How to style wigs for cosplay?

The Ultimate Guide to Styling Wigs for Cosplay

Essential Tools and Materials

• Wig head and stand
• Sharp scissors (hair shears)
• Various combs (wide-tooth, fine-tooth, rat-tail)
• Hairdryer
• Strong hold hairspray
• Flat iron with adjustable heat settings
• Hair clips (alligator clips and extended clips for thicker pieces)
• Mini rubber bands
• Hair rollers (various sizes, non-velcro)
• Hairpins and wig clips
• T-pins or quilting pins
• Tacky glue
• Needle and thread
• Teasing brush
• Wig tape

• Steamer
• Perm rods
• Razor
• Crimping iron
• Ventilating hook/needle
• Swiss lace
• Silicone glue

Choosing the Right Wig

1. Length and thickness: Ensure the wig is long enough and thick enough for your desired style.
2. Cut and shape: Look for a wig with a suitable base cut (e.g., layered, straight, etc.).
3. Top style: Choose between button top, side part, or versatile skin top.
4. Front type: Decide between a lace front (for a more natural hairline) or a hard front.
5. Color: Select a color that matches your character or can be easily dyed if needed.

Basic Wig Care and Preparation

1. Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the wig, starting from the ends and working your way up.
2. Washing: If necessary, wash the wig using specialized wig shampoo and conditioner. Air dry on a wig stand.
3. Heat protection: When using heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray designed for synthetic fibers.

Cutting and Trimming Techniques

1. Sectioning: Divide the wig into manageable sections using clips.
2. Point cutting: Cut into the hair at an angle to create texture and avoid harsh lines.
3. Layering: Create layers by cutting at different lengths throughout the wig.
4. Thinning: Use thinning shears to reduce bulk in specific areas.
5. Bangs: When cutting bangs, always cut them longer than you think you need, as you can always trim more later.

Heat Styling Basics

1. Temperature control: Start with a low heat setting and gradually increase if needed. Most synthetic wigs can handle temperatures up to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sectioning: Work in small sections for more precise styling.
3. Cooling: Allow each section to cool completely before moving on to maintain the style.
4. Steaming: Use a handheld steamer for gentle heat styling, especially for creating curls or waves.

Advanced Styling Techniques

Creating Volume and Texture

1. Teasing: Backcomb sections of hair to create volume at the roots.
2. Crimping: Use a crimping iron to add texture and volume to specific areas.
3. Layering wefts: Sew in additional wefts to increase thickness and volume.

Spiking and Gravity-Defying Styles

1. Cutting: Trim the hair to the desired spike length.
2. Teasing: Backcomb the base of each spike for added support.
3. Shaping: Use a combination of heat styling and strong-hold hairspray to shape the spikes.
4. Reinforcing: For extreme styles, consider using wire or foam supports inside the spikes.

Ponytails and Updos

1. Base preparation: Secure the wig to the wig head with T-pins.
2. Sectioning: Divide the hair into the desired sections for your style.
3. Securing: Use elastic bands and hairpins to create the base of your updo.
4. Styling: Shape and mold the hair into the desired style, using hairspray to hold it in place.
5. Finishing: Add any final touches, such as loose tendrils or accessories.

Color Modification

1. Temporary coloring: Use colored hairspray or chalk for quick, washable color changes.
2. Semi-permanent dye: Apply fabric dye specifically formulated for synthetic fibers.
3. Highlighting: Create dimension by adding lighter streaks or sections.

Special Effects and Unique Styles

Ahoge (Hair Antenna)

1. Isolate a small section: Choose a small section of hair near the crown.
2. Shape: Use heat styling and hairspray to create a curved or straight antenna shape.
3. Reinforce: For added stability, consider using wire inside the ahoge.

Side-Cut Styles

1. Preparation: Section off the area to be "shaved."
2. Cutting: Carefully trim the hair very short in the designated area.
3. Texturing: Use a razor or thinning shears to create a more realistic shaved look.
4. Blending: Carefully blend the short section with the surrounding longer hair.

Ombre and Gradient Effects

1. Sectioning: Divide the wig into horizontal sections.
2. Color application: Apply dye or colored hairspray, gradually blending colors between sections.
3. Blending: Use a comb to softly blend the colors for a seamless transition.

Maintaining and Storing Styled Wigs

1. Cleaning: Gently spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap as needed.
2. Restyling: Use a steamer to refresh curls or waves.
3. Storage: Store styled wigs on wig heads or in breathable wig bags to maintain their shape.
4. Transportation: Use sturdy wig boxes when traveling to protect your styled creations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tangled or Matted Wigs

1. Gentle detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb and work in small sections.
2. Fabric softener solution: Create a mixture of water and fabric softener to help smooth fibers.
3. Heat treatment: Carefully use low heat to help relax tangled fibers.

Frizzy or Static-Prone Wigs

1. Anti-static spray: Apply a light mist of anti-static spray.
2. Fabric softener sheets: Gently run a dryer sheet over the wig to reduce static.
3. Silicone spray: Use a small amount of silicone-based wig spray to smooth flyaways.

Flattened or Misshapen Styles

1. Steaming: Use a handheld steamer to revive curls and waves.
2. Reshaping: Gently reshape the style using your fingers and hairspray.
3. Heat restyling: If necessary, carefully restyle using heat tools.

Tips from Professional Cosplayers

1. Practice on cheap wigs: Hone your skills on inexpensive wigs before working on your main cosplay wig.
2. Document your process: Take photos or videos of your styling process for future reference.
3. Be patient: Complex styles often require multiple attempts and adjustments.
4. Invest in quality: While budget wigs have their place, investing in higher-quality wigs can make styling easier and more durable.

Wig Styling Resources

1. CrazeCosplay.com: Offers a wide range of cosplay tutorials, including wig styling tips and tricks.
2. YouTube channels: Follow wig styling experts like Kinpatsu Cosplay for video tutorials.
3. Cosplay forums: Join online communities to share tips and get advice from experienced cosplayers.
4. Books and e-guides: Consider purchasing comprehensive wig styling guides for detailed instructions.

Conclusion