Mannequin heads with hair are widely used for cosmetology or beauty school training purposes and to display clothing or accessories in stores. Mannequin heads with hair come in various lengths and styles, from those made with animal fur (typically less costly but incompatible with heat styling) to wigs made with synthetic materials like polypropylene (which does not stand up as well).
Human Hair
Cosmetology mannequin heads equipped with human hair provide a highly realistic training experience. Working on such an object simulates working directly with clients and will help develop your confidence and skills for dealing with real clients. Mannequin heads typically feature processed human hair sanitized and dyed to achieve an ideal shade. While this type of hair can withstand some heat from styling irons or brushes, its cuticles often become misaligned, resulting in it tangling easily, rendering it fragile and vulnerable to heat-based styling devices such as brushes.
Some mannequin heads feature virgin human hair that is more expensive yet provides the optimal training experience. This type of hair tends to have layers, so shorter locks blend in with longer ones for an authentic appearance that may require additional upkeep but offers the closest approximation of natural-looking waves.
Synthetic Hair
There are also mannequin heads with hair composed entirely of synthetic or animal fibers that cost less but do not behave the same as human locks, typically recommended for braiding and styling without heating tools. Other mannequin heads with hair have been processed or sanitized to be tangle-free and less costly to work with, though this does not allow for natural layering effects.
Remy hair, considered superior quality, is available on some mannequin heads and used by hair coloring educators to test products. Although more costly, Remy offers an excellent training experience.
Blended Hair
Some mannequins feature hair comprised of human, animal, and synthetic materials that tend to be cheaper but may react to styling treatments or colors less effectively. Reputable vendors will disclose the ratios among these three materials.
Processed hair that has been dyed and permed is more cost-effective but requires lower heat settings on hair dryers and styling irons for styling purposes. Virgin hair provides superior styling options but has yet to be colored or chemically treated, offering flexibility at no additional cost.
Bleaching and Coloring
Human hair mannequin heads are ideal for bleaching and coloring purposes. Walker suggests applying bleach to darker back sections rather than front areas – notably darker rear quarters that absorb it faster. Remy or Virgin hair mannequin heads offer another higher quality solution because their cuticles remain aligned correctly. While more expensive, this kind of head brings closer the experience of working with natural hair; however, its delicate structure necessitates lower heat settings on hair dryers and styling irons for optimal use.
Straightening or Curling
Straightening or curling irons temporarily alter hair’s shape because heat breaks down some hydrogen bonds that then reform into whatever new form is given for a few seconds – similar to how paper clips and wooden pieces bend easier under such heat treatment. Straighten hair using flat irons by simply dragging them down toward the ends of the locks, dragging and twisting simultaneously to produce more noticeable effects. This method works particularly well when creating Farah Fawcett-style waves.
Some mannequin heads are specifically designed to withstand heat for those wanting to practice using curling and straightening irons and those taking advanced styling classes. They’re an excellent way of practicing curling or straightening iron techniques safely.
