Cinematographer
Haarteile müssen natürlich aussehen, besonders in Close-ups. Gute Perückenarbeit ist unsichtbar – schlechte fällt sofort auf. Haarlinien sind kritisch.
Any supplemental hair worn by actors – includes full wigs, partial pieces, toupees, extensions, falls, and switches used to transform appearance, create period-accurate hairstyles, cover hair loss, or enable dramatic character changes without altering the actor's natural hair.
What is a Hair Piece?
A Hair Piece is any form of additional hair that actors wear on film. From complete wigs to toupees to extensions – hair pieces enable character transformations, period-accurate looks, and practical solutions for diverse production requirements.
Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Wig | Complete wig |
| Lace Front | Invisible hairline |
| Toupee | Partial piece for crown |
| Extension | Length extension |
Full Wigs
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Cap | Basic construction |
| Lace Front | Natural hairline |
| Full Lace | Natural everywhere |
| Monofilament | Scalp simulation |
Lace Front Wigs
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Hairline | Invisible |
| Application | Adhesive required |
| Realistic | Close-up ready |
| Cost | Higher |
Partial Pieces
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Toupee | Crown coverage |
| Top Piece | Part area |
| Fringe | Bangs |
| Side Pieces | Sides |
Extensions
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Clip-In | Quick change |
| Tape-In | Semi-permanent |
| Bonded | Long-term |
| Weave | Braided in |
Materials
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Human Hair | Most natural option |
| Synthetic | More affordable |
| Blend | Combination |
| Virgin Hair | Unprocessed |
Human Hair Grades
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| European | Finest quality |
| Indian | Commonly used |
| Chinese | Thicker, stronger |
| Remy | Cuticle intact |
Custom vs. Stock
| Aspect | Custom | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Perfect | Adjustment needed |
| Cost | High | More affordable |
| Time | Weeks | Immediate |
| Quality | Maximum | Variable |
Construction
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Head Cast | Take measurements |
| Foundation | Build base |
| Ventilating | Knot in hair |
| Styling | Create hairstyle |
On-Set Application
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Prepare natural hair |
| Application | Place and adhere |
| Blending | Blend transitions |
| Styling | Final hairstyle |
Adhesives
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Spirit Gum | Classic |
| Lace Adhesive | For lace |
| Medical Grade | Skin-friendly |
| Tape | Quick |
Maintenance
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Washing | Specialized shampoo |
| Conditioning | Human hair |
| Styling | As needed |
| Storage | On wig block |
Period Accuracy
| Era | Typical Styles |
|---|---|
| Georgian | Upswept, powdered |
| Victorian | Elaborate styles |
| 1920s | Bob, Marcel waves |
| 1960s | Beehive, flips |
Character Work
| Transformation | Application |
|---|---|
| Aging | Gray wig |
| Gender | Cross-dressing |
| Period | Historical |
| Fantasy | Unnatural colors |
Continuity
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Matching | Document with photos |
| Positioning | Mark placements |
| Condition | Maintain between takes |
| Backup | Keep duplicates |
Multiples
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Stunt | For stunt doubles |
| Backup | If damaged |
| Different Stages | Various conditions |
| Weather | Wet/dry |
Team
| Role | Function |
|---|---|
| Hair Designer | Design |
| Wig Maker | Construction |
| Hair Stylist | Application |
| Assistant | Support |
Budget Factors
| Element | Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom Lace Front | €1,000-10,000+ |
| Stock Wig | €100-500 |
| Extensions | €200-2,000 |
| Maintenance | Ongoing |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Visible hairline | Lace front |
| Heat | Cooling caps |
| Perspiration | Water-resistant adhesive |
| Wind | Extra securing |
Special Effects
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Balding | Partial baldness |
| Burning | Specialty material |
| Wet Look | Water-resistant |
| Aging Progression | Multiple pieces |
Close-Up Quality
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hairline | Invisible |
| Knotting | Not visible |
| Natural appearance | Hair movement |
| Color | Perfect match |
Actor Preparation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Hair Wrapping | Lay flat |
| Wig Cap | Base |
| Skin Prep | For adhesive |
| Fitting | Check fit |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Test beforehand | Camera test |
| Keep backups | For emergencies |
| Document | Continuity |
| Professional maintenance | Durability |
Today
Hair pieces are essential for cinematic character work – from subtle density additions to complete transformations. Modern lace-front technology enables invisible hairlines even in 4K. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and new materials makes virtually any hair transformation possible.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Hair Pieces ermöglichen dramatische Transformationen – Alter, Epoche, Charakter. Ein gutes Haarteil kann einen Schauspieler komplett verwandeln.
Producer
Qualitäts-Perücken sind teuer, aber notwendig für Charakterarbeit. Bei Hauptdarstellern lohnt sich Custom-Anfertigung – sie wird in jedem Frame sichtbar.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Haarteil / Perücke / Toupet / Hair Extension"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?