Caring for Your Wig

How to Care for Your Wig:

Looking your best as a clown is a must; but it shouldn't end with the costume and make up. Your clown wig is also in need of proper attention to detail. No matter if it is a less expensive wig in the $30.00 range or into the hundreds of dollars for a custom model, always care and store your wig properly.

1. Number one on the list is to make sure the wig is cut and styled for your look and character. Hand wash your wig with a gentle shampoo; many wig manufacturers suggested baby shampoo. Gently dry the wig, place it on a foam wig form to finish drying and for styling.
2. Now that your wig is clean, dry and styled, store it safely on the wig form and it will be ready to go for the next show.

If you are working a regularly and your wig goes through a great deal of wear and washing, make sure you replace it before it gets too shabby. Again, your wig is also an important part of your professional look.

Tips:

• Proper care will help your wig last a long time.
• No matter how tempting, never wash your wig by machine, that is a true recipe for disaster.
• You may use stain remover on the cloth cap portion of a bald head wig, still washing by hand after.

What Are The Basic Accessories for a Clown Character?

What are the Basic Accessories for a Clown Character:

Everyone knows what a clown looks like, right? Colored wig, clown white makeup, one-piece costume, oversized shoes. But actually, contrary to what many of us have always thought, not every clown costume is the same. There are different types of clowns, and while each individual clown is free to chose certain elements to complement their character, other elements are type-specific and are an integral part of clowning history.

The Whiteface Clown:

Whiteface garb differs, depending on the character.

The Classic (European) Whiteface is a jester, with soft shoes, baggy pants (worn loose or gathered at the ankle), a loose fitting top, a neck ruffle, and a soft pointed hat. Sometimes, a floppy hat or black skull cap is worn in place of the traditional pointed hat.

The Straight Whiteface dresses either all in white with a colorful trim, or in bright colors with contrasting ruff and trim. The suit is baggy, like the Classic Whiteface, but a skull cap and wig are usually worn instead of a pointed hat. Gloves are common.

The Grotesque Whiteface has exaggerated features. The suit will remain baggy, but is tailored to fit irregular body proportions (long stilt-legs, a big fanny, etc.), and is almost always colorful. The Grotesque Whiteface almost always wears gloves and a wig.

The garb is the same for Female Whiteface clowns, though the makeup will frequently highlight feminine features.

Tramps:

There are different kinds of Tramps, but the costume is the same for all of them: a dark suit or tuxedo, heavily patched; tattered shoes; a derby or top hat (frequently without the top); and fingerless gloves. Some Tramps accessorize with brightly colored vests, long dark overcoats with lots of pockets, and walking sticks.

Female tramps—called Bag Ladies—usually wear sneakers, a frumpy dress, a scarf or cheap costume jewelry, and a kerchief or a floppy hat.

The Auguste:

The classic Auguste look is the exact opposite of the Whiteface: an extravagant mismatched costume, oversized or undersized accessories (huge bow ties, small pants, etc.), bold colors, and large prints. Many Augustes wear suspenders and gloves. Female Augustes frequently sport long eyelashes, wear outrageous dresses, and carry purses.