How to use wig to achieve Mel's hairstyle from Arcane?

Mel Medarda, Arcane's fearless and elegant councilor, with a hairstyle that matches her formidable demeanor. Her asymmetric, sleek bob with an undercut is a perfect representation of her sharp intelligence and authoritative character. A key component of conveying Mel's personality if you intend to cosplay as her is replicating her hairstyle.

A great way to get Mel's hairdo is to wear a wig, particularly if your own hair doesn't look like hers. Without permanently altering your own hair, a wig lets you try out, style, and perfect her signature bob.

Mel

I. Why use a wig for cosplaying Mel?

Although you can use your natural hair to mimic Mel's hairstyle, a wig has the following benefits:

Flexibility: You can try different looks without cutting, coloring, or chemically treating your own hair.

Precision: Wigs give you a clean, manageable base that makes it easier to replicate Mel's asymmetric bob and undercut with more accuracy.

Convenience: Wigs save time, particularly if your natural hair isn't the same length, color, or texture as Mel's.

Reusability: A neatly groomed wig can be used again for cosplay or other occasions in the future.

Since wigs can be prepared ahead of time, using one is also a more approachable method for people who are new to hairstyling.

II. Selecting a suitable wig for Mel's hairstyle.

Picking the ideal wig to act as the basis for Mel's appearance is the first step. Consider the following:

Wig kind.

Lace front wig: For Mel's hairstyle, a lace front wig is perfect as it provides a hairline that looks natural. Especially for her sleek bob, this is crucial.

Comparing human hair and synthetic hair.

Human hair: It is more resilient, easier to style with heat tools, and has a more natural appearance, but it costs more.

Synthetic hair: Artificial hair is less adaptable for heat styling but is more reasonably priced and pre-styled. If you want to use styling equipment, look for synthetic wigs that can withstand heat.

Length of the wig.

Select a wig that is just a little bit longer than Mel's hairdo. This allows you to precisely trim and mold it to fit her asymmetrical bob. An excellent place to start is with a wig that is 10 to 12 inches long.

Wig color.

Mel has deep, dark brown hair with hints of gold in Arcane. Choose a wig that is the same color as this or one that can be colored if needed.

III. Tools and products you'll need.

Here’s a list of tools and products required to style your wig:

Styling tools.

Wig stand or mannequin head

Hairbrush (paddle brush and fine-toothed comb)

Scissors and thinning shears

Curling iron or flat iron

Hair clips for sectioning

Razor or clippers for undercutting

Styling products.

Heat protectant spray (for synthetic wigs, ensure it's labeled for synthetic fibers)

Wig-friendly hairspray

Texturizing spray or mousse

Shine serum for a polished finish

Wig accessories.

Wig cap

Adhesive (lace glue or tape) for securing the wig

Adjustable wig band for extra stability

IV. Step-by-step guide to styling the wig to match Mel’s hairstyle.

To style your wig like Mel's hair, adhere to these precise steps:

Step 1: Get the wig ready.

Securely lay the wig on a mannequin's head and fasten it with pins.

To make sure the hair is smooth and manageable, untangle it using a comb or brush.

To get rid of any factory sheen, wash the wig as directed by the manufacturer if it hasn't been styled before.

Step 2: Divide the hair into sections.

To make styling easier, divide the wig into parts. To begin, separate the upper and lower layers. To keep the parts out of the way, use clips.

Step 3: Trim the wig.

Cut Mel's bob into a basic form using scissors. To get the desired asymmetrical effect, cut the rear shorter than the front.

Blend the layers using thinning shears to avoid sharp lines.

Step 4: Style the voluminous crown.

Tease the roots: Backcomb the top layers' roots using a teasing comb, paying special attention to the crown. This provides lift and fullness to Mel's haircut.

Smooth out the top layer: Comb gently over the teased portions to smooth the surface while keeping volume.

Shape the waves: Give the front parts of the wig gentle waves with a flat iron. To make a small curve, bend the iron a little as you slide it down.

Step 5: Give the wig a polish.

For a smooth, finished look, dab the top layers of the wig with a little shine serum. To keep the look in place, finish with a small spritz of flexible hairspray.

Mel and her cosplayer

V. Giving a wig the undercut look.

One characteristic of Mel's haircut that sets it apart is her undercut. This is how to duplicate it:

Method 1: Trim the wig.

Trim the wig's back and sides with a razor comb or clippers.

Don't remove too much hair at once; instead, work evenly and slowly.

Method 2: Create a fake undercut.

Braid or pin the lowest layers of the wig tightly against the cap to create a false undercut if you don't want to cut it. To create the illusion of an undercut, cover this region with the lengthier top layers.

Method 3: Apply a wig that has already been shaved.

To save you time and effort, certain wigs are made with pre-shaven areas. Check out cosplay wig stores for these or you can check our web, we have all the types you need, here's more than that we can customize the wig to fulfill your needs.

VI. Advice on maintaining and caring for wigs.

Refrain from overheating: If exposed to extreme heat, even synthetic wigs that are resistant to heat damage might sustain harm. Always use styling tools in low to medium settings.

Proper storage: To keep the wig in form, place it in a wig stand or on a mannequin head.

Clean frequently: After prolonged usage, wash the wig with wig-specific shampoo and conditioner.

Touch-ups: If the wig begins to lose its form, use styling products and change the cut.

VII. You are ready.

Wear the wig with the appropriate attire, cosmetics, and accessories to completely capture Mel's persona:

Outfit: Mel's opulent and royal clothing frequently has elaborate embellishments and striking gold accents.

Makeup: Use heavy eyeliner, golden-toned eyeshadow, and rich lip color for a dramatic yet sophisticated look.

Accessories: To emulate Mel's lavish fashion sense, think about wearing gold jewelry.

VIII. Last but not the least.

Mel's famous haircut from Arcane may be accurately recreated with a wig, which is a useful and adaptable method. Mel's powerful presence may be brought to life in your cosplay by choosing the appropriate wig, utilizing the necessary equipment, and according to the style tips provided in this article.

Remember, it's all in the details. Your wig will be a striking element that completes your metamorphosis into one of Arcane's most recognizable characters, whether you're sporting the edgy undercut or the asymmetrical bob.

Enjoy taking on the strong character of Mel Medarda and good luck!