Lady Jemima's Costume Corner - Wigs

~What is the quickest make a wig?

The fastest way to make a CATS wig is to buy a Rubies Cat Hood (RCH) or similar faux-fur wig and give it a quick style with scissors and hairspray. This is not necessarily the best way to make a wig, it is the quickest.

~What is the cheapest way to make a wig?

See "Sources and Supplies" for a list of product prices.

~How much yarn do I need for a wig?

I recommend about six to seven skeins of yarn total, two to three in the main color and one skein of yarn in each lesser color. Beginners, however, should always buy one or two extra skeins. '

~Where can I find pictures of crepe wool colors?

~I see crepe wool in small and large braids. What is the difference?

They are the same material, simply in different lengths and thicknesses. When buying crepe wool, look for braids sold by the yard rather than by the inch. Smaller lengths are sold in thinner coils for doll-making purposes, are are much less cost-efficient.

~How many crepe wool braids do I need for a wig?

This is a commonly asked question, and the answer depends on the costumer asked. As a general rule, I buy about six yard-long braids. Beginners, however, should always buy one or two extra braids. Below is a photo of one yard of crepe wool (an Alcone braid) completely frayed:

~Which kind of fibers can be dyed?

Acid or wool dyes made specifically for dying wool will provide the best results for crepe wool and yarn. Pour a small about of vinegar into the dyebath to help the dye adhere to the fibers and prevent bleeding. When they are dyed to your liking, let them sit in simmering water for several minutes. Allow the wool to dry on a drying rack (be sure to put wax paper underneath to prevent staining drips) and several hours later, wash the fibers in cool water to allow any excess dye to wash out. Allow to dry again, and voila.

Note: When dying any sort of fiber, make sure it is unwravled or frayed or the color will not take evenly.

~How much yak hair do I need for a wig?

Unfortunately I do not know the answer to this, as I have never made a wig from yak hair myself.

~Where should I start applying my [fiber of choice] first?

Most costumers begin with the "bangs" and then either work their way back or sideways.

~How can I keep my hair from showing around the edges of my wig?

A mesh hair cap can be used to keep your hair in place (you can even see CATS actors and actresses wearing these in the shorter bonus feature on the CATS DVD). These caps are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at Halloween or theatrical stores.

~How can I keep my wig on my head?

Authentic wigs have flaps made from wig lace that frame the face and help the wig stay tight against the actor's head. Wig flaps can be added to wigs using skin-colored pantyhose, tights, skin-colored mesh fabric, or wig lace (which is quite expensive). The flaps are applied with a liquid product called 'spirit gum.' Spirit gum comes in small bottles with a brush attached to the lid (much like nail polish). The adhesive is brushed onto the skin and becomes tacky after several seconds, at which time the flaps are pressed firmly against the cheeks and forehead. Spirit gum is often sold with spirit gum remover (which increases the price), which is essentially rubbing alcohol. Thus most costumers simply dip a Q-tip in alcohol, roll it under the wig flap, and gently pull the flaps away from the face. Do not rip them off. Once the flaps are loosened, baby wipes are often helpful in removing them entirely. Applying a bit of moisturizer to the face after the wig has been removed will help to prevent dry skin.