Slight B-Grade: Reel Hera

This is one finished headpiece which is ready to ship. 

Style: Hera

Material: Silicone

Length: Medium

Color: Reel Creations Hera Mix

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I tried to airbrush the tattoos while the weather was still too cold, and the airbrushed silicone "slumped" in some places before it could cure. (When it's too cold, the silicone can stay in runny goo form for hours!) The slumped spots aren't visible from a distance, but I do notice them when looking up close.

Normal Hera Price: $195

B-Grade price for this headpiece: $185

(Note: I carry the Reel Creations Hera mix body paint on my store. If ordered with this headpiece, I can ship them in the same box to save on shipping costs.)

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Ear Cones:
Each female headpiece comes with one pair of ear cones. 

Head Size:
Silicone headpieces are only made in a small size because silicone will stretch to fit.

Durability:
Unlike latex which can crack after a while, silicone lasts a long time. My oldest silicone headpiece is nine years old, and it is still in perfect shape. Silicone is prone to tearing under some conditions, however, so you must be careful not to create a weakened point where a rip might get started. When trimming away excess silicone around the head opening, make sure to cut a straight line with your scissors. If you leave a jagged edge, that point can begin to tear. Cut a smooth, even line and it shouldn't be a problem!

Stuffing:
The lekku are filled with pillow stuffing. I reinforce the top curves with a soft expanding foam which preserves the shape of the curve and holds the pillow stuffing in place.

Weight:
These lekku average between 1.4 and 1.7 pounds. The weight varies because I can't always use the exact same amount of silicone, stuffing, and expanding foam.

Static:
Silicone is prone to building up a static charge. It's not a huge problem, just keep in mind that pillow stuffing fibers, loose bristles from paint brushes, and bits of hair will inevitably be found stuck to your headpiece. For the extra wiggle of silicone, though.... it's worth it. To reduce a static buildup, rub baby powder into the silicone with a cloth, and then wipe off the extra powder. It will cut down the static charge and reduce the silicone shine to give your lekku a more natural look.

Glue:
Nothing sticks to silicone! If you want to attach a decoration permanently to the lekku, most glues won't work. Instead, you must use a dab of silicone or a silicone adhesive. I recommend Sil-Poxy, which is sold by Smooth-On. If the foam stuffing won't stay in the lekku you can use Sil-Poxy to glue it into place, and if the silicone ever develops a tear you can use Sil-Poxy to apply a patch.

I would be happy to help with any Twi'lek costuming questions, so please feel free to ask. Twi'lek costumes are a lot of work, especially since you have to do the body paint every time you wear them if you want to be an exotic color... but it's definitely worth the effort. It's really fun! People often stop you for a picture, and I have a good laugh every time somebody asks, "Can I touch your tentacles?" Good times!