Module 10: Hair and Wig Styling

This module is part of the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services) at IMUA and focuses on professional hairstyling for screen, stage, and media productions. In this module, you will develop the skills required to style hair for performances and productions, expanding your practice beyond makeup application into industry-relevant hairstyling techniques.

You will explore hairstyling tools and products, design elements and principles, and the differences between hairstyling for the general public and the media industries. The module also covers hair analysis, including face shapes, hair growth patterns, and common hair challenges encountered in professional environments, enabling you to design hairstyles that balance facial features and meet production requirements.

Practical application is central to this module. You will practise creating a range of contemporary and period hairstyles, as well as styling wigs and artificial facial hair. By the end of Module 10, you will be able to design, document, and execute hairstyling and wig applications that support character, continuity, and visual storytelling across film, television, theatre, and fashion contexts.

Module 10 Preview — Hair and Wig Styling

Why This Module Matters

Professional hairstyling, wig application, and artificial facial hair are essential skills in makeup artistry for stage, screen, and media productions. This module develops your ability to prepare, apply, and style hair and wigs so they support character, continuity, and overall visual impact.

Identify and select appropriate wig types for different production contexts.
Prepare natural hair and apply wigs using professional techniques.
Style wigs to achieve natural, secure, and performance-ready results.
Apply, maintain, and care for artificial moustaches and facial hair pieces.

By the end of this module, you will be able to confidently integrate wigs and artificial facial hair into complete character looks that meet professional production standards.

As part of the Diploma, this module features assignments, written knowledge questions, portfolio development, and exclusive content designed to build your knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence throughout the makeup artistry course.

What You’ll Learn

Wig Types & Applications
Distinguish between synthetic and natural wigs, including lace-front and standard wig types, and their professional applications.
Hair Preparation Techniques
Learn pin curling and other preparation methods for securing natural hair effectively under wigs professionally.
Wig Application & Styling
Develop skills in applying and styling wigs so they appear natural, secure, and performance-ready consistently.
Artificial Facial Hair
Explore the application, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of moustaches and other artificial facial hair pieces.

What You’ll Do

Identify Wig & Facial Hair Techniques
Identify different wig types and demonstrate understanding of professional wig and facial hair application techniques.
Prepare Natural Hair for Wig Application
Prepare a model’s natural hair using pin curls and apply a wig cap securely and correctly.
Apply and Style a Wig
Apply a synthetic wig and style it to achieve a natural, secure appearance suitable for performance or production.
Apply Artificial Facial Hair
Select and apply an artificial moustache, practising realistic and secure facial hair application for performance or production contexts effectively.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

CUAIND512 – Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
CUAMUP412 – Maintain makeup and hair continuity
CUAMUP413 – Style hair for productions
CUAMUP414 – Style wigs and hairpieces for productions
CUAMUP512 – Design and apply specialised make-up
CUAMUP513 – Design and apply special make-up effects
CUADES511 – Implement design solutions

These units are taught through practical tasks, interactive tutorials, visual references, carefully selected external links, and hands-on assignments, ensuring you develop both your analytical and creative abilities. Our modules combine high-quality images, diagrams and theoretical content in an easy-to-digest format.

Please note: The above list is not indicative of unit completion; most of our units are taught (in parts) across multiple modules.

Module Topics

In Module 10, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Style Hair for Performances or Productions
Introduction
Hairstyling Tools and Products
Advantages and Disadvantages of Common Hair Products
Required Skills and Differences Between Hairstyling for the General Public and the Media Industries
Design Elements and Principles
Elements
Principles
Documenting Hair Designs
Types of Curls
Face Shapes and Contouring with Hair
Contouring with Hair
Hairstyles for Balancing Facial Features
Common Hair Problems and How to Solve Them
Hair Growth Patterns
Common Hair Problems Encountered in the Media Industries
How to Style Hair
Newsreader Blow-Dry Bob Style
Long Wavy Style Using Curling Tongs
Contemporary Style: Messy Bun with Side Braid
Victorian Period Hairstyle

1920s Finger Wave Hairstyle
Men's Hairstyle
Wigs and Artificial Facial Hair
Wig Types
Suggested Wig Suppliers
Measuring a Client
How to Measure a Client for a Handmade Natural Hair Wig
Preparing a Client
Preparing a Client for Wig Application
Wig Preparation and Care
Blocking
Trimming
Cleaning
Storage
Wig Application
Application of a Medium- and High-Grade Wig: Synthetic (Regular Front)
Application of a Lace Front Wig: Synthetic or Natural Hair
Wig Styling
Wig Styling Example: Lace Front, Synthetic Wig Styling
Apply False Moustache
Apply an Artificial Hand Knotted Moustache

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 10, you will be able to:

Identify different types of wigs and artificial facial hair and their professional applications.
Prepare natural hair and apply wigs securely and naturally for performance or production.
Style and apply artificial moustaches and facial hair using professional techniques.
Clean, maintain, store, and document wigs and facial hair pieces according to industry standards.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our tutors will guide you through both the artistry and maintenance of wigs and facial hair, ensuring you feel confident applying and caring for them in professional settings.