Plaster and Plaits
For our recent photoshoots, we wanted to show off characters with a more unique look whilst keeping to the standard options available for our masks. This way, anyone can come up with a design for their mask, then make it stand out as their own!
Plaster
For the first mask we had an aesthetic already in mind, so to complete that look we wanted to accessorise the mask itself. We decided that a cute plaster would work well but that presents a challenge: How do we apply the plaster without damaging the paintwork or making it difficult to remove later?
The solution we came up with is to use some sacrificial material to go in-between the plaster and the mask. Originally we used Frisket film, which is a thin sheet of adhesive plastic, but it wouldn't stick to the mask with enough strength to stay over the bridge of the nose where we wanted the plaster. However, by swapping out for some spare book-backing film, the plaster stuck on much more securely and was still easy enough to remove from the mask afterwards.
To begin with, take the plaster you're using and stick it on top of the film you plan to use.
Once in place carefully cut around the plaster, in our case we've used a scalpel and a cutting mat before for cutting materials to the desired shape. A pair of scissors will work as well.
The main thing to be careful of is to ensure none of the film is left visible under the plaster, as both kinds (Frisket film or book backing) will have a different surface finish to the plaster itself and will be easily noticed in photographs - especially if there's lighting directed at the mask.
Once the cut is complete, simply apply it evenly to the mask where you'd like it. In our case, we wanted it to go over the nose, but this technique could be used to stick plasters on the cheek or chin depending on the type of character you're looking to create.
Plaits
For our second character, the forest elf, we decided to do plaits (also known as braids) in order to mix up the style compared to our long-hair masks. Plaits are a great way of keeping long hair neat, and also to make interesting changes to a character's look without modifying the wig directly.
For this design idea, we started with a drawing:
This was the initial idea for the plaits to loop back up, but when the day of the photoshoot arrived they were too heavy for the clips we had to hold them up. So we improvised and came up with a new design on-the-spot, which is the one you can see in all the photos.
The new design now has three plaits in total, one large one at the back, and some hair brushed forward to make a smaller plait on each side.
To begin, the hair was brushed over in front of the ears to give us plenty of hair to plait on each side of the mask.
After the two front plaits were done, the rest of the hair at the back was plaited together.
For the final hairstyle, the two side plaits were tied together around the back of the mask using a hairband.After this they were looped around the ears and onto the back of the head, then held in place using a hair clip (which was thankfully sufficient to hold up these two smaller plaits).
This led us to the final hairstyle. Even though it diverged from the initial concept quite a lot, we're very satisfied with the final look!
In case you're new to plaiting (braiding) hair, here is a short guide with numbers indicating which strand of hair to move at each step:
1. Take the length of hair you want to plait, and split it into three equal strands.
2. Take the right-hand strand (3) and cross it over the middle strand (2).
3. Bring the left strand (1) over what is now the middle strand (3).
4. Bring the rightmost strand (2) over the new middle strand (1) again.
5. Bring the left strand (3) over the middle (2) again.
6. Bring the right strand (1) over the middle (3) again.
7. Bring the left strand (2) over the middle (1) again.
As you plait the hair, tighten it by pulling the strands taut. Keep repeating steps 2-7 until you've reached the end of the hair. To keep the hair in place, use a hairband on the end of the plait.
Plaiting or braiding hair takes practice! If they're loose or messy the first few times, don't give up. If you're worried about messing with real or wig hair, you can practice by using three ropes or pieces of string tied together at one end. Eventually the technique will make sense, and you can transfer that movement to hair.
Many different styles can be achieved using plaits, so experiment and have fun! They can also be very practical for keeping your hair neat, especially when wearing latex clothing or going outside on a windy day.