This stuff is cool! I mentioned this process earlier in the book, but it bears repeating here. Outside of Los Angeles, these devices are not very easy to find for makeup use. You might want to consider purchasing one (they’re somewhat pricey—over $1,000) and making it available for rental when you are not using it; it is not a tool that is likely to get a lot of regular use unless you also are a mask, costume, prop, or puppet maker, taxidermist, or Furry enthusiast. However, I suspect that having one could inspire lots of uses within the makeup effects craft for both stage and screen. I want one!
The way it works is this: The device is charged with high-voltage electricity—70 kv but with very low amperage so that there is no health or safety risk. The principle is that two poles of opposite polarity attract each other and the field lines always hit the surface vertically. So, if a hair (fiber) is charged at one pole, it will fly according to the field lines directly at the opposite pole. Now, presume that the surface at the opposite pole is coated with adhesive; the fiber will embed vertically in the adhesive. The flocking gun should be no more than about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) from the subject.
Varying lengths of flocking material can be used to simulate bottom and top hairs, and depending on the adhesive used, low pressure compressed air can be used to direct hairs in a particular direction or pattern to mimic the reality of growth patterns.
One fairly obvious note of caution: During application, which should occur in brief stages when applied directly to a subject’s face and head, keep your subject’s eyes closed and have her hold her breath for a moment, since the flocking can and will enter the eyes, nose, and mouth if they’re open during application.