How to Create a Medusa Hair Updo for Halloween

Inexpensive rubber reptiles help you create a quick—and creepy—costume.

Medusa Hair Up-Do

Mythological Medusa is infamous for two features: Her ability to turn anyone who looked into her eyes to stone, and the wild tangle of snakes she sported instead of hair. Create squirming braids reminiscent of the myth with braided hair extensions, rubber snakes, and bobby pins for a simple and effective Halloween costume you can make at the last minute—or one that complements a custom-sewn gown and detailed makeup.

To add a spooky slither to your handshake, weave a small rubber snake through your fingers and over the back of your hand; then use eyelash glue or skin-adhesive squares to secure it. (Perfecting a stony gaze, though, is up to you.)

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Needle
  • Thin wire

Materials

  • Hair extensions
  • Bobby pins
  • Rubber snakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the braids:

    Supplies for medusa hair up-do

    Buy three hair extensions and braid them. If you have long hair, separate it into three ponytails and braid them, too. For short hair, pin up ends.

  2. Add snakes:

    Add Snakes to Medusa Up-do

    Wrap braids (real and extensions) into a bun; pin. Weave small rubber snakes into the twists of the updo.

    Allow snakes to dangle by attaching them to bobby pins: Thread a needle with wire, poke it through a snake's underside, and tie the wire around a pin. Slide pin into hair.

Originally appeared: HALLOWEEN 2004
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