Hairpiece Cook Book

Overview

A material study that ends in a product. We developed an agar–soy wax biocomposite, documented it as a “cook book” — ingredients, composition, process, properties — and used the result to make a hairpiece.

Recipe and process

The dry ingredients (agar and salt) and the liquid components (water, glycerol and vinegar) are measured out, while soy wax is melted separately at low heat. The mixture is heated under continuous stirring, and the wax is then folded in gradually.

Natural dyeing

We experimented with natural pigments to colour the samples, focusing on both visual and sensory qualities. Dried sage leaves were simmered until the water acquired a soft green hue, and that sage water then became the primary liquid base for the gel mixtures.

The hairpiece

The wax-containing material is not suitable for direct contact with hair, so a 100% ramie fabric layer was bonded to the surface using controlled heat. That creates a safe and comfortable interface while preserving the translucency, texture and tactile qualities of the composite.

Post-processing carried the material into a functional object: fabric bonding, laser cutting for the stick, stick insertion and laser pattern engraving.