Dear Costume Goddess,

Do you have any ideas for those of us whose hair is fashionably short? A turban doesn't suit the cabaret style of my costumes, and I've found that headbands and barrettes get lost under all those artfully cut chunky layers of hair. Can you suggest a style of headpiece which suits short haircuts particularly well? Or, am I doomed to wear wigs?

--Perplexed Pixie Cut

Dear Costume Goddess,

I have short hair that i'm in the process of growing out. it's about at my ears now. it used to be a bit of a 20's style bob. headbands tend to make me look about 2 years younger than i am, and hairpins generally don't have the mysterious look i'm going for when i'm dancing. What should i do with my short hair when i'm dancing?

--Shimmying With Short Hair

Dear Perplexed and Shimmying,

Short hair may seem too plain, too minimalist to be harmonious with an elaborate costume, especially if the dancer is tall. Still, there aren't any rules, and I've seen a few dancers go pixie with some long earrings and artful makeup and look very cute. But for a dramatic change in appearance, try any of these: A hairpiece or wig (if you find it comfortable): straight Cleopatra styles, curly ones, or braids and ponytails. Turban (for tribal style dancers) with or without veil or artificial braids hanging down. Beaded, chain or coin headpiece (see below): a beautiful Egyptian look. These can be from ear length to shoulder length. If you're clever with your hands, you could make your own version, using chains, beads or pearls by the yard attached to a headband. Fasten this with lots of bobby pins and practice dancing with it. Spins and backbends may not be a good idea. Simple beaded or padded headband, with a small veil tucked the back/sides to cover short hair; or tied scarf with long ends that fall over shoulders. See my headdresses article for more ideas. You might add a beaded or veil drape under chin, or tassels at sides; but practice spins, make sure tassels don't strike eyes. A tiara-style headpiece or a padded Ghawazee-style headpiece. Drape a veil over your head and anchor it with a ropy knotted cord or padded or twisted headband, keffiyeh style. If the cord and veil are sparkly, it will appear less tribal, more cabaret. Tie a beaded scarf around head. --The Costume Goddess

No matter which of the ideas on this page you decide to try, always be sure to practice with a given hair style before you perform in it. Be sure to practice whatever dance moves or props you plan to use (veils, canes, balancing, hair tosses, backbends) in this hair style before you take it on stage.

Other articles on this web site that you may find helpful include:

Ask The Costume Goddess: Headdresses. Suggestions for headdresses to accessorize belly dance costumes.

Ask The Costume Goddess: Hair Styles For Long Hair. Ideas for long-haired dancers.

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