In the world of hair replacement accessories there's a ton of tools that you can stock your arsenal with! The question is...What products do you really need and what products are ones you just want? By all means: try all of the products that you think you would like! But there is one group of products that you should definitely take a look at that would make your life so much easier: styro heads and mounts!
I'm sure that some of you are saying that you've made it this long without a manikin head, so why do you need one now? Well how many times have you struggled while applying tapes to your base, coloring your hair system, bleaching knots or simply styling your hair before you wear it? One of these helpful tools can make those tasks much easier.
You have lots of options. There are Styrofoam heads with faces, no faces and long necks. We also offer canvas styling blocks in different sizes so that your hair system fits your manikin head just like it fits your own head. Not to mention the mounts for the manikin head that you choose! Which one do you need? How do you choose? That's exactly what I'm going to help you to determine.
First you need to determine what you will be using your manikin head for.
Classic Canvas
If you're only going to use it for applying tapes or styling your hair, then you may want to consider a canvas styling block. This type of manikin head is not meant to be immersed in water. You can even choose the block that is the same circumference as your head, so you will be able to style the hair just as if it were already applied to your head.
These types of heads also make applying tape easier. You would simply use T-pins to gently attach your hairpiece to the canvas block and style away! To apply your hairpiece tape, lay your system base facing you on the canvas block and apply your tape of choice.
Simple Styro
If you’ll be using the manikin head for coloring, bleaching knots or cutting the hair in your system, then a Styrofoam head might be a better choice for you. These can be immersed in water without the fear of damaging them. You will need to tack your system down carefully with T-pins so that it is secure. Once you're done with whatever you’re doing, you can take the styro head to the sink and rinse the hair or base easily.
Another reason for choosing a styro head for cutting hair is that there are a few with faces. Sometimes having a face on the manikin head can help with determining where you want the hair to fall when the cut is done. Having a styro head with a face allows you to use the eyes, cheeks and chin as guidelines for some styles.
There are a few exceptions to these rules. Like there are long neck styro heads that are great for styling long hair. But if you were to use one for coloring or bleaching knots you run the risk of the neck snapping when rinsing the hair in the sink. And, a canvas block can be used for cutting hair system hair, but you will need to remove the hair prior to rinsing it in the sink.
What About a Mount?
Unless you're only using it for storage, you will need a mount to be able to secure your manikin head. Otherwise there will be no stability and what should have made your hair replacement tasks easier has now become another frustration. And none of us want that!
When choosing a manikin mount or clamp for your manikin head you need to take into consideration where you will be attaching it. Will it be on your bathroom counter or in your bedroom on a dresser or vanity table? Either way, just make sure that if you choose the adjustable clamp that there is a “lip” or edge that protrudes so that the clamp can be attached. If there is no “lip” or edge then a suction clamp or suction cup base would be a better fit for you. On that note, a canvas block is heavier and denser than a styro head, so a suction cup base is not recommended for use with a canvas styling block, only a styro head or styro half head.
Take a look at all of the styro heads and mounts available in our Store and if you still have questions or concerns let us know. There are Sales and Support Techs available that are happy to answer any and all of your hair accessory and hair questions or concerns. Or you can always post your comments and questions below so that other wearers can benefit too!
Until next time...Happy Hair Days!