Posts Tagged ‘Them’
Costume Wigs – Let Them Go To Your Head
Article by Paul Graham
Costume wigs are more than just simple hairpieces. They can be reminiscent of a period in history, or of an character’s attitude, behavior, and secrets; and should go with the actor’s or costume wearer’s appearance. In film and theater productions, entire teams are assembled and devoted o making costume wigs. They are considered to be experts in history, make-up, and psychology. Costume wig makers wear even more thinking hats than those who wear their creations. Indeed, movies, plats, and entire parties rest their art and enjoyment on costume wigs. Costume wigs should succeed in making the unremarkable beautiful, the beautiful grotesque, and the grotesque just downright macabre.
I. Types Of Wigs
1. Stone AgeBristly and large, these wigs resemble teased hair which has been run repeatedly through a washing machine’s spin cycle before being thrown, albeit vainly, into the garbage disposal.
2. Greek or RomanThese wigs are elaborate, especially for women. They will usually be piled with curls and braids, and be interwoven with jewelry and pearls.
3. MedievalAlthough these costume wigs are often hidden behind large headdresses and veils, the war costume wigs are as bright and exposed as caveman hair. The hair shocks will stick out at angles, and will be embedded with blood and pebbles.
4. VictorianAlways powdered white, this may be embellished with ribbons and pearls. Women’s Victorian costume wigs will be bulky and piled atop their heads, and contain layers of heavy braids.
5. Roaring TwentiesThese are a favorite among costume wigs because they are small and simple, with tendrilling curls framing the brow for women, and neatly combed and parted hairpieces for the men.
6. ModernThese costume wigs comprise a broad range of styles and fits. They can be used to disguise a character, enhance a character’s looks, or simply change a character’s appearance. Such wigs can be used to dress up spies, partygoers, and exotic dancers.
7. FantasyFantasy costume wigs cover the range of make-believe fairy worlds as in the Lord of the Rings trilogy; invented alien worlds such as those in Star Wars of Star Trek, and horror situations such as those that exist in horror movies.
II. Color
A costume wig’s color and appearance contribute greatly to showing off a character. Caveman wigs are usually dark; Roman and Greek wigs dark or golden; Victorian powdered white, with increasing whiteness showing greater wealth; Roaring Twenties dark; and modern and fantasy wigs all colors and styles of choice. Although not often followed, warm colors such as deep reds can denote warmth at one end, and extreme anger or rage at another. Deep, dark colors such as black connote brains and sophistication. Light yellows and gold may signal youth, sprightliness, and lack of intellect (hence the dumb blonde stereotype). White can mean age, wealth, wisdom, and even neutrality or peace. Hot neon colors, although for the most part confined to the costume party crowd, can actually reflect a character’s need to be noticed, which may be due to the same character’s inner strife.
III. Benefits
– Adds character to a character- Looks good on the wearer- A long face can be widened- A wide, cherubic face can be lengthened to look less childish
IV. Considerations
Equally important are the actors’ skin tone and eye color. Dark skin will usually be complimented by dark colored wigs, and light skin will usually be complimented by light colored eyes. Pale skin paired with starkly dark hair can give characters a harsh look, and can be used to convey ideas of inner conflict, cruel intentions, or even sickness.
Costume wigs can be made from a variety of materials. Real human hair can be woven into wigs, although such wigs will often be more expensive. Most wigs nowadays are made from synthetic materials, providing the wig with a both eye and camera friendly (though unnatural) sheen. The industry choice, however, is yak hair, which is not only inexpensive, but close in consistency and appearance to human hair as well.
About the Author
For more great costume wig related articles and resources check out http://www.thewigsite.com
Brief History of Wigs and the Famous People That Wore Them
Article by Benedict Smythe
Wigs have been known and used for many centuries. Many noblemen have tried this great headpiece. Even in the ancient Egyptian civilization, wigs were already into good use. Most ancient Egyptians wore wigs to protect their shaved heads from the heat of the sun. Other ancient civilizations who wore wigs are the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks, and the Romans. This headpiece traces back its roots to the ancient Western civilizations.
The Royals and Other Important People who Wore Wigs
When the Roman Empire fell, the use of wigs was also forgotten and it was only during the 16th century that people started to revive them. During this era, wigs were already worn as a way to improve one’s appearance and also to cover baldness. The conditions during that time was also quite unhygienic, hence, people shaved their heads and started using wigs. It was much easier to remove lice from artificial hair than to get rid of them the natural way.
The many royals who used wigs made great contribution to their revival. The famous red wig of Queen Elizabeth I of England was styled in Roman curls. France’s King Louis XIII and King Louis XIV were the first two men to wear wigs in the 16th century. King Louis XIV (also known as the Sun King) was a dictator who told men of his time how they should dress and what their taste should be. He was an extremely fashion-conscious king who revered extravagance and elaborate styles.
It was during Charles II’s time that periwigs were introduced to the English-speaking civilizations. The wigs that were then in use were long (starting from shoulder length to longer styles). The 1600s was a century where men sported long hair, not because they grew their hairs but because they had their heads shaved and they soon started wearing periwigs. Anyone who had a significant social rank back in the 1600s wore a wig.
It was in the 18th century that men and women’s wigs started to be powdered. Wig powder comprises of starch, lavender and orris root. The powder was scented with orange flower. Sometimes, colorful wigs were also worn such as the violet ones, the pink, blue and yellow versions.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, wigs were worn mainly to hide baldness among old women. This is why not too many people viewed wearing wig as fashionable during these centuries.
Modern Uses for Wigs
Nowadays, wigs are practically worn by people from all walks of life and for different reasons. There are many reasons why modern people choose to wear wigs instead of a natural hairstyle:
* Chemotherapy and radiation can cause hair loss among cancer patients and there are now custom-made wigs for people like these.
* To hide baldness especially among women
* Famous celebrities like Cher and Dolly Parton have popularized wigs to show versatility.
* During Halloween, there are rubber wigs that can be worn that can be used together with scary costumes. There are also wigs for specific holidays and festivities.
* Some actors use wigs to portray roles in films or theatrical plays.
There are many other practical uses to wigs and these can be indispensable to some people.
About the Author
The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian. For human hair wigs and hair pieces advice Benedict recommends Wig Trendz and for hair loss treatments Benedict recommends http://www.londonhairclinic.co.uk
