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So You Want to Make a Crazy Wig?

a beginner’s guide to crazy wig styling

by irusucos

From Goku to Yugi, characters in anime have been sporting wacky hairstyles for a very long time and cosplayers have been bringing these characters to life for just as long. Creating gravity-defying, structured wigs can be a big challenge when it comes to translating these characters into real life, but with the right techniques, even the most ambitious styles are possible. Some cosplayers may find it daunting to see these characters but still want to cosplay them. This panel will explore the art of crafting wigs with internal support, from wire framing to wefting, and strategic styling to show you that making a crazy wig like that isn't so hard! Whether you're building massive spikes, intricate curls, or unconventional shapes, this panel will teach you tips and tricks to keep your wig stable, lightweight, and con-ready.

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Hello! My name is Kahir and I’ve been cosplaying for about 8 years!

I have been competing in craftsmanship contests for around 4 years and doing wig commissions for the past 2!

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Some examples of my work

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What I’ll be talking about

HOW TO PLAN

Mapping out how you’ll make your wig and deciding the details

TIPS & TUTORIALS

My own personal tips as well as where you can find helpful tutorials to use

THE PROCESS

How you’ll actually make the wig from start to finish

MATERIALS

What you’ll need in order to style it (and recommended tools)

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HOW TO PLAN

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First, decide on the type of wig

ponytail wig

spiked wig

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What are the differences and similarities?

ponytail wig

spiked wig

Ponytail attachment base
Weight distribution

both

Have fake hairline(s)
Gluing hair down
Add/remove wefts
Making the helmet base
Possible structure

Teasing into spikes
Getting height

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MATERIALS

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BASIC MATERIALS

These are the items you’ll need no matter what kind of wig you’re planning on making

Used to cover the surfaces of the shell and any shapes to allow the wig fibers something to adhere to (link)

Used to support external attachments such as ponytails (link)

Used to make structures(eg; spikes, structured ponytails, ahoges, etc.) (link)

Used to round out structures and make smaller/lighter attachments (link)

Used to cover structures in order to make a solid form (link)

Batting Foam
Plumbers Tape
Jewelry Wire
Floral Wire
Clear Packing Tape

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BASIC MATERIALS pt.2

These are the items you’ll need no matter what kind of wig you’re planning on making

Used to glue wefts together and attach them to the wig (link)

Used to make structure for attachments to hold to (paper towel/toilet paper roll or mini soft drink bottles for example)

Used to hold wig fibers in place (link)

Used to hold wig fibers while styling (link)

UHU Glue
Tacky Glue
Cardboard Rolls/ Plastic Bottles
Hairspray
Styling Clips

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UHU Glue vs Tacky Glue

UHU Glue

Tacky Glue

Fast dry time
Can be removed with acetone
Is flexible when dry
Should be used in a well ventilated area with use of a respirator as it is a more heavy duty glue

Slow dry time
Can be removed with water
Is flexible when dry
Is more of a craft glue but it still has a strong bond (however keep in mind that it will reactivate when wet)

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BASIC TOOLS

For brushing out, detangling, and teasing wig hair (link)

Used to smooth fibers, tame frizz, and heat shape the hair (link)

Used to attach wire, wefts, and other materials (link)

Used to heat seal batting, foam, and heat wig fibers (link)

Used to add texture into the wig (link)

These are the tools you’ll need no matter what kind of wig you’re planning on making

Combs/Brushes
Steamer
Crimper
Heat Gun
Hot Glue Gun

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BASIC TOOLS

Used to make structures(eg; spikes, structured ponytails, ahoges, etc.) (link)

Used to round out structures and make smaller/lighter attachments (link)

Used to cover structures in order to make a solid form (link)

Used to cut the hair (link)

Used to cool fibers into place, dry glue, and dry hairspray (link)

Used to spread glue and push down wefts in hard to reach places (link)

Used to spread glue onto wefts and flatten the edges (link)

Used to make curls, style spikes, flatten wefts, etc. (link)

These are the tools you’ll need no matter what kind of wig you’re planning on making

Hair Scissors
Hair Dryer
Clay Tools
Vinyl Scraper
Hair Straightener

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THE PROCESS

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For the purposes of this panel i’ll be using a hard shelled ponytail wig as an example of how the styling process usually works

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Step 1: Prep the wig

Brush and crimp the wig

Section off the bangs

Harvest the other wefts by cutting off the hair

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Step 2: Making the hard cap

Glue the hair down

Add wire, plumbers tape, and cardboard to where you want ponytail

Glue down batting

optional: paint batting

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Step 3: Making structures

Bend wire to make desired structure

Attach tape around structure

Glue down batting

optional: paint batting

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Step 4: Attaching hair

Take harvested hair and glue the ends

Let dry and hot glue weft on to wig

Brush the hair and glue other end onto wig

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Step 5: Finishing Touches

Use water or acetone on a paper towel to remove glue residue

Hairspray hair and smooth with hand

Trim any hairs poking up

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TIPS AND TUTORIALS

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Personal tips

Take your time

Learn from others

Practice makes perfect

Start simple

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Helpful accounts with tutorials

My personal favourite!

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THANK YOU!

ANY QUESTIONS?

@irusucos

@minexiwigs

Cosplay account

Wig commission account

link <3