Fake Facial Hair?

[Guest Ami James]

I am not comfortable with the whole idea of making fake facial hair with make-up... I am wondering if there such a thing of facial hair wigs for just FTM? I am having time to make an home-made one or I am not too comfortable with makeup on my face to make facial hair. Any advices or idea what to do?

[Guest Pól]

My understanding is that there isn't really anything out there that doesn't look fake from less than 30 feet away.

[Guest Ami James]

My understanding is that there isn't really anything out there that doesn't look fake from less than 30 feet away.

I thought they might have it online but can't find anywhere. I have noticed that there's a kid machine there are fake mustaches but i am trying to learn how to make mustaches with gothee (sp?) or beards.

[Guest joeytheman16]

I remember searching around for the same thing. On youtube search fake facial hair. There are several videos on there and a couple are really good.

Sorry I can't get you a link.

Joey

[Flint]

Well there are ways to make fairly realistic facial hair. But I can't say for certain as to whether it actually looks fake to another person when close up.

Now firstly you could experiment in your home. That is probably the best bet at first. Cutting hair from a teddy (yes a teddy) with similar colour hair to your hair. Cutting it in little bits and then using something sticky on the face. For example hair gel. However I wouldn't advise hair gel for it if you are gonna be wearing it all day and going out with it. This is a temporary means to stick the hair on. Maybe just for a photograph but that is about it. Don't forget also that hair gel usually has a smell with it so that makes it lack the realsm you're probably hoping for. Although it can look very real on photographs if done correctly. If your looking for something to wear all day long (which I'm not too sure I'd advise. AS like I said I can't be too certain it really looks that real close up. Plus the fact you may wanna scratch your face if feeling itchy and you'll perhaps feel like you can't, can't even touch your face in case it was to scrape off in your hands) But if you do want to try wearing while going about your daily life then I'd suggest you use spirit gum which is what a lot of actors use for fake beards. Or you can buy a thing called 'stubble paste' from some shops where they sell such things for actors.

Some people also buy something called crepe wool. Cut it into tiny little pieces (I mean TINY) and use it as stubble. You run your fingers through the little bits of hair (this goes for hair cut off a teddy too or anything else) and little bits of hair end up on your finger you then dab that onto your face. You don't want to put too much of it on. Because then it just looks like you've grown a beard overnight. Adding to the lack of realism. You have to be careful though. As your looking in the mirror applying it you might find after you've sat there thinking it looks okay and good that one side is slightly lob sided...Like it makes the whole beard look rather weird. Especially if you take a photo and look back at it and you tend to realise after. It takes time and patience. Also it takes practice. Which is why it's probably best to ONLY experiment first. But of course that is entirely up to you. But I'd suggest you experiment, finding different ways to apply it that suit what you want and different ways to apply that it you feel is most realistic. There is also experimenting with different styles of beards till you find the right one for you.

[Guest Evan_J]

Its an ancient method I first did waaay back when. Go to a beauty supply store, and buy a small bundle of weave hair that matches your own hair color and texture. They sell everything from hyper silky blonde to truely kinky black. It'll give you a "supply" to work with. You're also gonna want a pair of tiny scissors (like in a dollarstore sewing kit, or mens mustache scissor) to trim it as you go along. Initially, don't cut it as small as it'll end up; leave it long enough to handle with your fingers and fix into place. You can attach it with (yes, it works, but only for a few hours )clear eyelash glue OR (if you want it to hold longer ) spirit gum from a costume place. Once you have it where you want it, and having taken care not to glue the entire length to your skin (just the ends really, just like it grew there, and do it in layers, it isn't quick but will look "decent") then use the scissors and actually trim it so that its even, neat, and short enough. Take some time. Work on it. Like I said, if you do it right it is NOT quick. HOWEVER it can look decent enough to actually leave the house in.

It was one of the first clues I shoulda had I was trans lol I was like 20. But no one looked twice.

[Guest Pól]

It was one of the first clues I shoulda had I was trans lol I was like 20. But no one looked twice.

Seriously? I guess that is one of those hindsight is 20/10 or something.

[Guest Evan_J]

Seriously? I guess that is one of those hindsight is 20/10 or something.

LOL Ok, so the socks in my pants when I was a kid wasn't a give away lol.

[Guest Pól]

LOL Ok, so the socks in my pants when I was a kid wasn't a give away lol.

Lol, yeh, that I did. I was way too lazy for that other stuff with the glueing and the cutting. I don't think that even crossed my mind. Also, I dunno where I could have possibly sequestered myself long enough to do something like that and not have had to take it off immediately before anyone saw it.

[Guest Ami James]

thanks guys...

[Guest _Michael]

your most realistic effect will come from mixing your own hair with grease paint stipple.

translation - cut a chunk of your hair out (if you don't have it to spare, go to a costume supply store and get a thread of crepe hair that matches your shade. Facial hair is usually a little darker than your real hair, so you have wiggle room). Cut the hair into TINY little pieces, enough to where they kind of clump together. mix the hair up, clump it in different ways, you'll come out with a jagged ball of little bits of hair. Next step - get spirit gum - paint a light amount where you want the hair, let it dry for about 45 seconds, then just dab the hair on. It'll stick in odd little places making it more realistic. Take a soft brush to it after to remove stray bits.

Now if you want an extra bit of realism - go to a costume store, and get "mehron compressed powder" in a smokey brown or whatever you think is gonna look good. Get a stipple sponge:

http://www.ei.edu/Thumb.aspx?width=300&path=Upload/ProductImage/blk%20spng.jpg

And lightly dab it on to your face, darkest at the jawline and lightening up around your cheeks. Put it OVER the fake hair to add extra texture. You can get some great results from this, check out what i did to my drag king friend (Who makes a hell of a bear i might add):

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

I saw this post a while back and thought his method looked decent:

http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7755&st=0

Sometimes I fool around with fake facial hair when I cut my hair:

[Guest Ami James]

Pretty cool pics Micheal and Stranded,

Thanks guys for the advices and tips. I will try again later and check out some stores out... I noticed a best friend of mine she got her hair done longer and I thought I would use some of hers. but... I wasn't ready to come out to her as ftm which... I hate to see her turn against me if I do come out to her about. I thought I would tell her I would dress up as western cowboy - drag king for this Halloween...

Hey, I might try to give a shot again with those hair supplies store.

Thanks again guys.