Post by DugFinn on Nov 29, 2007 17:02:20 GMT -5
Wig Fibers
Kanekalon and Toyokalon are the two top basic types of synthetic fibers used in quality wigs. They both are used for producing short, medium and long wigs. Extra long wigs are almost exclusively made with Kanekalon.
Kanekalon is a 100% straight, stiff, and smooth fiber that is great for falls, long hair, and free flowing hair because it tangles less. It does though tend to look less realistic (because it looks "fake", like doll hair; too anime perfect if you get me) and comes in all the colors of the rainbows.
Jumbo Braid, also known as Yaki Perm, is super kinky and good for braiding. Some types can be ironed (on a low setting) into straight strands, but you'll mostly want to avoid this type of hair at all costs.
Toyokalon is a more realistic feeling type hair that looks better on shorter wigs. It comes in a slightly less straight fiber (that mimics real hair kinks) thus it tends to tangle easierly and so is not the best option for long hair. The kinks though are great for spikes and molding crazy and outragous anime wigs. It comes in every natual tone you can think of, but is less common in rainbow colors.
Other Fibers
There is a third type of quality called simply "Synthetic Fiber". This is the cheaper form of either Toyokalon or Kanekalon and is generally of a lesser quaility. It's thinner, tangles, breaks easily, can't stand heat (Toyokalon and Kanekalon can with stand blow dryers set on low), etc. Halloween wigs are made of this crap and you should avoid them like the plague.
I almost forgot to mention the infamous Eleora fiber. Basically it's soft and shiny and nice, but won't take dyes very well because the fibers are in essence "stain resistant." So... Sharpies will "tint" them, but not really color them. The darker the original wig color, the harder it is to tint them. I heard that FW inks works on them though.
Which Wig Should I Use?
Everyone has their preference in wig fibers, but it simply depends on the cosplay. For example, you'd probably get a Toyokalon wig for realistic characters like Jill Valentine from Resident Evil or Cloud from Final Fantasy because Toyokalon is easier/better for spikes and realism. You'd use Kanekalon for Utena or Anthy from Utena because of the long, too-perfect, obviously fake-anime-like hair they have in pink and purple. Sephiroth would also work best with Kanekalon because of the length.
Hope that helps explain a few of the differences.
Kanekalon and Toyokalon are the two top basic types of synthetic fibers used in quality wigs. They both are used for producing short, medium and long wigs. Extra long wigs are almost exclusively made with Kanekalon.
Kanekalon is a 100% straight, stiff, and smooth fiber that is great for falls, long hair, and free flowing hair because it tangles less. It does though tend to look less realistic (because it looks "fake", like doll hair; too anime perfect if you get me) and comes in all the colors of the rainbows.
Jumbo Braid, also known as Yaki Perm, is super kinky and good for braiding. Some types can be ironed (on a low setting) into straight strands, but you'll mostly want to avoid this type of hair at all costs.
Toyokalon is a more realistic feeling type hair that looks better on shorter wigs. It comes in a slightly less straight fiber (that mimics real hair kinks) thus it tends to tangle easierly and so is not the best option for long hair. The kinks though are great for spikes and molding crazy and outragous anime wigs. It comes in every natual tone you can think of, but is less common in rainbow colors.
Other Fibers
There is a third type of quality called simply "Synthetic Fiber". This is the cheaper form of either Toyokalon or Kanekalon and is generally of a lesser quaility. It's thinner, tangles, breaks easily, can't stand heat (Toyokalon and Kanekalon can with stand blow dryers set on low), etc. Halloween wigs are made of this crap and you should avoid them like the plague.
I almost forgot to mention the infamous Eleora fiber. Basically it's soft and shiny and nice, but won't take dyes very well because the fibers are in essence "stain resistant." So... Sharpies will "tint" them, but not really color them. The darker the original wig color, the harder it is to tint them. I heard that FW inks works on them though.
Which Wig Should I Use?
Everyone has their preference in wig fibers, but it simply depends on the cosplay. For example, you'd probably get a Toyokalon wig for realistic characters like Jill Valentine from Resident Evil or Cloud from Final Fantasy because Toyokalon is easier/better for spikes and realism. You'd use Kanekalon for Utena or Anthy from Utena because of the long, too-perfect, obviously fake-anime-like hair they have in pink and purple. Sephiroth would also work best with Kanekalon because of the length.
Hope that helps explain a few of the differences.
