Mastix Normal is the reference adhesive in professional hairpiece work: a natural copal-based gum with high adhesion on skin that allows precise placement of loose hair, beards, moustaches and wigs with the precision demanded by fine FX makeup and theatrical or film character work. Its classic formula offers a controlled working time and reliable bonding on delicate areas of the face and body.
Technical specifications
| Property |
Detail |
| Adhesive type |
Natural copal gum |
| Application |
On human skin |
| Main use |
Hairpiece work: loose hair, beards, moustaches, wigs |
| Application method |
Brush or spatula on the area to be bonded |
| Working time |
Semi-dry before adhering the element |
| Removal from skin |
Diluted isopropyl alcohol |
| Removal from fabrics (tulle, lace) |
Pure isopropyl alcohol |
What it's used for
Mastix Normal is the standard adhesive in character departments, film, television, theatre and FX makeup when the work requires fixing hair elements with surgical precision directly onto the actor's or model's skin.
- Gluing loose hair strand by strand onto the face and neck
- Fixing tulle or lace postiche beards and moustaches
- Bonding wigs and hairpieces at the scalp or forehead area
- Theatrical character work with frequent character changes
- Special effects makeup in audiovisual production
- Schools and training in professional hairpiece techniques
How to use it
- Clean and degrease the area of skin where you will apply the adhesive. The skin must be dry and free of creams or oils.
- Using a fine brush or spatula, apply a thin, even layer of Mastix Normal over the required area.
- Allow the adhesive to partially dry until it reaches a semi-tacky texture (sticky but not liquid). This step is key for a good bond.
- Place the element to be fixed (hair, tulle base, moustache) onto the adhesive area and press gently with your fingers or a clean cloth for a few seconds.
- Adjust the finish with a brush, powder or makeup according to the desired final result.
- To remove from skin, apply diluted isopropyl alcohol with a cotton pad and allow it to penetrate for a few seconds before peeling off gently.
- To clean tulle or lace fabrics, use pure isopropyl alcohol directly on the material.
Usage tips
Control the drying point
The secret of Mastix lies in the waiting time after application. If you apply the hair or hairpiece while the adhesive is still liquid, the grip will be weak and the finish imprecise. Wait until the surface looks less shiny and almost dry: at that point the bond is at its strongest. In humid environments drying slows down; in dry environments or with a heat source, it speeds up.
Strand-by-strand application for fine work
For point techniques or hair-by-hair implantation, load the brush with a minimal amount of Mastix and apply it only at the base of the strand. This prevents the adhesive from travelling up the hair and becoming visible on camera or under direct stage lighting. A good quality fine-tipped brush makes all the difference in this type of work.
Removal without damaging the skin
Do not pull the hairpiece off dry. Before removing, thoroughly saturate the edge of the base with diluted isopropyl alcohol and wait for it to penetrate under the Mastix layer. Removal will be clean and irritation-free. On sensitive skin or areas with facial hair, always work in the direction of hair growth.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to apply this adhesive directly on skin?
Yes. Mastix Normal is specifically formulated for use on human skin and has been a standard in professional hairpiece work for decades. As with any character adhesive, a patch test on a small area is recommended before prolonged use, especially on very sensitive skin.
What solvent do I use to remove this adhesive from skin?
The recommended solvent is diluted isopropyl alcohol. Apply it with a cotton pad over the adhesive, allow it to penetrate for a few seconds and remove gently. For tulle or lace fabrics, use pure isopropyl alcohol.
Can I use it to bond silicone or foam latex prosthetics?
Mastix Normal is optimised for hair hairpiece work (loose hair, beards, wigs). For bonding silicone or foam FX prosthetics, there are more specific adhesives such as PROTAC or Telesis 8, which offer greater compatibility with those materials and higher resistance to facial movement.
How long does the bond last during a shoot or performance?
With correct application — an even layer, properly semi-dried before bonding — Mastix Normal provides a stable hold for hours, sufficient for long shooting days or theatre performances. Excessive sweating or intense heat from lighting can reduce adhesion; in those cases, reinforce the edges with a minimal second coat before the performance.
Can it be used on oily skin or over a base makeup layer?
No. The skin must be clean and degreased for Mastix to bond correctly. Always apply the adhesive on clean skin, free of creams, oils or foundation in the bonding area. Character makeup is applied on top once the hairpiece is already in place.
Is there a difference between Mastix Normal and other versions of Mastix?
Yes. Mastix Normal is the standard formulation with a high proportion of natural copal, ideal for most hairpiece work. There are versions with different viscosities or resin ratios designed for specific shooting conditions or skin types. Contact Feroca if you need guidance for your specific case.
How do I clean the brush or application tools?
Clean brushes and spatulas with isopropyl alcohol immediately after use, before the adhesive fully dries. Once cured, removal becomes more difficult and may damage the brush bristles.
