Styling wigs is a challenge, but a rewarding one!

Perhaps one of the most challenging, daunting, and complicated aspects of cosplay would be the wig. A lot of characters don’t possess simple hair styles, which often lead some cosplayers to omit a wig from their costume completely. However, even if you have the most accurate and well-made costume, you’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you leave out such a detail. Odds are people will look at your head first before they notice what you’re wearing and you’ll find that you’ll be overlooked more than the other cosplayer who took the time to get all the details head to toe.

Finding a wig that has the exact style you need is almost impossible unless you purchase one previously styled for the character you’re doing. Otherwise, all wigs will need some level of styling prior to stepping out the door. Because wigs are expensive to begin with, the thought of taking scissors, glue, and hairspray to them is a scary thought. However, if you’re careful and do some planning ahead of time, you’ll find that any effort into a wig is a valid one that will pay off at your next convention or event.

Choosing the right wig

We’ve already outlined how to choose the right wig, and to elaborate further, when styling a wig you have to keep in mind that a lot of crazy hairstyles (spikes, ponytails) require a lot of hair that most wigs naturally do not have. In that case, when planning to style a wig that will have characteristics like those, you’ll want to look at wigs that have twice as much hair than the style calls for. For example, you’ll want to purchase a long haired or much bushier wig even if the cut of the spiked wig you need is very short. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase extra wefts (the lines of hair attached to the wig cap) that you will need to add to the wig you choose. This will cover any bald spots that occur when pulling the hair apart for the style you need.

A good wig looks good on anyone and makes a huge difference!

Keep in mind again that you get what you pay for. More expensive wigs will not only hold up better to styling and look better in the end, but they should last longer if well cared for, too. Ultimately, though, any wig (styled or not) generally only lasts about a year before the need to re-style or even replace completely becomes evident.

Styling materials & the basics

It is essential to keep styled wigs on a wig head, usually made of Styrofoam. This will ensure the wig keeps its shape and prevent damage to the style. They are inexpensive and can be found at most beauty stores and even online through sellers like Amazon.com. When styling, however, it is generally recommended to style it while it is on your head: “Wig heads are rarely the same proportion and size of your face,” says Britt (makeshiftwings on cosplay.com).

Previously recommended for styling wigs, the Got2B line of styling products makes doing spikes and other slick, sharp features easier to obtain and generally guarantee they stay put. In addition to regular maximum-strength hairspray (a large can of Aquanet not only does the job, but will last you years), adding Got2B Freezing Spray and Got2B Spiking Glue to your arsenal will help tremendously.

In addition, you’ll need pins to keep the wig in place on the wig head and bobby pins to help keep it in place on your head. Britt has some advice when doing large spikes using the Got2B sprays and glues:

Spiked Axel wig by MsSaturday of DeviantArt/Cosplay.com

“Start by separating the spikes and keeping them in place with bobby pins. Then I recommend putting the wig on your head, picking a particular spike, and cutting it to the appropriate length. [...] Then take it off and use the Got 2B Freezing Spray to get the spike in the right shape. You can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to get the spike to set faster, but this is optional. Afterwards, take some of the Got 2B Spiking Glue and get the tip of the spike to stay together and be nice and pointed. Repeat. Many times. And make sure you keep putting it on and making sure it looks right. You can always wash out or brush out a bad spike - but you can’t fix a cut spike. Measure twice and cut once! On a side note, you don’t have to use a lot of Got 2B Freezing spray. This will make the wig look greasy. Give it a light mist, and the Spiking Glue will hold the end together. The ends of the spikes will look hard and darker, but that’s not too bad. Finish by cutting off straggly strands and giving the wig a nice coat of Got 2B Freezing Spray (lightly of course) to get it to hold.”

When it comes to styles that include elaborate ponytails, it is generally the best approach to make the actual ponytail as a clip-on, attaching it to a short wig with the hair slicked back into a bun to create the illusion it is one piece. Some wig sellers have begun to offer base wigs with high ponytails, so the challenge remains in finding the correct color if this is the look you’re after.

Any other style that does not involve spikes or ponytails, you should approach the hairstyle like you would as a stylist cutting someone’s hair. Arm yourself with plenty of reference photos, preferably from all angles, and be patient. Here are some links to tutorials with step-by-step directions on spiking wigs: small spikes, large spikes

Dying wigs

Sometimes characters just have to make it even harder for cosplayers and you’ll not only have to worry about style, but color as well. There are a few methods to dying wigs, and one of the most popular is the use of Sharpie or Prismacolor markers. However, this process can be tricky and no one should take to an expensive wig with a box of Sharpies before they inform themselves about the options available to them and the process of going about it. This guide outlines the difference between different inks, including price, availability, and usage. There are different inks you can use, and every cosplayer will have their own opinion on what is the most effective.

Using Sharpies to dye wigs is a common practice.

“I’ve used sharpies, FW Ink, fabric markers, and even spray paint. It depends on the level of the person doing it for it to turn out right. I use sharpies rarely, I really don’t like that method. FW ink is good for a fade or full coverage dye. I like to use fabric markers to add low lights like in my Light Yagami wig or a simple streak of color,” says MsSaturday of cosplay.com.

As for the actual process of dying, here are a few links to some tutorials using different methods: link 1, link 2

Wearing and Caring for styled wigs

The best process for putting on a styled wig may require you to have at least one other person assist you to ensure it is on properly, tuck in loose strands of your natural hair, and help pin it in place. Always wear a wig cap. Not only does it keep your natural hair in place and out of the way, but it makes wearing a wig more comfortable and ensure it fits properly. Even if you’re bald, wear a wig cap. The actual cap of the wig can be scratchy and very irritating otherwise.

Putting on styled wigs may require help from a friend.

It’s easiest to prepare for your wig by putting any make-up and effects on first after you put your wig cap on. From there, while bending forward, tip the wig in front of you and put it on from the front to the back. Position the front of the wig to where you want it and hold it in place with your index finger, being careful of any spiking or styling in that area. Carefully, and perhaps with the assistance of a friend, pull the wig over your head holding it by the cap and tug it down into position. After maneuvering it carefully into place, tuck in any strands of your hair that may have come loose in the process, then pin the wig to your wig cap using bobby pins.

Here is a nifty tutorial on how to make your own wig caps and a better visual on how to put on a wig.

As previously mentioned, you should store styled wigs on a wig head. For added stability, wig stands are useful for keeping wig heads from tipping over, which is a common and well-known issue—particularly with wigs that have large spikes and asymmetrical styles. Keep the wig pinned to the wig head to prevent them from slipping off, but remember where you place the pins! You can damage the style in the process of trying to remove it. Store it in a dry place with as little humidity as possible and away from anything that might bump or fall into it. To prevent dust from collecting, you can keep it in a plastic box large enough to keep the sides from touching and stabilized to keep it from falling over.

Traveling with styled wigs is perhaps the most perilous and cumbersome aspect of cosplay. While on a wig head, it’s best to keep it on a wig stand and positioned so that it will not be bumped or knocked over. Otherwise, the best option is to have a passenger hold it for you. If flying, packing styled wigs is very risky. Be prepared, whether traveling by plane or car, to bring your styling supplies with you to do any needed freshening up in your hotel room or at the event itself.

In the end, styling a wig for your cosplay is an effort and investment that pays off for your overall look. It can make the difference between a good costume and a great one!

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