Hair and Makeup Mannequins
Stylists of all kinds, including those in training, use cosmetology mannequins to practice creating hairstyles and makeup looks, to put on display during beauty competitions, and to take state board exams. Models frequently come with unique names that vary by company. The available hair and makeup mannequins come in a variety of different sizes, skin tones, genders, and hair colors.
What are makeup mannequins?These mannequins are essentially blank canvases that allow stylists and makeup professionals to practice a variety of beauty looks. The models frequently have closed eyes and pursed lips, making it easy to apply the makeup. Some of the models have full heads that can stand up alone while others just have a face model that lies flat on the work surface for easy styling. Because these mannequins are usually just for makeup practice and do not come with hair, you can use a wig to complete the look.
What types of hair can a mannequin have?Models can have a variety of different hair types, including:
- Human: There are several different types of human strands that a model may have. Processed hair, for example, has been dyed and cut to have the cuticles removed. Virgin options mean that it has not been dyed, though the cuticles may have been removed. Remy or Remi refers to the type in which the cuticles have been left on and in proper alignment.
- Animal: Horse, yak, and camel may be used to give the model a denser head. This can be useful for styling and cutting practice.
- Synthetic: Models with synthetic wig materials can be used to practice or display braiding techniques and specialized cuts. However, the strands do not tolerate heat.
- Blends: Human, animal, and synthetic strands can be blended together on some models. When looking for heads with blends, the ratio of human to synthetic grafts should be disclosed.
- No grafts: Models that are specifically designed to practice makeup skills may not come with hair.
Sometimes having a wig placed directly on a mannequin makes cutting and styling easier and more natural. If you need a cosmetology model that you can practice trendy cuts on, you may want to consider the following:
- Hair length: The length of the strands are measured from the crown of the head or the top of the head to the tips in the back. Alternatively, the strands may also be measured from the hairline at the forehead to the ends. This measurement method can have up to a three-inch difference.
- Density: Some models have more grafts than others. In this case, density refers to how close each strand is implanted. For cutting and styling, a model that has a higher density may be more desired.
- Layers: This is a particular beauty style in which shorter strands are blended in with longer strands. However, there are models available that do not come with a layered hairstyle.
- Implant type: On many of the models, the grafts are implanted at a 90-degree angle. Others come with grafts that have been implanted in a natural growth pattern, which allows stylists to create and display more realistic hairstyles.