Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Applying a Bald Cap

This works best on people with very short hair and short or no sideburns. Make sure their shirt is loose around the neck, as it may get makeup on it. Do not use on people allergic to latex.

Where to find bald caps, spirit gum, spirit gum remover and liquid latex: 
Makeup supply stores
Halloween/costume stores
Party supply stores
Online

Materials:
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hair gel and/or hair spray
  • Bald cap
  • Spirit gum
  • Spirit gum remover
  • Liquid latex
  • Translucent powder
  • Concealer (range of colors)
  • Foundation (range of colors)
  • Facial powder (range of colors)
Applicators:
  • Cotton balls/pads/swabs
  • Makeup sponges
  • Brush (small-medium)
  • Powder puff
Tools:
  • Spray bottle w/ water
  • Comb
  • Hair dryer
  • Marker
  • Scissors
  • Washcloth
Steps:
  1. Flatten the hair. Apply hair gel/spray and comb back. OR spray lightly with water, apply gel/spray and dry with hair dryer. OR use a wig cap. If they have long hair, tie into a low ponytail so it hangs out the back of the cap and down into their costume.
  2. With a cotton ball/pad, apply rubbing alcohol around the hairline. This removes oil to ensure good adhesion of the cap to the skin.
  3. If the cap has any creases, blow with the hair dryer to soften the crease.
  4. Have them hold their 2 index fingers at the sides of their forehead. Place the front of the cap over their fingers; as they pull it down over the forehead, pull the back over the neck. Make sure it is tight, centered on the head, and covering the ears.
  5. With marker, draw a 1-inch dot above the center of the ear. Draw a line from the dot to the earlobe.
  6. Gently pull the cap down and away from the head (without moving the entire cap). Carefully cut up the line and in a circle around the dot.
  7. Pull the ear out from the slit and pull the cap down tightly around the ear. If the cap bunches around the ear, pull the cap back over the ear and cut the circle a little bigger. When it is good, the cap will be close to the ear with no bunching and no hair showing.
  8. If necessary, trim the front, back and “sideburns” of the cap, leaving enough room (between the hairline and edge of cap, at least ½- 1 inch) to pull it down and apply spirit gum to the skin.
  9. Fold up the front edge of cap about ½ inch. Apply spirit gum to the inside of the cap and across the forehead. Do not get spirit gum in the eyes or hair. Wait until the spirit gum is tacky (tap it with your index finger to make it tackier). Fold the cap down and press onto the skin with damp washcloth. Let dry.
  10. Have the person look up slightly. Gently pull the cap backwards. Apply spirit gum to the inside back edge of cap and to skin (avoiding hair). Press cap to skin with damp washcloth. Let dry.
  11. Seal the remaining areas of the cap:  neck to ears, and then ears to eyebrows. Seal any gaps or loose edges. Let dry.
  12. With a makeup sponge, apply a thin, smooth layer of liquid latex around the edge of the cap, about 1 inch wide. Do not get in eyes or hair. Let dry. If necessary, apply another layer and let dry. Use the hair dryer set on low to shorten drying time.
  13. Use a powder puff with translucent powder to set the latex. Press it in and gently wipe away excess with the puff.
  14. Cover the cap with makeup. If matching it to the skin, use a shade closest to the forehead skin tone. If the cap is transparent, use a thick, opaque concealer to cover the cap; otherwise the hair underneath may show. Apply in a stippling motion over the cap and skin. Apply other colors on top as necessary. Set the makeup by pressing matching or translucent powder with a powder puff. 
Removing the Cap
  1. If it is comfortable for the person, simply pull the cap gently away from the skin. If not, apply spirit gum remover with a brush (or cotton swab) to the edge of the cap. Do not use your best brush, as the remover may wear away the adhesive that holds the bristles.  Loosen the cap from the skin with the brush. Do not get remover in the eyes. Be especially careful on areas where hair may be stuck underneath.
  2. Peel off any remaining liquid latex. If it is in hair, apply mineral/baby oil and comb out. An eyebrow/lash comb works great for this. 
  3. If it is still sticky, rub a cotton ball/pad with spirit gum remover over the skin. 
Watch my how-to video on jamiehair's Channel on YouTube! Applying a Bald Cap

Questions or comments? Leave a comment!  

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