The Hair Illustrator On Set Hair Aging Palette is a compact alcohol-activated makeup palette designed specifically to simulate hair aging in film, television and theatre productions. Its six colors let you work on any hair tone, from subtle grays to a fully white head of hair, with natural and long-lasting results on hair, skin, silicone and latex.
Technical specifications
| Format | Compact pocket palette |
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| Number of colors | 6 |
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| Makeup type | Alcohol-activated (99% alcohol) |
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| Compatible surfaces | Hair, skin, silicone, latex |
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| Recommended activator | 99% isopropyl alcohol, Skin Illustrator Activator or Skin Illustrator Slow Activator |
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| Application | Fine brush or mascara wand |
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| Removal | Specific solvent for alcohol-based makeup |
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What it's used for
This palette is designed for makeup professionals who need to age hair quickly, with control and in a reversible way. It is especially useful on set where look changes between scenes must be fast and the result has to hold up under high-definition camera.
- Simulate progressive graying on any natural or wig hair tone
- Age silicone, latex or fiber wigs in special effects productions
- Create hair color transitions to indicate the passage of time in characters
- Work directly on the skin in areas such as hairlines, sideburns or eyebrows
- Combine with other Skin Illustrator palettes for custom color blends
- Quick touch-ups on set without needing to redo the actor's full makeup
How to use it
- Make sure the hair or surface to be treated is clean and free of oils or conditioners.
- Prepare a fine brush or a mascara wand. The cells in this palette are small, so using a sponge is not recommended.
- Lightly dampen the brush with 99% isopropyl alcohol or with the specific activator from the Skin Illustrator range. Do not use 70% alcohol, acetone, water or any other solvent.
- Pick up a small amount of pigment from the palette and apply it to the hair with gentle strokes, following the direction of the hair for a more natural result.
- Mix different colors from the palette together or combine them with other palettes from the Skin Illustrator range to achieve custom tones.
- Allow to dry. The color sets quickly once the alcohol evaporates.
- To remove the makeup, use a specific solvent for alcohol-based makeups.
Usage tips
Control intensity by layering
It is much easier to add color than to remove it. Apply in thin layers and build up intensity gradually. This allows you to create a gradual and naturalistic aging effect, with more gray at the temples and less elsewhere, mimicking the real process of going gray.
Combine with other palettes for more complex results
This palette is designed to work alongside the rest of the range. You can mix its colors with those of the Skin Illustrator Complexion Palette or the Skin Illustrator FX Palette to integrate hair aging with the skin treatment of the same character and achieve a cohesive result.
Take care of your tools between takes
Alcohol-based makeup dries fast, which can stiffen brushes if you don't keep them moist during work. Always have the activator on hand to rehydrate the brush. At the end of the day, clean the brushes thoroughly with alcohol to prevent pigment from becoming embedded in the bristles.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 70% pharmacy alcohol to activate these colors?
No. The water present in 70% alcohol prevents the pigment from activating correctly and can ruin the result. Always use 99% isopropyl alcohol or the specific activator from the Skin Illustrator range to ensure correct fixation and a clean finish.
Does it work on synthetic wigs?
The Hair Illustrator On Set Hair Aging Palette is optimized for natural hair, natural hair wigs, silicone and latex. On synthetic fibers results may vary in terms of adhesion and durability, as the surface is not porous in the same way. We always recommend doing a prior test on a non-visible area before applying it to the entire piece.
Can it be applied directly on skin?
Yes. This palette is suitable for application on skin, allowing you to work areas such as sideburns, hairlines, eyebrows or mustaches directly on the actor, integrating hair aging with the character's skin makeup.
How long does the color last once applied?
Once the alcohol evaporates, the pigment sets in a fairly stable way. On hair it holds up well throughout an entire shooting day under normal conditions. Excessive sweat or intense rubbing can degrade it, so in action scenes it is advisable to do spot touch-ups between takes.
Can I mix the colors from this palette with others from the same range?
Yes, that is one of its main advantages. You can mix the tones from the Hair Aging Palette with any other palette from the Skin Illustrator range, such as the Dark Fleshtone Palette or the FX Palette, to create custom color blends tailored to each character.
How is this makeup removed?
Removal is done with a specific solvent for alcohol-based makeups. Do not use water alone or oils without verifying their compatibility. On natural hair, a shampoo with thorough rinsing may be sufficient to remove residue once the work is finished.
Is it suitable for high-definition and 4K productions?
Yes. The Hair Illustrator range is designed precisely to perform well under high-definition camera. The pigments offer a natural finish that does not create shine or artificial effects on screen, making it a standard choice in professional productions.
Do I need any special product to prepare the hair before applying it?
It is not strictly necessary, but the hair must be clean and free of oils, silicones or conditioners that could act as a barrier and prevent proper pigment adhesion. If working on natural fiber wigs, make sure they are well combed and free of finishing products before applying the color.
