair or pin it flat against your scalp. For short hair, simply pin it back.
• Wig Cap: Wear a wig cap to keep your hair in place and create a smooth surface for the wig. There are two main types of wig caps:
  • Netted Cap: Ideal for breathability and ease of pinning.
  • Nylon Cap: Provides a smooth surface and is useful for lace front wigs.

Creating the Hairline

Materials Needed

• Two wigs close to the needed reference pics in the color of choice
• A wig head
• A pair of scissors
• Needle and thread
• Tulle in the color of your wig/hairline
• A hairdryer
• Contact glue or good glue

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: References

• Gather good reference pictures of your character to understand the hairline's shape and style.

Step 2: Basic Look for the Wig

1. Cut and Add Wefts: If your character has specific hair features (e.g., long wisps or spikes), cut these from the second wig and sew them onto the main wig. Test pin the parts first to ensure they look right before sewing them on permanently.
2. Styling with a Hairdryer: Use a comb and hairdryer to heat and style the wig's plastic fibers, pushing them back to achieve the desired look.

Step 3: Lace Front and Gluing on Wefts

1. Sew Tulle: Sew tulle to the front of the main wig to create a self-made lace front.
2. Add Wefts: Split leftover wefts from the second wig and glue them onto the main wig to cover everything. Use contact adhesive and let the wig set on the wig head to dry overnight.

Step 4: Cutting and Trimming

1. Mark the Hairline: Once the glue is dry, use a pencil to mark the outline of the newly added hairline.
2. Trim Excess: Roughly cut the wig to the marked outline, then use scissors to create a more natural-looking hairline by cutting small, pointy triangles. Avoid making them all look alike for a more natural appearance.

Advanced Techniques

Gluing a Fake Hairline

Materials Needed

• Wig (e.g., Vivien in Silver from Arda Wigs)
• Short wefts in a matching color
• Felt in a color similar to the wig fibers
• Clear gel tacky glue or other suitable glues
• Pins, hot glue gun, and glue sticks
• Seam ripper, hair clips, combs, and brushes
• Haircutting scissors and hairspray
• Hairdryer

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the Wig: Brush back the bangs to expose the underlayer and use a seam ripper to remove the front weft.
2. Cut Felt: Cut the felt into the shape of your desired hairline, slightly shorter than the actual hairline.
3. Glue Wefts: Glue the short wefts onto the felt, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the wig. Let the glue dry completely.
4. Trim and Style: Once the glue is dry, trim the wefts to create a natural-looking hairline. Use a hairdryer and hairspray to style the hair as needed.

Styling the Wig

Cutting and Trimming

• Trimming Length: Decide on the desired length and mark it with pins or clips. Cut small sections at a time, at a slight angle for a more natural look.
• Creating Layers: Section the wig into horizontal layers and cut each layer slightly shorter than the one below it. Blend layers using thinning shears for a natural transition.
• Cutting Bangs: Section off the hair for bangs at the front of the wig. Cut bangs longer than desired, as they will appear shorter when styled. Use the point-cutting technique for a softer edge.

Heat Styling

• Heat Tools: Use a flat iron or curling iron on a low heat setting to style heat-resistant wigs. Avoid using high heat to prevent damage.
• Teasing and Volume: For voluminous hairstyles, tease the hair by backcombing small sections and using hairspray to hold the volume.

Maintaining Your Wig

• Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the wig, starting from the ends and working your way up. Silicone spray can help reduce friction and make detangling easier.
• Washing: Wash your wig after several wears using a gentle shampoo. Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of shampoo, and soak the wig. Gently swish it around, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry on a wig stand.
• Storage: Store your wig on a wig stand or in a hairnet to maintain its shape. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Advanced Styling Techniques

Wefting

• Adding Wefts: Adding extra wefts can increase the volume and thickness of your wig. Sew additional wefts into the wig cap using a needle and thread.

Dyeing

• Dyeing Synthetic Wigs: Some synthetic wigs can be dyed using fabric dye specifically formulated for synthetic fibers. Always test a small section first to ensure the dye takes correctly.

Creating Spikes

• Shaping Spikes: Section hair into desired spike shapes and cut each section into a triangular shape, with the point facing upward. Use styling products and heat to set the spikes in place. For extreme styles, consider using wire or foam supports inside the spikes.

Ponytails and Updos

• Base Preparation: Secure the wig to the wig head with T-pins and divide the hair into the desired sections for your style.
• Securing: Use elastic bands and hairpins to create the base of your updo. Shape and mold the hair into the desired style, using hairspray to hold it in place. Add any final touches, such as loose tendrils or accessories.

Conclusion