How to Achieve Mel's Hairstyle from Arcane for Your Cosplay?
If you’re gearing up to cosplay as Mel Medarda, the fierce and intelligent councilor from Arcane, one of the most distinctive features of her character is her stunning, bold hairstyle. Mel’s look is not only an essential part of her persona but also one of the most recognizable elements of her design in the animated series. With a sharp, polished aesthetic that complements her powerful position in Piltover, Mel’s hair is both sophisticated and stylish, which makes it a perfect challenge for cosplayers to recreate.
Table of Contents
I. Mel’s hairstyle:
One of the most distinguishing features of Mel Medarda's character design in Arcane is her hairstyle, which blends style with a subdued yet powerful presence. She sports a sleek, thick bob with a noticeable undercut. Her entire appearance is sharpened by the undercut, and she oozes sophistication with the voluminous, silky top.
The main characteristics of Mel's hairstyle are as follows:
A sleek, asymmetrical bob: The hair in the rear of the bob is cut shorter than the hair at the front. The front is a little fuller and fashioned with gentle waves, while the sides are maintained somewhat smooth.
Texture and volume: The hair's top layers and crown have a notable volume that gives it a full, crisp appearance.
The undercut: In contrast to the larger layers on top, the hair is shaved or trimmed extremely short at the sides and back, giving her hairdo a contemporary, edgy look.
Smooth and polished: The texture of the haircut is still quite polished despite its volume. An aura of authority is added by the hair's smoothness, which makes it ideal for a character with Mel's level of influence and power.
This hairdo is more than simply a fashion statement; it represents Mel's self-assurance, wit, and aggressiveness. It will take accuracy and the appropriate equipment to create this appearance for your cosplay.
II. Crucial equipment and supplies for Mel's hairstyle.
To replicate Mel's haircut, you'll need the appropriate equipment before beginning the styling procedure. Here's an overview of what you'll need to get started:
Hair tool.
A flat iron: A high-quality flat iron is vital for obtaining the sleek, flawless texture that Mel’s hair has. Additionally, the flat iron will be helpful for creating smooth waves and volume.
Blow dryer: A nozzle-equipped blow dryer may assist manage the airflow for drying hair and creating volume.
Round brush: Using a round brush during blow-drying can help you create lift to the hair's crown.
Hair clips: These will help you divide your hair into sections while styling.
Using a teasing comb or hair pick: To give the hairstyle texture and volume at the roots.
Straight razor or trimmer: To get the short, sharp look at the sides and back of an undercut, you may need a straight razor or trimmer.
Hair products.
Texturizing spray: A modest texturizing spray can help provide volume and lift to the roots.
Hairspray: Use a flexible hairspray to fix the look without making it rigid.
Heat protectant spray: Before using hot appliances such as flat irons and blow dryers, be sure to protect your hair from heat damage.
Using a smoothing serum or cream: It will give your hair or wig a sleek finish, minimize frizz, and make sure the top layers are polished and lustrous.
III. Detailed instructions: How to make Mel's hair look.
Now that you have acquired all the required equipment and supplies, it's time to start styling your hair. To get Mel's immaculate appearance, follow these instructions.
Step 1: Setting up and dividing.
Washing your hair (or the wig, if you're wearing one) is the first step. To get the best foundation for your finished look, make sure your hair is clean and dry before you begin styling.
Use hair clips to divide your hair into manageable sections after it has dried. Separating the top and bottom layers is what you should do. By doing so, you can maintain control over the lower layers while styling the upper layers with the appropriate volume.
Step 2: Dry your hair using a blower.
To enhance volume, use your blow dryer to focus the airflow on your hair's roots. This is essential to getting Mel's hairstyle's height and fullness. You may easily use the blow dryer to dry your hair if it's naturally straight. When blow-drying, it might be beneficial for people with thicker or curlier hair to use a round brush to get a smooth finish.
To guarantee volume at the crown, use the brush to raise the hair at the roots as you dry it. Keep the bottom layers of your hair flat on your head and concentrate on the upper portion. This will contribute to the contrast between the clean undercut style and the voluminous top.
Step 3: Use a teasing comb to add volume.
After your hair has dried, use a hair pick or teasing comb to give the top of your head even more volume. To add lift and texture, gently tease tiny pieces of hair at the roots. Don't go overboard because the style should be clean and polished rather than cluttered.
Step 4: Even out the uppermost layer.
Use a flat iron to straighten the top layer of your hair after adding volume. Glide the flat iron down the length of the hair, starting at the roots and focusing on any areas that require more smoothing. The objective is to preserve the voluminous lift at the roots while giving the upper layers of hair a smooth, glossy finish.
Step 5: Design the front part.
Use the flat iron to create delicate waves on tiny portions of hair for the front of the style. Instead of having tight curls, these waves should be gentle. The goal is to give the front a little texture while maintaining a polished and seamless overall appearance. Depending on your preference, you may choose to face the waves outward or inward.
Step 6: Produce the undercut look.
To make the undercut if you're cosplaying Mel with your own hair, you may trim the back and sides with clippers or a straight razor. Keep these sections significantly shorter than the uppermost levels to highlight the difference. The boldness of your cosplay will determine whether you shave the undercut all the way or leave a little length for a softer look.
You can achieve a similar undercut appearance with a wig by meticulously trimming and shaping it to mimic Mel's signature style.
Step 7: Last details.
After putting your hairdo in place, use a small mist of hairspray to keep everything in place. In order to prevent excessive stiffness of the hair, make sure the hairspray is flexible. To get Mel's polished, glossy appearance, the top layers can also be treated with a shine serum.
IV. Advice on how to get Mel's look with various hair types.
In the event that your hair type differs from Mel's, such as curly, wavy, or thick, there are a few tweaks you may make to replicate her look.
For curly hair: Before starting the style procedure, you might need to flatten or straighten your natural curls if you have curly hair. Mel's hairstyle may be made smoother with a flat iron, and the curls can be kept under control using a blow-dryer that has a nozzle attachment.
For straight or fine hair: Use a texturizing spray or volumizing mousse to give the hair more body and tease the roots to add more volume to the crown.
For short hair: If you want to emulate Mel's look but your natural hair is short, you can add hair extensions or a wig to get the volume you need at the crown.
V. Should you go with natural hair or wigs?
The following factors should be taken into account while choosing between using a wig or your own hair for your Mel cosplay:
Wigs: Since a wig provides the accuracy and consistency required to replicate Mel's intricate hairdo, it might be a great choice. Additionally, you may play with the undercut with wigs without worrying about cutting or harming your own hair.
Natural hair: Your cosplay may feel more realistic if you style your natural hair to the proper length and texture. To get the appearance, though, it could take more time and work, particularly if your hair is longer or has a different texture.
VI. Extra things to think about in your style.
Makeup: Remember to use Mel's makeup technique to finish your costume. Mel is renowned for having a striking, stylish appearance that usually includes tasteful, clean makeup. A strong lip and piercing cat-eye may enhance the whole cosplay experience.
Outfit: Mel's hairdo is just one aspect of her strong appearance. For the haircut to fully convey her personality, pair it with appropriate apparel, such as her opulent but commanding councilor attire.
VII. Summary.
For your cosplay, getting Mel's gorgeous from Arcane hairstyle is a satisfying task. The striking but refined appearance that characterizes her may be flawlessly captured with the correct equipment, methods, and focus. The secret to pulling off this chic, cutting-edge look is patience and accuracy, whether you're wearing a wig or your own hair.
You'll have no trouble replicating Mel's famous haircut and making your costume stand out at any convention or event if you follow the instructions in this article.
May your cosplay of Mel be as strong and fashionable as the character herself, and good luck!