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Ok, I'm finally getting started with the FAQ... I will be adding to this regularly, but there's not much here yet... so check back...
Wigs & Hairstyles
I will be adding to this list frequently, please check back... updated 6/16/2001
In addition to my own writings, this list is, in part, compiled of the observations of many dancers and my 3-year collection of Med-Dance list and personal E-mail on the subject. My thanks goes to all of the contributors, with apologies for any inaccuracies or missquotes.
Q: What kind of hairstyles are authentic?
Q: How do I secure a wig to my head?
Q: What kind of hairspray can I use on a wig?
A: Aziza: I like long hair on dancers - it moves with the dancing and gives you another bit of expression. There are some drawbacks, though... my butt-length hair sometimes becomes entangled in the beadwork on my bra, back of my vest, or even my hip belt... and if you sweat, it does cling. Putting it up in a jeanie-type pony tail helps with that some, but doesn't entirely solve the problem.
For ethnic performance, long hair or two long braids is stylistically correct - but not mandatory. For Kaleegy, long loose hair works best for the hair-flipping movements - the longer and thicker the better.
Many of my students with short hair wear wigs or falls or clip-in curls and pony-tails as it just completes the look, but there are other options... it should just work with your look, costume, etc.
Pretty much the stage and movie dancers in Egypt wear the western style of the day - they look at us and copy the current hairstyles - to the point of silliness sometimes... for instance, dancers in Dorothy Hamil wedge hair bobs doing Kaleegy hair flinging moves... what is the point? There's nothing there to fling! instead it looks like they're trying to shake water out of their ears...
A: Khalila: For ethnic styles from the Maghreb, or Bedouin style, you could make lots of little braids, if you have long hair. An odd number of braids is traditional, and so is the practice of attaching little coins to the end of each braid (at least in some areas this was done). Guedra dancers had lots of charms braided into their braids.
When it's really hot & I'm performing outdoors, I sometimes have my hair in corn rows. It may not be wholly appropriate but it certainly is a way to keep me from getting overheated, as my hair, while only just below my shoulders right now, is extremely thick & bushy & I have in the past nearly passed out just from my head getting too hot!
A: Tamra Henna: Go check out the "Stars of Egypt" video series produced by Hossam Ramzy. In the clips of Egyptian dancers from the 40's, the dancers wore their hair just the same way as our mothers and grandmothers did during that time! In some of the clips depicting "beledi" style dancing the dancers did wear false braids, but for Raks Sharki they wore the latest hairstyles of the day. The same holds true for dancers over there from the 60's (whew! Can you say bouffant?), 70's (wings! I have seen them!), etc., etc., The only rules are that the women obviously were into being as stylish and contemporary as possible. So, if you want to appear "authentic" go look in your grocery store for the latest styles in the magazines! Short hair, long hair, braids, whatever you want to do is fine (within reason - I'm not sure if punky spikes would work), so long as your hairstyle is flattering to you, then it's an authentic look.
A: Albina: Try http://www.paulayoung.com (standard disclaimers apply). They have come closeout wigs as low as $19 and other wigs for $29-39, and nice long-hair clip-on hair piece for $9.99. They turned to be very reliable. The quality of their wigs is high, but, when ordering, ask if the wig can be combed (for some wigs, brushing is not recommended, just styling with your fingers). Also try "Especially Yours" (for women of color) at http://www.especiallyyours.com.
A: Shiny: Also try Lori's Wigsite http://www.wigsite.com
A: Aziza Sa'id: A wig holding tip from my hair-pro friend Celeste Aviva http://www.celesteaviva.com... This takes 2 people (one with the hair, the other to do the braids) but it will make sure your wig never slips.
Make a tight, small french braid crossways from ear to ear over the top of your head and another from ear to ear across the nape of the neck. These braids should be as close to the scalp as you can make them. Secure these tightly with hair bands, also close to the scalp. Then tie up the rest of your hair to tuck under the wing, flat braiding, pin curling or weaving your hair back and forth from one side to the other as needed... the idea is to get your hair as flat to your head as possible. Use a wig cap if you like over your hair, then position your wig. Once the wig is on, you can bobbie pin the wig into the two flat braids and it will hold VERY securely... no matter how fine or slick your hair.
A: Barbara: Another trick - when you are securing the wig with the bobbi pin, you first secure it through the weft of the wig, then when you reach your own hair, twist your hair around the bobbi pin a few times (kind of like when a child is twisting their hair with their fingers) this takes some practice, then secure to your hair. Also, you may not want to wash your hair for a day, or instead, use products like mouse or gel to "dirty" it up so it won't be so slippery.
A: Shanna: Paula Young Wigs http://www.paulayoung.com and Lori's Wigsite http://www.wigsite.com both sell a device called a Comfy Band or Comfort Band for people who have lost all of their hair due to chemo or alopecia. This appears to be a soft, elastic plastic band that is worn around the head where the hair line would be if you had hair. Your wig is then anchored to the comfy band. You might check out the customer service on those sites and see if this device would do you any good. Standard disclaimers apply here. I'm neither Paula or Lori, I just wear and like their stuff.
A: Alia: Years ago when I had short hair and wore wigs, I made a "comfy band" out of 1" elastic found at your local fabric store. Don't make it too tight, and remember to cross those bobbie pins...
A: Azrakesh: Make sure you secure the wig cap firmly with hairpins, so you have a solid base to pin your wig into. You should have at least 7 pins for the wig cap:
Then pin the wig at least 4 points:
Wigs also usually have an adjustment at the nape of the neck for a closer fit.
Also --- is your wig the same color as your natural hair? If so, you can set the wig slightly back, and incorporate your own bangs to give a more natural look.
It's a good idea to wear your hair piece around a bit before using it in performance - perhaps to classes. They take a bit of getting used to, but they're such a great accessory, and it's nice to be able to get your hair all fixed up days before an event! My Mom (who has a full head of hair, but gets terrible bed head) just got a wig so she could just pop it on when she's taking her dog out for his early morning walk. I'm not at THAT point yet, but I do have two wigs to choose from for performances.
A: (unknown): I was told that any hairspray that was water soluble was OK to use on my wig. But just to be sure, I bought the spray they had on their website as part of my first-time buyer wig kit.
A: Azrakesh: I work full time for a wig maker in the film industry (we built the wigs you'll see in the new Schwartzenegger film, "The Sixth Day"), so I will try to give you the condensed version of what I've learned about wig care.
First off, is your wig synthetic or human hair? They require very different maintenance. Some things are standard for all wigs: NEVER comb or brush a wig while it's wet, and only use wide toothed combs and brushes.
SYNTHETIC: Can be washed by swishing in a sink full of warm water with a capful of Wisk; rinse completely, then condition by swishing in a sink full of warm water and a cap full of Fleecy. Don't rinse, the Fleecy acts as a conditioner. Lay on a towel to dry.
The curl in your synthetic wig is "locked in", so it should bounce back to its original shape. If you DO decide to restyle a synthetic, you can't use a curling iron (it melts), and regular styling products aren't strong enough either. You need to set the wig in curlers, and then steam the wig (preferable with a clothing steamer, but a tea kettle will do in a pinch). Then set under a hair dryer, and you can brush it out when completely dry.
If you want to straighten a synthetic wig, or if the wig is already straight but looking frizzy, hold the dry wig near steam, and brush out with your wide tooth comb. Be careful not to over steam --- once you see condensation building up on the fibres, that's long enough.
HUMAN HAIR: Use the same swishing method to wash, but use actual shampoo and conditioner. Lay on a towel to dry.
You can style human hair wigs with the same products and techniques as you'd use on your own head of hair, but remember that hairspray can really build up and leave the wig looking dull, so either plan to wash your wig very regularly, or try not to use too much additional hairspray every time you wear it.
A: Laurie: Good wigs/hairpieces can look remarkably good even close up if they are put on with care. Cheap or bad ones can look really bad, even from quite a distance, especially if they are just plopped on. Look out for those synthetic ones that just shine too much -- they even look fake on stage... so buy a better quality one.
A: Azrakesh: Factory made wigs are notorious for having just too much hair in them, making them look "wiggy". If you have a wig that feels to full, you can reduce the bulk by taking out a few wefts of the hair; maybe take out 3-5 rows of weft, every third row, starting at the back. Keep checking the wig on your head, though, so you don't go TOO sparse!
Also --- is your wig the same color as your natural hair? If so, you can set the wig slightly back, and incorporate your own bangs to give a more natural look.
Q: If I have long hair, can I still wear a wig?
A: Najida: My hair is relatively thick and past my shoulders. What I found that works for me is past waist length fall that clips in my hair. With my own hair it gives the illusion of layers. I found mine at http://www.dramatic-differences.com.uk.
A: Azrakesh: it's still possible to wear a wig, but it means doing a really good job of laying your own hair flat to your head first.
The easy way, for as much hair as you have, would be to French braid your hair, and then coil the braid tails around your head, pin securely, put on your wig cap, and pin THAT securely. The key is to not make your head shape "lumpy" --- i.e., if you just put your hair in a bun, and put a wig over that, you'd look like you had a tumor! And straight-hair wigs will show lumps more than wavy wigs will.
Also, some wig caps are easier to work with than others. Most wig places carry caps that like regular nylon stockings, but I prefer the kind that look like fishnets --- they're easier to pin into. If you can't find those, go to a medical supply store and get some Surgifix, which is a white netting/webbing tube that can dyed with fabric dye to be close to your natural hair color --- darker is better than lighter.
Wigs do come in different sizes, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a suitable one.
A: Kate: Fear not...you, too can wear wigs. I have very thick wavy hair that goes down to my waist and I have a collection of wigs. Some tips (your mileage may vary, of course):
Invest in good hairspray. Rave Microspray is good for little tendrils, and to make the surface of the hair less slippery. It has a fine spray that won't show up as little glue dewdrops along your hairline. Freeze It, another brand I like, is like glue in a bottle.
Lots of bobby pins are absolutely necessary. Also several good, large, strong barrettes.
Wig caps are your friends. They help keep your mane in place, not straggling out under the sides of your wig. If you don't have a wig cap, you can make one out of panty hose; it's just a little hard to pin through.
Learn to french-braid or pin-curl. These two methods can get a lot of hair under a wig. If you french braid, braid your hair from your forehead to the nape of your neck, then braid to the end, and tuck the tail under the braid, against your scalp. If you braid your hair when it is dry it will lie flatter. Spray spray spray. Pin pin pin. Then put on your wig cap. I've never used pin curls, but I know female impersonators who do and swear by it. This method distributes the bulk of your hair over the surface of the head.
Buy wigs with large skull-caps that will fit over your hair. Also look for styles that have hair that frames the face (i.e. bangs)...wigs that fit the hairline closely may not fit properly. Sleek styles and short styles are more likely to show the bulk of your hair. I wear a short bob wig on occasion, and the two secrets to its success are:
So:
I generally pin most at the front of the wig since mine tend to slide back. I pin at each temple, again above that point at the "peaks" of my hairline on either side of my forehead; again above each ear, again behind each ear. Have a friend check to make sure no pins are showing.
A: Laurie: It can be done, but it's a real hassle, and works best with fairly fine hair. You'll need a wig cap. The top of a pair of nylons tied into a knot will work in a pinch -- fairly small ones work best. We used those in the costume shop at my college all the time.
What you are essentially going to do is take small sections of your hair and wrap them around your head, securing them with bobby pins. Alternate the sides you take the sections from so you don't end up with all of your hair in one place. Work from the sides and the bottom back, mostly, and work in layers so you don't get too much hair wrapping at the same time. It's kind of like wrapping a turban, but with small bits of cloth, not one long one. Not easy to describe, but if you play you will be able to figure it out. Basically you are trying to distribute the length and thickness of your hair as evenly as possible over your entire head.
Once you get your hair up and secured, pull on the wig cap and secure it. Someone already posted how to secure that, but basically a few bobby pins in strategic locations work well. If you have bangs that match the wig, it's nice to leave them out and pin the wig cap/wig just behind them so the hairline is more natural looking. You should then gently comb through your bangs and the front of the wig (if possible) to blend them. I would probably still do a couple of pin curls up at the top hairline wherever the wig is going to go to give you something solid to pin into. Sewing a comb into the front top of the wig will also help keep it gripped into your hair. Little ones work just fine.
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