In 2025 I chose Daiba Nana’s Revue outfit as my build for the later half of the year. I chose to start with styling the wig since it was an ambitious part of the project. I chose to feature this wig all on it’s own because I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out and wanted to share work in progress photos from the process.
Building the structure
Banana’s hair style is a twin tail style with banana shaped pigtails. I know it is quite popular right now for cosplayers to build “helmet wigs” for styles like this that need extra support and structure, but I wanted to use techniques that did not require completely chopping off all of the fiber and having to make a ton of glued wefts. If you are also put off by the idea of doing that please use this as a guide for similar styles.
The first thing I needed to do was build the structure inside the wig that would help distribute the weight. Since I already have a canvas block fitted to my head I could immediately start, but if you don’t you’ll want to start there. It’s very important that the head you are styling on is the same size as your head to ensure that the wig will fit when it is styled. If you need a guide on how to make a custom fit wig head you can check out this tutorial by Atelier Heidi. With your wig head you can start by creating a wire armature that will be sewn into the inside of the wig. I use a loop of wire around the head and then create a cross of wire over the top of the head. I use millinery wire because it is wrapped in thread and makes it easier to hold the wire together. I have also used thread wrapped floral wire as well.
Once the wire was fitted to the head I created a cotton knit cap that I sewed over the wire armature. This will make it easier to add wefts later. I simply pinned the fabric to the canvas block with the wire armature and drew in the seam lines needed. I cut out the fabric and dyed it yellow so it would blend into the wig. I sewed my pieces together with a sewing machine and then hand sewed it onto the wire armature. To get the fabric to maintain it’s shape I did do a couple of layers of fabric glue, but in retrospect I’m not sure it was needed.
Once the wire armature and cap are finished it’s time to sew the armature into the wig. I used a curved needle to stitch the armature into the wig cap. Once it is secure you will need to determine where your twin tails will need to sit on the wig and create wire pieces to support those. You will then need to stitch the additional wire supports into the armature cap. I also secured these to the original wire armature for added stability. This will help distribute the weight evenly over the head.
Preparing the fiber and sewing in wefts
To start preparing the fibers I crimped all of the wig fibers of my base wig aside from the bangs. The crimping texture will be covered by the layer of wefts used to create the twin tail part.
I chose to order from Coscraft for this project because they offer a special weft they call a “seamless weft” that is ideal for updos and twin tail parts. I was able to sew these wefts down the back of the wig through the fabric cap of the armature to create the twin tail part.
Pulling the wig into twintails and styling
Once the wefts are all in place it is time to begin the tedious task to pulling the hair into twin tails. I did this in small sections using elastic to hold the tails in place. I used UHU Glue between layers to help hold the fibers in place. I also used steam to help train the fibers into the proper direction. The key to this step is to work in small sections and make sure each layer is clean and in place. You can use hairspray in addition to the glue to help keep the fibers in place.
Once all of the hair is into twin tails and secured with a final elastic I began stubbing the tails. Stubbing is when you trim all of the hair down to one length and secure the end with glue. You can then use this “stub” as a base to attach your twin tails. This method is particularly useful when you attachments have a base like styrofoam.
Making the bananas
I wrestled with how to style these banana shaped twin tails. Originally I thought I would go for a more natural look, referencing the live shows but ultimately I chose to do a more stylized shape like in the anime. To achieve this shape I needed a base. I started with some styrofoam eggs that I used as the top part of the tails that would attach to the stubs. I then used wire and aluminum foil to create the banana shapes.
After I had the basic shape mapped out I covered the foil in foam clay. I chose foam clay because it is easy to work with and light weight.
Last step before I began applying fiber was to cover the shapes in batting, heat shrink the batting with a heat gun and then paint the shapes a blonde color so it would blend in better with the wefts.
With the bases done it’s time to apply wefts. I started at the bottom of shapes and hot glued wefts in a spiral with the tracks intact. These would be covered with enough other fiber that the tracks didn’t matter. For the rest of the wefts I had to create glued wefts using UHU glue. I then glued the wefts to the base and used UHU glue and heat to set the fibers against the shapes. Once the whole shape is covered I blast it with hair spray to lock in the fibers. I then began to trim down and shape the tips of the shape by cutting the excess fiber down. I used Styling gel at the ends of the tips to keep them shaped properly.
Finishing Touches
With the bananas complete and set I glued them onto the stubs of the base wig. I also styled the bangs and bottom of the wig with simple cutting and curling methods. I added the green ribbons around the twin tails and the wig was done.
Final Thoughts
I am so happy with how this wig turned out. It was by far my most ambitious wig project in years and I am very proud of how it turned out. It is also surprisingly very comfortable and secure on my head. I wear this wig with a velvet wig band and that’s all I need to keep it secure. I hope these photos and details can help you in styling your next wig, thanks for reading!
Photos: Wolfsink, BTSE Photo