Short Lekku - Flesh Tone or Custom Color
This sale is for a made-to-order SILICONE lekku headpiece. It is based on Hera's lekku style seen in the Ahsoka series, though it is not an exact replication. The live action version seen on screen has VERY thick lekku where they attach to the head. Silicone has trouble duplicating that look, so my version has thinner lekku at the top. I tried to give them the same overall shape when seen from the back.
Shipping Time:
Every lekku headpiece is made to order, and will be cast, stuffed, and shipped as quickly as possible. The final shipping time will depend on how many orders I have in my work queue, and how complicated the designs are. Please be patient, and know that I'm always casting and shipping as fast as I can!
My Order Spreadsheet:
I have a Google spreadsheet where I keep a list of my current orders. It only shows each person's name and what style of headpiece they ordered, but it lets everyone know how many orders I have at any given time and they can watch their names move up to the top of the list as I ship out headpieces. I also post occasional notes and updates at the top of the spreadsheet. If you would like to see the spreadsheet, you can find it here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12ugjiqRntBPM5Ue8DflZravJT7kmnhdqrkMJJbRcR44/edit?usp=sharing
COLOR OPTIONS:
Standard Flesh Tone:
This is a basic shade based on my skin tone. (It was easy to use my own arm as a reference!) This color is shown in the lekku sample pictures. It is not customized.
Custom Flesh Tone:
For this option I will attempt to match your skin tone. Please keep in mind that there are many color variations in a person's face, and it's very difficult to get a color match. When I get close to your headpiece in my work queue I will measure and pigment the silicone in my standard flesh tone, then I will take a small portion out of the tub and cure it. I will send you the cured sample in the mail. You can then let me know if the silicone needs to be made lighter, darker, more red or yellow in tone, etc. It helps to take a photo with the sample held against your cheek while standing in an area with natural light. If you know that your skin tone is going to be different from my standard flesh tone, it helps to give me a starting point to work from. Photos help!
Custom Color Lekku:
Please click on the "ADD A NOTE TO YOUR ORDER" link when you get to the shopping cart, and use that box to let me know which body paint brand and color you would like me to match.
Custom Designs:
Add-On decorations may be included in the order. If you ask for a design that I cannot paint on the short style lekku, I will let you know and we can work out other options.
Head Sizing Options:
The headpieces are made in only one size. The mold is 21 inches in diameter and will stretch to accommodate larger head sizes.
Ear Cones:
I can include one pair of my standard ear cones, or you can select the very wide and flat style of ear cones seen in the Ahsoka show.
Length and Flexibility:
These lekku are 20 inches in length when cast. They stretch a bit when they're stuffed, and may get a little bit longer when worn since the silicone can stretch a bit under its own weight.
Durability:
Unlike latex lekku, which can begin to crack after a while, silicone lasts quite a long time. My oldest silicone headpiece is nine years old, and it is still in perfect shape even after traveling back and forth across the country for quite a few conventions. Silicone is prone to tearing under some conditions, however. It won't tear without a starting point, so you must be careful not to create a weakened point where a rip might get started. This is primarily a concern around the edges of the head opening. When trimming away excess silicone, 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 won't be a problem! Stuffing: The lekku are filled with pillow stuffing. I reinforce the top curves of the lekku with a layer of firmer silicone and then they are filled with a soft expanding foam which preserves the shape of the curve. Please note that because of the wonderful stretch of silicone, sometimes it is really difficult to remove every trace of 'sagging' in that area where the lekku curve out from the head. Even after years of making silicone lekku I've never been able to fully eliminate that issue!
Weight:
These lekku average between 1 and 1.5 pounds. The weight varies because I can't always use the exact same amount of silicone, stuffing, and expanding foam. I try to keep everything within the same range, however, based on the results I've found to work the best. The silicone itself averages one pound, and the rest of the weight comes from the stuffing.
Static:
Silicone is more prone to building up a static charge than anything else I've ever worked with. It's not a huge problem for costumers, 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. You can rub baby powder on the lekku to reduce the static and shine of the silicone.
Glue:
Nothing sticks to silicone! If you want to attach a decoration permanently to the lekku, typical glues like rubber cement won't work. Instead, you must use a silicone specific adhesive. I recommend Sil-Poxy, which is sold by Smooth-On. If the foam stuffing starts to come out of the lekku after a while, you can also use the Sil-Poxy to glue it back into place, and if the headpiece ever develops a tear, Sil-Poxy can be used to apply a patch.
International Orders:
If you're an international customer, please review your country's import policy before purchasing. Customs fees and import taxes are the sole responsibility of the buyer. As a business owner I cannot declare on the customs paperwork that the lekku are a gift, or that they have a very low value.
Photographs:
The photos shown in this sale are not the same lekku headpiece which is for sale. They are examples. The lekku I ship will be cast from the same mold, and will look identical save for any natural variations in the silicone, colorant, and stuffing. Please keep in mind that colors appear different on different monitors.
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!
