I've found that I basically need to have facial hair in order to look sufficiently masculine, but drawing it on with eyebrow pencil is not going to cut it 'in the wild'.

Can anyone recommend me good sources of prosthetic facial hair and/or chest hair?

I've been looking at crepe hair from special effects shops, but I have no idea how to match my hair colour, as pictures can be deceiving that way. I don't want to accidentally buy a colour too light or dark and look weird.

If you live in a city you can go to a theater supply store or costume shop. I was shy, but no one will think anything of it. Some of the colors are just odd, imo. You might be able to find hair that isn't wound--crepe hair is wound and you have to wet it to get it to lie flat. This is MUCH easier to use. But don't assume this is some kind of easy thing. Spirit gum is very itchy and rather nasty smelling. It's fun. I gave myself a mustache and beard but then couldn't wait to take it off. If I were in a show I would tolerate it. I wasn't good at putting it on as there is a knack to it.

--Jay

Theatrical shops are a good idea but you'll want to avoid most of the costume stuff.  Try Googling 'Lacey Human Hair Beard'.  The human hair prosthetics come in a number of hair colors and can often be dyed if you need a closer match to your hair.  They can also be trimmed if you have a particular style you are looking for.  Some theatrical stores also carry chest hair pieces that are made out of human hair with a lace backing.

Is there a better Spirit Gum alternative?

Google "Pros-Aide".  It's a line of adhesives used for medical and special effects prosthetics.  Best of all, it's water-based.
As with any adhesive, it's best to try a small amount first and check to see how your skin reacts.  Spirit Gum can burn... Latex based adhesives can cause allergies... some adhesives tend to flake or fail.  Your local medical supply store should also have a number of medical adhesives that will work.
Whatever you end up getting, be sure to get the solvent as well.  *Ouch*

Hollister 7730...medical grade adhesive for a lot of things. Odor-free, a single can ($25US) is good for a month of daily use with breast forms....assuming one beard = 1/2 breast in terms of bonding needed, it may be good for you.

There are YouTube videos on how to use it, clean it from prosthetics, etc.

ETA: Hollister 7730 is the adhesive, 7731 is the remover.

Thanks!

It's looking increasingly like I'll just have to bite the bullet and go on T, despite the uproar it's likely to cause.

Quote from: DeeperThanSwords on January 29, 2013, 05:19:11 PM
Is there a better Spirit Gum alternative?

Absolutely, I have worked in prosthetic makeup and the best product I have found is made by Smooth-On called Skin Tite. you'll have to google Smooth-On to find a supplier but it's an A/B type platinum cure silicone of very low density that allows it to be applied very thinly, there is no smell it sticks beautifully especially if you use a good facial cleanser.  I've done almost every type of facial prosthetic you can think of, Demons, Klingon's Elves and yes I've done beards with it. 

Quote from: AwishForXX on February 07, 2013, 02:01:59 AM
Absolutely, I have worked in prosthetic makeup and the best product I have found is made by Smooth-On called Skin Tite. you'll have to google Smooth-On to find a supplier but it's an A/B type platinum cure silicone of very low density that allows it to be applied very thinly, there is no smell it sticks beautifully especially if you use a good facial cleanser.  I've done almost every type of facial prosthetic you can think of, Demons, Klingon's Elves and yes I've done beards with it.

Thanks very much! I don't suppose you also know of good suppliers of lace hair prosthetics or anything like that?

Unfortunately I don't know of a good place to get a good lace hair beard, all the beards I did were single use only and took hours to apply (strip by stip).  All that I can suggest for your needs is searching for a reputable costume shop in your area or better yet, search in specific regions for a shop that will ship to you. either from New York, Toronto, Vancouver, or LA and San Francisco.  they would be the best locations as they cater mainly top film and stage makeup.

I wish you the best of luck.

C.

Thanks!