Apply Crepe Hair
It is a well known fact that actors sometimes have to take certain measures to change their appearance for a performance. Sometimes this is as simple as wearing a distinctive costume, but other times it involves more complicated makeup effects. One effect that can seem intimidating is crepe hair, which has many uses ranging from something as simple as a moustache to a complicated look like a werewolf. It may appear to be difficult to apply, but it is much simpler than many people expect.
Contents
Steps
- Apply stage makeup first
- Before doing anything else, use a makeup chart to plan where you are going to put the hair; this is especially important if you are using it alongside other makeup effects. One important thing to keep in mind (which many beginners forget) is the bone structure beneath the skin. This is important if the hair is going on the face; it's not as vital in other areas, but it's still good to keep in mind.
- Once you have figured out where the hair goes, you have two options for sticking the hair to the skin: liquid latex or spirit gum. Whichever you choose, apply a thin layer to the area.
- Cut a straight bundled edge of crepe hair, hold between forefinger and thumb. Squeeze and roll fingers against each other to "fan" out creped hair. Then apply in small 1/2 sections or smaller starting with under the chin facing forward(towards the mirror). Place only the tip of the spread cut edges.
- Continue under chin until desired effect.
- Start with upper chin and continue to lay hair down towards floor.
- Work up into sideburns if needed
- Continue onto the mustache . outer sides of mustache need to face a a 45 degree angle facing down, then proceed to the nasolabial cleft (the divot underneath nose cartilage) place hair to go directly down.
- I would recommend only using spirit gum...which can be removed with 91% alcohol (CVS-carries this)liquid latex takes a long time to dry and not as effective.
- Allow Spirit gum to get tacky, use finger and tap till it feels like molasses.
- Cut into desired shape, style.
Tips
- If you are going to straighten the hair, you must do so by pulling it taught (the traditional technique is to tie it between two chairs) and putting boiling water under it. The steam then straightens the hair. If you do this, realize it can take as long as overnight.
- A mini hand steamer works as well (traveler steamer)2-7 min.
- There are pros and cons to each kind of adhesive. Spirit gum, which is more commonly used ( 91% alcohol- remove spirit gum - can purchase at CVS). However, it typically sticks to the skin more strongly. Liquid latex can simply be peeled off like a bandage, but sticks to tiny hairs and will pull them out, which causes issues removing latex.
- If crepe hair is human, use a curling iron. 30 sec.-3 min.
Warnings
- While both kinds of adhesives can cause allergic reactions, liquid latex is notorious for doing this. To test if you are allergic, put a small amount on the inside of your wrist and leave it there for 30 minutes. If this does not cause a reaction, you are most likely not allergic. The typical allergic reaction is a bad itch similar to an insect bite.
- Don't use spirit gum unless you have spirit gum remover handy- 91% alcohol. If you try to peel spirit gum off your skin, your skin will be severely irritated and may become infected. ( it is almost impossible to remove small amounts of spirit gum with bare hands.)
- Don't rip an effect made of liquid latex off your skin. Besides that it will hurt like ripping off a bandage, An effective method of removing liquid latex is to heat a wet towel and let moisture absorb into the latex, easy to remove. If latex piece needs to be saved; it must be a smaller piece that can be slowly removed by peeling one edge at a time working towards middle. baby powder so edges do not roll onto themselves.
- Don't allow any adhesive to get into your eyes. This may seem obvious, but everyone can use a reminder now and then... if needed to do near eye are work , use eyelash adhesive (may be bought at beauty supply stores or wall mart near false lashes.) Eyelash adhesive is a liquid latex but has very little trace amounts of ammonia which is safe for the eye area.
