ABSTRACT
The first step in constructing a beard or a mustache is to make a rough sketch of what the makeup artists have in mind. The style they choose will depend on the period of the play and on the personality of the character. The artists can make or buy beards or mustaches of real, synthetic, or yak hair ventilated on a lace foundation. This type of beard is the quickest to apply, the most comfortable to wear, and the most expensive too. Crepe hair is hair that is tightly crimped by means of weaving it on strings, then boiled or steamed to set the curl. It can mimic and/or resemble beard textures of all kinds. This chapter demonstrates the process to create a full beard using the human crepe hair. A beard shadow effect can be achieved by cutting the hair to an almost powdery consistency. Foundations for beards, mustaches, and goatees are commonly made from wig lace.
