Cinematographer
Bald Caps erfordern sorgfältige Beleuchtung. Falsche Winkel zeigen Kanten, zu hartes Licht Unebenheiten. Ich arbeite eng mit der Maske, um den Look zu perfektionieren.
Prosthetic cap made of vinyl, latex, or silicone that covers an actor's hair to simulate baldness – a fundamental makeup technique for character transformation.
What is a Bald Cap?
A Bald Cap is a prosthetic head covering that conceals an actor's natural hair and simulates a bald scalp. It is one of the fundamental techniques in film makeup and often serves as a base for further prosthetics.
Materials
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | Classic, durable, inexpensive |
| Latex | Flexible, easy to apply |
| Silicone | Realistic, translucent, more expensive |
| Plastic Cap | Thin, for under wigs |
| Encapsulated | Thin edges, premium |
Application Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Hair Preparation | Slick hair flat to the head |
| Applying the Cap | Pull over the head |
| Adhering | Secure edges (Pros-Aide) |
| Blending | Make edges invisible |
| Coloring | Match skin tone |
| Texturing | Pores, veins, details |
Hair Preparation
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Slicking | Lay flat with gel |
| Wrap | Wrap with a fabric band |
| Plastic Cap | Wear under Bald Cap |
| Pinning | Bobby pins for long hair |
Edge Treatment (Blending)
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Thinning | Thin out edges (Acetone) |
| Cabosil | Thickened Pros-Aide |
| Stipple | Textures over edge |
| Coloring | Color transition |
Materials for Application
| Product | Use |
|---|---|
| Pros-Aide | Standard adhesive |
| Telesis | Sensitive skin |
| Acetone | Thinning edges |
| Cabosil Mixture | Blending medium |
| Rubber Mask Grease | Makeup on cap |
Time Investment
| Quality Level | Duration |
|---|---|
| Basic | 30–60 Min |
| Standard | 1–2 Hours |
| Hero Close-up | 2–3 Hours |
| With Additional Prosthetics | 3+ Hours |
Removal
| Step | Product |
|---|---|
| Loosening Adhesive | Super Solv, Isopropanol |
| Removing Cap | Gently peel off |
| Removing Residue | Remover, oil |
| Skin Care | Moisturizer |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visible Edges | Better blending, lighting |
| Shine | Matte makeup, powder |
| Sweating | Breathable material |
| Movement | More flexible material |
| Long Hair | More preparation |
Cost (approx.)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bald Cap (Vinyl) | €15–40 |
| Bald Cap (Silicone) | €100–300 |
| Application (Makeup Artist) | €150–500 |
| Extras (Makeup, etc.) | €50–100 |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Use |
|---|---|
| Actual Shave | If actor agrees |
| Wig | If cap is worn under a wig |
| CGI | For difficult shots |
Bald Cap as a Base
| Addition | Description |
|---|---|
| Head Prosthetics | Alien, monster |
| Aging | Additional appliances |
| Scars | Applied onto cap |
| Wigs | Cap as underlay |
Today
Bald caps are a fundamental technique mastered by every makeup artist. From simple bald representations to complex alien makeups, the technique often forms the basis for extensive character transformations.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Bald Caps ermöglichen radikale Verwandlungen. Von Lex Luthor bis zu Alien-Kreaturen – die Technik ist fundamental für Character-Makeup jeder Art.
Producer
Bald Caps brauchen Zeit – oft 1-2 Stunden pro Tag. Diese Zeit muss im Schedule eingeplant sein, sonst gerät die Produktion ins Schleudern.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Glatzenkappe"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?