How to Make Fake Beards
In theater, characters often require a specific physical appearance. If the actor cast in a role does not naturally have the attribute specified, the creative team will have to create the characteristic artificially (such as a wig, a prosthetic nose, a padded body suit, etc.). Certain roles require that the actor playing the character have a beard. Due to the fact that professional rehearsal periods are often very short, the actor may not have sufficient time to grow his own beard, in which case the show's costumer will design a fake beard for the actor to wear. Fake beards are easy to make, and the materials are relatively inexpensive.
- Crepe Hair
- Prosthetic Adhesive
- Hair Spray
- Scissors
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Instructions
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1
Unwind the crepe hair, as it typically comes in tight braids. To remove the curls you can either iron the hair, or run it under water and let it dry overnight.
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2
Apply a prosthetic adhesive of your choice to the base of the chin.
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3
Attach a small patch of hair to the chin, cut to the desired length. Hold it to the chin firmly for several seconds.
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4
Continue applying adhesive and small patches of crepe hair along the jaw line, and then move up your cheek until you reach the desired height for your beard.
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5
Cut a small patch of crepe hair (much shorter than the rest of the beard), and attach it with adhesive to the space above the upper lip to create the mustache.
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6
Trim any uneven edges, and mist the beard with hairspray to prevent fly away strands.