The importance wigs and makeup play in Westworld

Have you ever watched anything and thought how it doesn’t match the era it is taking place in? Luckily, when it comes to Westworld the costume and makeup design are carefully thought out and on point. 

However, I will refer back to my father, who every time we watch 1983’s A Christmas Story (which took place sometime in the 50s), will point out that the mother’s hair is not time appropriate. Even though the movie is relatively authentic to the era it’s meant to be in, her hair looks more like a 70s or 80s hairdo and this always elicits a comment from him.

Joy Zapata was the hairdresser for Westworld’s Emmy-nominated episode “Akane No Mai”. Dressing more than 25 wigs for the dance scene in the episode, Zapata borrowed wigs from MGM’s archive and also borrowed wigs from 2005’s Memoirs of a Geisha. Wanting to be sure they stayed within the realm of tradition, Zapata said:

"“[I] tried to stay traditional because the actors, the Japanese actors in particular, were very precise about the way the wigs looked. Every ornament has meaning.”"

Apparently, the wigs didn’t just have to just be beautiful, but functional as well. How could any of us forget the scene where Akane performed her dance for the shogun before carving his face in half? This was a scene that may have looked beautiful and violent at the same time, but for Zapata it was nerve-wracking.

"“We were holding our breath, just waiting for the wigs to fly off. But, by the grace of God, everything stayed in place.”"

As for makeup, artist Elisa Marsh was able to have more freedom for her Westworld duties. Due to wanting to keep a theme in the show and keeping with the tradition of the back of the neck being considered sensual in ancient Japanese culture, Marsh had a ‘W’ painted on the back of each Geisha’s neck. It was a small touch, but one that was keeping within the theme of the hosts in the park.

What did you think of the makeup and costume design during this season of Westworld? Share your thoughts below!