How to Make Mannequin Heads

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Mannequins are used to display fashions and dressing a mannequin properly often distinguishes a product, increasing sales. Small shops, accessory stores, and decorators may not want to buy a whole mannequin when they have to only display hats or accessories. In these cases, all that is needed is a mannequin head and these can be created using paper mache and decoupage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Papier Mâché Mannequin Head

1
Blow up a balloon so that it is approximately the size, or a little smaller than you want your mannequin head to be.
2
Add your base.
- Fill a tin can 1/3 full of sand. Use masking tape to affix your balloon inside the can on all sides. Smooth down the masking tape wherever there are bumps. The can will serve as a neck to your paper mache head.
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3
Make your paper mache paste. Mix 1 part water with 1 part flour.
- Most paper mache recipes suggest 2 parts water to 1 part flour. You want your recipe to be a little bit thicker for your paper mache head, but feel free to dilute it with more water to make it easier to work with.
4
Tear newspapers into 2 by 6 inch (5 by 15 cm) strips. Tear a few larger squares and set aside.
5
Work outside or on a drop cloth, and begin making your mannequin head.
6
Dip a newspaper strip into the thick flour and water mixture. Smooth it onto your balloon. Working with 1 strip at a time, cover the entire head and can.
7
Allow the can and balloon to dry completely.
8
Cover with a second layer of newspaper strips dipped in the flour and water mixture.
9
Allow to dry and repeat 2 more times. You should have done 4 paper mache coats on your mannequin head. Allow them to dry completely.
10
Wad larger pieces of newspaper to form the nose, ears and any other features you would like. Affix them with masking tape. Continue to pinch the newspapers into the shape you want.
11
Smooth the masking tape very well. Use a wooden spoon to press down gently and thoroughly on all tape edges.
12
Dip larger squares of newspaper in the flour and water mixture and smooth 1 layer over the features. Allow to dry.
13
Cover your mannequin head. There are a few options.
- Spray your mannequin head with a light coat of spray adhesive and cover the head with fabric. Cut off at the bottom edge of the can so that the can will stand.
- Paint the mannequin with colored paint. For light colors, make sure to do more than 1 coat. Use spray paint for a fast application.
- For a detailed painted mannequin head, use different color paints to draw features.
- Take a plain or patterned nylon sock or tights. Stretch it over the head of the mannequin head and the can. Knot it at the back of the can. This is the fastest way to cover your mannequin with a layer of fabric, as it does not require any drying time.
14
Let dry and use your mannequin head to display accessories.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Styrofoam Mannequin Head

1
Buy a Styrofoam mannequin head. These heads are white, with features, and they are available at most arts and crafts stores. Many of them are already sized to fit hats or headbands. Miniature versions are also available.
2
Choose a paper that you would like to use to decoupage your foam mannequin head. Decoupage is the art of decorating something by gluing small pieces of paper to it. It is commonly used on small objects, boxes and furniture.
3
Decoupage your mannequin head using strips of paper, such as specialty craft papers, musical scores or magazine pages.
4
Rip your paper into strips of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less, until you have a large pile.
5
Use a foam brush to wet the top of the mannequin head with decoupage glue. Place pieces of paper on to of the wet portions, making sure they overlap and there isn't any white space.
6
Place another layer of decoupage glue over the top of the paper pieces, flattening all edges with the brush to ensure a smooth coating of paper. Once the glue and paper dry, you will be unable to flatten any edges, so it is important to take time to smooth it with the glue and brush now.
7
Continue to wet the Styrofoam, attach the paper and glue over the top, using the smaller pieces of paper to fit over the nose, eyes and mouth.
8
Stop and allow the top of your mannequin head to dry according to the directions on the decoupage glue. When it is dry, balance the top of the mannequin head in a large sturdy cup, so you can glue pieces of paper around the edges, and leave it to dry.
9
Choose a base. You can use an antique plate, a wooden base from an arts and crafts shop, or any sturdy object that will hold your mannequin head steady when you place hats or accessories on it. Foam mannequin heads are very light and unsteady, so it is important to have a base if you intend to use it in a store.
10
Connect the base to your newly decorated mannequin head with hot glue. Allow to dry and then use for decoration or accessories.

Community Q&A

Question

In the first method, does anything happen if the balloon pops?

Mrs.Spooks

Community Answer

If it pops when the outside layer is dry, nothing should happen. If it's wet, it may or may not collapse. If it happens during step 1, just get another balloon and re-inflate it.
Question

How much water and flour am I supposed to use?

Community Answer

You need to use one part flour and two parts water. The exact amounts are entirely up to you. For example, you could use one cup of flour and two cups of water, or two cups of flour and four cups of water.
Question

What if it's dry and it's starting to sink? I think the balloon deflated during the drying time. Can I fix it?

Mrs.Spooks

Community Answer

If there is not too much damage, you may just be able to "fill" the hole with tape and mache. If there is a lot, it may be too late, and you will have to restart.