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!  

Parabens and Sulfates: Are They Bad?

It is not proven that either is bad, but there are studies showing the negatives of parabens and sulfates.

PARABENS

Parabens (most commonly methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) are preservatives that fight bacteria and fungus. Some parabens are found naturally in plants (e.g., methylparaben in blueberries). They are in 90% of skincare, hair care, and cosmetic products. Some drugs, toothpaste and food have parabens too.

Small amounts were found in breast cancer tumors. Parabens can act like estrogen, which in high levels and long-term exposure, can lead to breast cancer. Most breast tumors are found near the underarm; however, most antiperspirants/deodorants don’t have parabens. Parabens may lower reproductive health, build up in the body, and increase DNA damage from UVB rays.

SULFATES 

Sulfates (most commonly sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) form a rich lather when added to water. They are in the majority of personal hygiene products (e.g., shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream, hand soap, etc.). 

Sulfates dehydrate sebaceous glands, depriving the hair and scalp of natural oils. They can also damage or clog exposed hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Sulfates can fade color-treated hair.

 

PRODUCTS TO TRY

If you are worried about the effects of parabens and sulfates, many companies now offer paraben and sulfate-free products, so search your favorite brands! Here are some more brands (containing little to no parabens or sulfates) to try:   

Ahava, Alba, Alterna, Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant, Bliss, Boscia, Burt’s Bees, Jurlique, Josie Maran, Kiss My Face, Korres Natural Products, L’Oreal EverPure and EverStrong, Tarte, Tom’s of Maine, and Yes to Carrots

Questions or comments? Leave a message!

 

Wearing Makeup If You Wear Eyeglasses

Let’s “focus” on the eyes! Eyeglasses naturally draw attention to your eyes. So the goal is clean, defined eyes, as glasses can magnify and/or blur your eye area.

With no makeup on, put on your glasses. Do they make your eyes look bigger or smaller than they actually are?

• If your glasses make your eyes look a little bit smaller, let’s make them look bigger!

1. Use a highlight shade (such as a light white, cream or pink) on the inside corners of the eye and under the brows.
2. Apply a mid-tone shade (like a medium brown) to the outside corners and a little bit up into the crease.
3. Apply mascara with a “lengthening” motion: one forward motion from the root to the ends. Just 1 coat will define the eyes.

• If they make your eyes look bigger, let's play them down a bit!

1. Use a muted highlight shade (maybe soft peach or nude) under the brows.
2. Sweep a smoky gray or brown eyeshadow over the entire lid and a little up into the crease.
3. Apply 1 or 2 coats of mascara with a “thickening” motion: zig-zag motion from root to the ends.

In any "case":

• Apply eye cream or moisturizer to soften any fine lines.
• Use a magnifying mirror when putting on your makeup so you can see!
• Shape and maintain your eyebrows!
• Curl your lashes so they don’t touch the lenses. (Curled lashes are always good!)
• Use black or brown eyeliner for definition.
• Try water-resistant and long- wearing eye makeup so it doesn’t smudge!

For your face and lips: Try soft shades for bold frames, brighter shades for delicate frames. Neutrals always work!

Watch my video here: http://www.youtube.com/jamiehair#p/u/11/mwqqehU5JAA

What are your tips for wearing makeup with eyeglasses?

Questions or comments? Leave a message!