Hiding Your Beard for Halloween
Hiding your beard for Halloween is a surefire way to turn heads at parties and costume events. Whether you choose to wear a costume, cosplay as a character, or go for full-on makeup artistry, hiding your beard might be just the trick for a complete and finished look. There is a variety of commonly used methods, ranging from beard wax and spirit gum to specialized tools found in makeup stores. Here, we explore the pros and cons of each option, as well as provide additional tips to make your look last.
Beard Wax and Spirit Gum
Beard wax and spirit gum are some of the most common techniques used in hiding facial hair. Before applying either, it’s important to clean and dry the beard, otherwise, the wax and gum won’t adhere. Beard wax works best on small mustache and beard hairs, while spirit gum is a stronger adhesive and can work on thicker facial hair. Both can be purchased in makeup aisles, and while they effectively hide your beard, they shouldn’t be used on sensitive skin.
Wigs
For those who want to hide their facial hair without the use of makeup, wigs and hats are the perfect solution. Many Halloween costumes come with wigs that are tailored to fit your costume – although more expensive, they are often more authentic and easier to put on. For those with limited budgets, stocking caps may work as well. Though adjustable, stocking caps will not be an exact match for your skin color, so you may need some extra makeup for a complete look.
Tape
In a pinch, tape can be used to hide facial hair. It is, however, one of the messier solutions and can cause facial skin to become irritated. Tape may work best on beards with the least amount of facial hair, but its efficacy depends on the strength of the adhesive.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to go with beard wax and spirit gum, wigs, or tape, there are a variety of solutions to hide your beard for Halloween. It is important to consider which method makes most sense for you and to give yourself time to practice and perfect it before the big night.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing how to hide your beard for Halloween ahead of time is key to ensuring both your comfort in the look and its durability throughout the night. If you’ve chosen make-up or an adhesive, it’s important to practice its application and measure its effectiveness. Additionally, if you go with a wig or hat, practice how to securely attach it to your head.
Stocking up on Supplies
When it comes time to purchasing supplies for hiding your beard, the sky is the limit. Makeup stores, drugstores, costume shops, and even some supermarkets carry products that make hiding your beard easy. There are makeup kits specifically designed for Halloween costumes, and much of the necessary supplies can be purchased in bulk.
Knowing When to Stop
In the end, it’s important to know when to stop when it comes to hiding your beard. Too much product can be uncomfortable and can even cause skin irritation. When the desired effect is achieved, you should stop, as trying to cover up more hair can make the look seem overwhelmingly artificial.
Touching-up
When wearing makeup, it’s important to remember to touch up throughout the night. Especially when dancing or eating, makeup can wear or smear, so be sure to bring along a small mirror and a few essential products. Keeping a makeup kit that includes a brush and a powder puff, spirit gum remover (if used), and other must-have products will come in handy.
Cleaning
Once the festivities are over, it’s important to clean your facial hair and skin before going to bed. To remove beard wax, use a moisturizing face wash or moisturizer to gently remove the resin, and with spirit gum, use spirit gum remover or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the adhesive. Finally, for wigs, brushing, combing, and deep-cleaning with a wig shampoo and conditioner is recommended before storing.
