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How to Do Hair for Stage

The theater is a place of storytelling and transformation. A stage actor's work is part reality part illusion. Sets, costumes and makeup are used to capture the essence of the world of the play so that actors may embody their characters completely and tell the story of the play seamlessly from beginning to end. Creating the right look of hair for the character is a major part of sculpting an actor's performance from top to bottom.

Things You'll Need

  • Toothbrush
  • Temporary white hair color
  • Bald cap
  • Scissors
  • Prosthetic adhesive
  • Liquid latex
  • Face powder
  • Wig cap
  • Wig
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Instructions

  1. Aging Effects

    • 1

      Establish that a character is older than the actor by adding a touch of grey. Apply the temporary hair coloring to an eyebrow comb or toothbrush.

    • 2

      Start at the temples and comb the brush through segments of hair to render a natural look.

    • 3

      Wash hair at the end of the performance to remove the coloring.

    Authentic Bald Look

    • 4

      Wet hair and comb flat. Place the cap on top of the head so that it rests evenly.

    • 5

      Use the scissors to cut slowly across the front of the cap. Follow a forehead wrinkle to establish a realistic line for the front edge. Trim the cap around the ears. Leave enough of the cap to adhere to the skin.

    • 6

      Roll up the front edge of the cap and apply the prosthetic adhesive to the area of skin just underneath. Unroll the cap onto the gum and press firmly until the adhesive takes effect. Adhere other loose edges using the same method.

    • 7

      Stipple liquid latex over the cap. Apply face powder over the latex and makeup around the edges to create a seamless line between the cap and the face.

    Using Wigs for Authenticity

    • 8

      Apply a wig to establish authenticity of setting or period. Place a wig cap over the head and hair.

    • 9

      Lower the wig onto the head. Align the center of the wig with the center of the forehead just below the natural hairline. Take the wig by the sides to adjust it into place.

    • 10

      Secure the wig with hairpins.

Theater Costumes

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