Kigurumi Mask Care
Cleaning a Kigurumi Mask
Clean the exterior
It might go without saying, however the best way to keep a mask clean is to avoid it getting dirty in the first place. Easier said then done sometimes, and accidents do happen, so lets cover some ways to clean a mask.
If you do need to clean the exterior, essentially start with the least aggressive method and work your way up.
- Remove loose dust with a clean soft brush or microfiber cloth.
- Test a slightly damp cloth on an inconspicuous area, makers should have their paints clear coated but the rare odd maker might not have makeup so protected.
- Blot or wipe gently instead of scrubbing.
- Let the mask dry completely before storing it.
Magic erasers and similar melamine sponges are a great next step if required, but are slightly abrasive. If used too aggressively they can dull clear coats or remove paint, so be gentle with use.
Clean the interior
If padding is removable, remove it and wash it with a bit of skin-safe soap or detergent, then let it dry completely. If the padding is fixed a bit of disinfectant like rubbing alcohol can be used sparingly to disinfect and clean, a fan pointed at the padding can help speed up the drying process. Trapped moisture can lead to odors or mildew, so make sure it's actually dry.
Similarly if you find the insides sweaty, wipe them down with a paper towel, a gentle use of disinfectant can help but make sure its only used sparingly on the inside, not applied in ways that might get it spilling out onto the exterior.
Padding a Kigurumi Mask
Mask makers will do a best effort at providing a fit that works for many. Often though you may need to do some adjustments to get it just perfect, and many makers include extra padding with the mask for this very purpose.
Before adding padding, put the mask on briefly and note:
- Whether the eyeports align with your eyes or if there's a better position that greatly improves visibility
- If the mask tilts or rotates like a bobblehead
- Does it sit too low or high, is it "swallowing" up your entire neck?
Padding the top of the head, back of the head, or forehead are the most common areas. Although it may also be worth experimenting with paddings at cheek level depending on fit. It should be snug, but not too tight.
Padding usually comes in either directly applied foam, or a removable type that can be velcro'd into place. Regardless of the method, test fit padding before adhering any of it or the attachment material to the mask.
Too hot?
It may sound counter intuitive, but the more padding you add the cooler a mask can often become.
The best airflow in a mask is achieved when there isn't empty space for air to linger, where you have a more direct airflow path from your face to the viewports or other areas where air can escape.
Empty space for air to linger is where heat and humidity builds up, leading to a more uncomfortable experience.
If you want to set things up for removable padding, a common type is to use "Microfiber Applicator" sponges commonly available on Amazon and other marketplaces. Basically just a sponge with microfiber covering. Easy to wash, and can be held in place with velcro-type fasteners.
Storing a Kigurumi Mask
Before storage:
- Make sure the mask and padding are clean and completely dry
- Gently detangle and arrange the hair is doing your future self a favor, rather than tidying it up later
- Support long hair with loose scrunchies if needed to keep it from getting messy or tangled
Store the mask in a stable box, padded case, or suitable stand where it cannot fall. Keep it away from direct sunlight, high heat, moisture, dust, pets, and objects that could press against the face or hair. A breathable dust cover or loose clean bag can reduce dust without trapping moisture.
For long-term storage, inspect the mask periodically. A desiccant can help in highly humid climates.
See Traveling with a Kigurumi Mask for packing and transport guidance.
Scratches and minor chips
Accidents do happen, and paint is the weakest point of a mask in terms of durability. Minor scratches and chips can usually be touched up with a bit of paint.
One common strategy is to use a paint marker to touch up a scratch, then wipe away any excess paint, doing multiple layers if needed. There isn't an exact single paint solution that perfectly matches all masks, visiting your local art store might be the best way to find some near matches.
POSCA brand markers for example the closest on most kig masks is their "Powder Pink" shade followed by "Light Pink". For masks that lean warmer in tone, "Satin Pink" is about the closest they have.
Kig Hair Care
Preventative care is still your best friend here as well.
This usually means detangling and brushing the hair after use, and storing it in a way that prevents tangles and knots.
As a reminder, when detangling hair, start at the ends and work your way up. Use a gentle detangling brush like a "tangle teaser" or similar to help untangle the hair.
Tangling Treatments
One of the best preventative measures is to use a silicone based wig spray for detangling. This is especially useful for long hair, it helps tangles occur less and also helps generally detangle in general, and is fairly common in general cosplay circles as well.
Start with a product like the silicone wig spray by "Simply Stylin".
While this should only be used on the long portions of hair rather than bangs, you probably want to cover the face of your mask with plastic wrap just to ensure no product gets on it.
These sprays are slippery, so be mindful where you are doing this as well. If any gets on the floor, it WILL be insanely slippery and a pain to clean off.
Start small, spray a little then work it in. Too much will make the hair look greasy and would probably need to be removed with a wet cloth.
The above video is an example of the process, albeit for cosplay wigs rather than specifically on a kig mask.
Reviving Frizzed hair
If the hair gets all frayed and frizzy, you can usually revive it with a bit of gentle steaming.
You don't want to get steam too close to the face, so covering it with plastic wrap can help play it safe.
Steam can mess with the styling products in the bangs as well, so keep this just to the long portions of hair.
An example of the process. Play it gentle and use just a bit of steam at a time, rather than giving it a steam bath immediately.
Restyling Hair Bangs
This part is just a summary for the time being, we'll be adding more detailed guides soon.
Hair bangs tend to fall into one of two types, product styled, or glued. Glue generally doesn't undo, but as that suggests is a pretty permanent method for better or for worse. If you've never touched up a wig or styled one before, it's probably better to get a cheap wig to experiment on first, rather than trying to do it on a kig's right away.
Common products for styling are Got2b glued or Ultra Glued styling gel. Got2b's Glued Hair Spray is also an option, but requires heat from a blow dryer or similar to activate.
Uhu's solvent based glue is an option used by some for wig styling. You don't need to necessarily use it all the way down, even just a cm or two above the end of the bangs is enough to hold them in place.
If used sparingly it does dry invisibly and hold insanely well.
Again, it's best to experiment on a cheap wig first, this is not an easily reversible process.