Bodacious Babes - Costuming for the Luxury Sized
How to Avoid a Bad Hair Costume
Introduction
This section could apply to anyone, not just the Large and Lovely. I
have noticed that many Bodacious Babes don't pay much attention to their hair,
though, so I'm including some ideas on the subject. Hair is supposed to be
our "crowning glory", so why not play with it? Even if you hate messing
with your hair (guilty as charged, I'm not even sure I own a curling iron),
doing your hair up fancy once in a while for a Con or the SCA can be a lot
of fun. If all else fails, try to find some girlfriends and get together
for a hairstyling session, which can be a riot. Ultimately, hair is
one of the few permanent features we have which you get a great deal
of control over...length, style, color, you name it! So don't be shy, be
bold! It will always grow out again...
The main advice I can give here is this:
Make sure your hair is clean and brushed.
That's all. Hair that is clean and combed neatly will suffice for any look,
without any further effort. People may not notice your hair, and you
may be missing out on a great personal feature, but you will not be drawing
any negative attention. If your hair is greasy, or looks like a rat has tried
to make a home in it, people will notice, and you will detract from your look
no matter how nice the rest of your outfit looks. Dandruff on your collar
does not count as accessorizing. Anything beyond being clean and neat
is a bonus.
What Color?
Is it true that blondes have more fun? Are redheads really hot tempered?
The color of your hair can be as much a part of you as your kidneys, or as
temporary and unimportant as what color socks you're wearing. I've never
colored my hair with anything but very temporary colors, but I happen to
like the color of my hair. Ask me again when I go gray, and I'll probably
be more experienced with hair colors!
- Permanent
For the daring and the confident. I have never dyed my hair, but I've watched
my mother do it often enough to know that it's a little messy, and sometimes
is hard to judge what color your hair will finally turn out. If you've always
wanted to be a redhead, why not? I would recommend going to a salon for your
first time if you are at all shy about messing with your hair. Pick a nice
place, splurge a little, and have some fun.
- Semi-Permanent
All the fun with a fraction of the committment! These temporary dyes can be
purchased at any drug store. They apply like a normal hair dye, but wash out
in 7-24 shampoos, depending on the brand and color. Of course, dying blond
hair black temporarily will probably last longer than dying brown hair maroon.
If you're going for a "look" for an entire weekend or a faire, why not add that
final touch by dying your hair some interesting tint?
- Temporary
If you just want to add some temporary interest to your hair, consider a
spray-in wash-out color! Even a streak of color can turn "mousy" into
"marvelous". Temporary hair colorings are available at costume stores,
theatrical supply stores, and sometimes at drug stores. A word of caution
from the voice of experience: PLEASE use these in a well-ventilated area,
and avoid breathing the fumes, especially when using sprays with metallic
or glittery sheens. Failure to heed this warning can result
in a horrific case of chemical pneumonia and can give you laryngitis for
upwards of six weeks. Trust me, I know.
