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.  :)

[susan patrick harris]

I love the idea of styled wigs. I know I would want a good MUA to create make up that is fine tuned to the period so why not great hair pieces as well! : )

[Meli Murder.]

I have worn wigs for a while now. Sadly I had a scalp burn and shvaed my head to relieve the burn (my hair is really coarse and thick). I don't know why you wouldn't wear them. THey are great if you want to change but don't want to commit and its fantastic if you have short hair (LIKE ME). Matsumi Max wears hair pieces all the time and I think the diversity of the hair (at least for me) has really added to her look and appeal.

Go for it.

I am an online shopper so vougewigs.com ebay.com are some of my favorite sites to check out. Local stores are always a good option. Also if your a DIY kind of girl go on you tube and search "quick weave" or "Cap weave" its basically a wig you make yourself.

[Roxxy Allure]

love wigs and hair pieces! go for it! id like to get some!

[Lissamel84]

I haven't seen very many quality wigs that are already styled, say in victory rolls or another period hairstyle.  All but one I have come across are halloween quality.  The one I did find was being discontinued.  If anyone knows where to find them let me know!

[Sivene_Delynn]

I love using wigs and such for shoots! 

I believe it gives the model a much wider range of looks that they can achieve.

I do agree that there definitely are some bad eggs, especially when it comes to synthetic. a few tips i've learned are: 

never buy in a hurry unless absolutely neccessary

always take the wig out of the package a couple days before the shoot. This gives you time to spruce it up and/ or restyle if necessary. heat melts synthetic wigs but rollers and a ton of hairspray left to set over night will give a wig some nice shape.

wig caps and bobby pins are your best friends

I like to bring hair accessories, headbands etc, to wear with my wigs. this helps to anchor it and prevents that "egg" look when it starts to loosen on the top of your head

[Kimberly]

I can not say enough good things about clip ons! I use them every day even though my hair is now very long.

[WaMLady]

As a wig builder/stylist I find them beneficial. It gives the artist/director more freedom to play with ideas as far as hair color and length are concerned, especially if model has hair that may/may not support the image that was in mind.

My advice to you is to buy a long wig, be it human or synthetic and cut/style as you see fit. This will give you more control as do what you want it to look like. Also, a many wigs come with a lot of hair, if you want to make it look natural, remove some weft (rows of woven hair into it) or take some thinning shears. Also (in my opinion), avoid any hair styles that expose the hair line of the wig. The line is too harsh and will look wiggy (unless you want that), cover with a bang or drape… But if you really want a natural hairline, but don't have enough hair to style… blend it in! Section off the front of your hair, apply wig, and blend your hair into the style… this is of course, if the wig is close to similar to the color of the persons hair.

I could lecture on, but will stop. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask and I will be glad to answer.

[Helena Isis]

As a costumer of nerdy things (comic books and whatnot), I wholeheartedly support wigs!  Especially if I can use them for more than one costume.   I've found if you know how to style a wig, you're pretty much in business.  In one of the burlesque acts I'm working on, I'm using a white wig.  My only problem is as with all girls (and guys) who wear unnatural colored wigs, do I dye my eyebrows to match the wig....  

[DrJakeOnTheLake]

As long as you look natural in a hair piece/wig...why the heck not...:) Just sayin'

[Rich Newnham Photography]

I've been buying a wig or two recently, and I think the fake-looking ones can be good for certain shoots. I've been shooting some "performance" styled shoots, which are designed to look like cabaret or burlesque, so a "bad" wig can look good.

I still need some truly good wigs too though!

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

Best thing to do is buy one that you like the style and color of and style it yourself. Or if you can't, find someone that can. Then just get a wig head and store it so it doesn't get messed up. You can have them in any style you want that way.

Lissamel84 said:

I haven't seen very many quality wigs that are already styled, say in victory rolls or another period hairstyle.  All but one I have come across are halloween quality.  The one I did find was being discontinued.  If anyone knows where to find them let me know!

[A Classy Vixen Photography]

Love all your pics! you guys are making me want to buy wigs as well..

Roxy Tart {Madam/Community Mgr} said:

I wear wigs almost all the time. Full ones, half ones, hair pieces, extensions.... you name it, I have it. I have those I wear for every day, for shows, and for photo shoots. Long, short, natural, crazy... I love them. You don't have to pay a fortune to get good wigs, I've never spent more then $60 on one. No one can tell they are wigs, and even friends will tell me they like my new cut or color if I wear a new one and they haven't seen me for a few weeks. Most wigs need a bit of styling or cutting when you get them, but if you have someone you trust who does your hair well, chances are she can also cut your wig. I live in the ghetto, and there are about 10 wig shops in a 5 mile radius from my house, that's where I get all mine, ghetto wig shops. Good quality, cheap price. I'm gonna start spending a little more because I want some specialized ones made, and I'll be checking out Vegas Girl for sure.

 

Also, wig shops will let you try on wigs if you spend a dollar and buy a wig cap. I never buy without trying on. If they won't let you, go somewhere else. If you don't need a wig cap to try on, go somewhere else. Here's a few pics of me in a few of my wigs, you can see if you buy the right ones, they can look really good.

 

All the hair in the back in these shots are hair pieces:

And some of my full wigs: