Mannequins 101

Mannequins 

Historically, “mannequins” referred to human-shaped (usually full-sized) plastic dolls that showcased clothing and hairstyles. Walk into any department store, and you’ll be surrounded by “mannequins” dressed in the newest outfits so you can quickly envision how clothes will hang on a body, rather than on a rack.

Manikins

“Manikins” are human-shaped models designed to mimic the look and feel of human bodies to varying degrees of authenticity. Their primary purpose is to provide professionals in healthcare, cosmetology and biology fields a way to develop their skills on lifelike simulations. 

Over the years, the cosmetologist also adopted the “q” version of the word, and there you have it. Mannequins and manikins - ready to be your test subjects for the latest color, cut or style!
 

Mannequin Hair Types

Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair mannequin heads offer an economical and durable option for practicing fundamental cutting, braiding, and styling techniques without the expense of human hair. These practice heads withstand repeated use and maintain their structure well, making them perfect for beauty students building foundational skills or professionals practicing new braiding patterns and updos. However, synthetic fibers typically cannot withstand heat styling tools or chemical processes, so they work best for dry cutting practice and mechanical styling techniques.
 

Human-Synethic Hair Blend

Human-synthetic blend mannequin heads provide an excellent middle-ground solution for professionals seeking quality practice materials that deliver reliable performance across multiple training applications. These versatile training heads accommodate a range of styling techniques and offer better heat tolerance than fully synthetic options, though they may have limitations with certain chemical services.

Human Hair

Human hair mannequin heads provide the most authentic training experience for aspiring stylists and seasoned professionals looking to refine advanced techniques. While mannequin heads with human hair tend to be more expensive, they respond to heat styling, chemical treatments, and cutting exactly as client hair would in the salon, making them ideal for mastering complex color applications, precision cuts, and intricate styling methods. Best of all, they’re never late to their appointment.

What to Consider When Choosing a Mannequin Head

Best Mannequin Heads for Hair Coloring

Looking to color? Human hair mannequins are best for hair color testing, as human hair provides the most accurate depiction of how the hair color and bleach will look on client hair. Additionally, some mannequins are made with different hair levels contained on one head, so you can streamline your learning all in one go!

Best Mannequin Heads for Hair Cutting

When it comes to cutting, synthetic hair mannequin heads usually have a better variety of hair lengths to choose from. Synthetic hair mannequins provide many longer-hair options which makes them perfect for practicing long-length haircuts. You can also choose textured hair mannequins with wavy/coily hair (even beards!), so you can get a feel for different hair textures and client needs.
 

Best Mannequin Heads to Heat & Style

Similar to bleaching and coloring, straightening or curling mannequin hair is easiest to do on a human hair mannequin head. While most synthetic hair will burn or melt when exposed to heat, there are heat-friendly and heat-resistant synthetic hair mannequins that can be styled with curling and straightening irons. While they don’t behave exactly the same as human hair, (and you’ll need to take great care not to overstyle them) they do let you successfully practice how to hold styling tools and perform the repetitive motions that set you apart behind the chair. They are also great for learning updos for bridal clients and special events.
 

Best Mannequin Heads for Wigs 

For wig styling, customization, and display work styrofoam mannequin heads are essential. These lightweight yet stable heads provide the perfect foundation for pinning, blocking, and shaping wigs during styling or while allowing adhesives and treatments to set properly. Their smooth, consistent surface and secure pin-holding capability make styrofoam heads indispensable for wig specialists and stylists who need reliable display forms that won't damage delicate wig caps or lace frontals.

Where to Buy Salon Mannequin Heads

At Marlo Beauty, we sell high-quality mannequin heads exclusively to licensed cosmetology professionals and students. We know how important it is to grow your skills - our industry is constantly evolving! In addition to the human hair, synthetic and hybrid mannequin heads for hair stylists, we also carry hand mannequins perfect for nail stylists to practice new techniques and polishes, massage mannequins so you can up your spa service game and of course, mannequin clamps.

So the next time you are looking for a way to get a-head of the pro beauty competition make sure to choose the correct mannequin (or “manikin” if you prefer way of spelling) and unleash your creativity for coloring, cutting and styling!