The art of creating hyper-realistic wigs for film and TV is a labor-intensive process that requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of hair, texture, and color. Wig maker Rob Pickens explains the process of creating a wig, from the initial fitting with the actor to the final product, including the use of real human hair, custom coloring, and precise knotting techniques. The article highlights the challenges of matching stunt wigs to hero wigs, creating multiple versions of the same wig, and applying the wig to the actor's head. The stakes are high, as a poorly made wig can take the viewer out of the story, while a well-made one can create a seamless and immersive experience.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Millie Bobby Brown couldn't shave her head for the fourth season of "Stranger Things", so a wig was made for her character Eleven.
2. The wig was created at Wigmaker, Rob Pickens' studio.
3. To create a hyper-realistic wig, the hair department needs to record the nuances of the actor's head shape and hairline.
4. A head wrap is used to mold the precise shape of the actor's head, and cellophane and tape are used to create a template.
5. The head wrap is then placed on a canvas block, which is shaped to match the actor's head using cork and stuffing.
6. The wig's foundation is made from a fine denier lace that must be virtually undetectable on camera.
7. The silk base used to simulate skin under a wig has become finer over time due to advancements in digital HD.
8. To create a realistic hairline, the hair team may add a prosthetic piece under the wig's foundation.
9. Real human hair is used for hero wigs, as synthetic hair lacks the same natural texture and shine.
10. The hair chosen for a wig can help tell the story and convey the character's traits, such as age or health.
11. The coloring process for a wig requires a close understanding of the scene's lighting and how it will interact with the wig.
12. To achieve a natural look, multiple colors may be used, and the wig may undergo various dipping processes and texturizing treatments.
13. Multiple versions of the same wig may be created for photo doubles, stunt performers, and other purposes.
14. Stunt wigs are often made with synthetic hair for durability and may require faster application and removal processes for comfort and safety.
15. The team for "Stranger Things" created three or four matching wigs for Eleven's character, which were alternated throughout filming.
16. The wigs were reapplied and remolded after each wear, requiring an hour and a half of resetting time.
17. The show's hair department head, Sarah Hindsgaul, used a variation of an old school wrap called a fracture wrap to apply the wig to Millie Bobby Brown's head.