Wigs and hairpieces.

[Mica]

What do others think of using wigs or hairpieces for pinup shoots?  I'm thinking of wigs that are already styled for the appropriate time period of one's costume/look, of course.  I've bought a few and know the synthetic ones don't always look great out of the package.  Before I run off and blow money on lots of wigs, I wanted to get some opinions.  :)

[GiGi Von Vroom]

I've been thinking about the same thing.  Sometimes I would like to have shorter hair or a more outrageous color than I would normally step out in.  So I've been thinking of investing in a wig or two.

[Mica]

I have to remember that a wig has to be the right scale for me b/c I'm petite (scrawny). ;)  The first wig I bought had bouncy curls and long curls in the back, but it overwhelmed me. I just bought another wig and will return it for the same reason.  I'm lazy, and if I can save time by putting a wig on for a shoot, why not?  The Japanese "cosplay" wigs are so cool looking, but maybe better for boudoir, goth, other styles besides pinup?  I need to go to a local wig store and try some out for ideas.

[GiGi Von Vroom]

you have a good point.  i'm "plus sized" so i know that a really short style won't work on me.  but i think cosplay wigs are more of what i'm looking for for the colors.

[pinupmakeover.com]

I use wigs all of the time but I invested in quality wigs and also paid to have them tailored and cut. You can't just take them out of box and have them look good.

 

[Deana Pendragon]

I LOVE wigs and have many! When I first started my show, I was doing so much backstage work and preshow work that I didnt have time to do my hair!  Since I didnt have the money for a stylist, I just started buying wigs that were styled and ready to slide on. My favorite though by far is to wear a half wig full of curls!

I also recommend www.vegasgirlwigs.com

She will make anything you want and ship it. I have one that I have been using in a giant up do for 2 years and all I have to do is fluff her a bit once in a while! This is a crummy picture of my half wig with a clip on piece on top...

Because I'm a big gal I can carrry huge hair.

This wig is from Vegas Girl

 

I just use the ones that match my crazy color. I typically dont change to cosplay styles because I have such a nifty color naturally.

[FlyInTheEye]

If they are color-matched to your own hair and blended in, they look great.  They also allow for more looks in one shoot, which is nice (with and without).  

 

The real issue is if you can justify spending what it takes to get good wefts and wigs, and then making sure someone is on hand to apply color to them ahead of the shoot.  We have a hair salon attached to our photo studio, so it's a great match that way.

M.

[Sophie Edwina]

I think wigs are an excellent idea, I have been considering in investing in wigs for shoots so I can try different looks, styles, and colors - without all of the dying and styling of my own hair! My natural hair had taken such a toll from over-styling that I cut a lot of it off, now that it's healthy I don't want to kill it again! Jayne Mansfield was known for wearing wigs, and I would love to captivate a glamorous look like the one she had. Does anyone have any recommendations for good places to buy wigs, from experience? I am going to check out those Vegas Girl wigs, those pictures look FABULOUS Deana! :)

[DottieMae]

I personally love hair extensions to give length & volume. Have also used colored strands when I didn't want to dye my hair. I did 1 photoshoot in a wig & I didn't like it because it was a cheap one. If I spent money on a real nice human hair one that could be styled then I may do it again. Wigs can also change your look for a particular shoot which is nice for your portfolio.

[AnnaKarina]

Wigs are cool. It's the fastest and the cheapest way to change how you look.

Sometimes we don't wanna change the color or the shape of our current hair. So, wigs are a good choice.

I've seen a lot of pics in PL and some girls are looking so great using their wigs!

[Mica]

Ladies, thank you all so much for your thoughts and ideas.  I have super-thick unruly evil hair that's really hard to control--I have no way of knowing how it's ever going to turn out even on a good hair day.  The wig option seems like it might help and take some of the stress off me.  Deana, your hair is a beautiful color! :)  And in response to the pinupmakeover post, I'd love more thoughts on having the wigs styled and cut.  Would this need to be done at a wig speciality shop?  I love my hairstylist and she could probably help me out a bit with that.  If I get into wig-wearing, I may just give up on my own annoying hair and wear a wig all the time.  ;)

[Mica]

Here's a link with information on getting a good wig style for one's face shape--it refers to celebrities w/similar face shapes for hairstyle ideas.....

 

http://www.wonderlandwigs.co.uk/caringforyourwig/choosing-you-style...

[Plum Pea Dahl {★}]

I love wigs and clip-ons!  I have a conservative job, so I can't get away with technicolor hair like in my profile pic.  Wigs let you be a different person or character and you don't have to worry about styling your hair.  Just pull it back and slap on a wig.  www.mallatts.com has a good selection.

Clip-ons are also good for creating length/volume to your natural hair.