Mask Care and Maintenance

Kigurumi masks are not indestructible, and they require a lot of care to stay in good condition. The majority of masks are made of photosensitive resin (including mine), and are fragile. The lifespan of a mask is not a set amount of time, but with proper care, a mask can last a long time.

Here are some things that are common in Kigurumi masks, why they happen, and what you can do to prevent them. Please carefully read through all of them. These issues are applicable to all kigurumi masks, regardless of the maker:

Cracking Paint

This is a common issue in some masks. Regardless of the maker, things like this happen sometimes. Usually, the paint cracking is minor and is not noticeable even in photos. It will look like small spider-like cracks, that can be localized or widespread. This can happen for a variety of reasons but is usually caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity, causing the material to warp. Sometimes paint just cracks because of age. The best thing to do is to keep the mask in a place where the temperature and humidity is consistent. Storing a mask in an attic that is hot in the summer and cold in the winter will cause damage to your mask.

Chipped/Scratched Paint

This one is a bit more self-explanatory. Your mask will have parts that are more susceptible to paint chips, mainly the tip of the nose and the rim around the neck. Make sure you are gentle with your mask and be aware of your surroundings and the materials that may be up against your mask. Parts that are touched often and make contact with other surfaces are likely to suffer paint damage if you are not careful. Also, be cautious when brushing your wig as to not scratch the paint with the bristles.

Warping of the Backplate or Faceplate

Sometimes the parts of the mask don't line up like they used to. This is usually caused by improper storage and exposure to fluctuating temperatures. This can also be caused by many periods of extended wear without proper drying of the mask's interior (because of heat and condensation from breathing and sweat). Usually, this does not affect the wear of the mask and the mask will still close, but in extreme cases, it may not. It is really important to keep the mask out of heat and sunlight. Sometimes this issue is just unpreventable, but it is usually so minor that it is not an issue.

Bad Odor on the Inside

It can get really hot inside when wearing a kigurumi mask. Sweat and condensation from your breath will accumulate when the mask is worn, so it is very important that the mask is properly dried AND cleaned after each wear, otherwise, the mask will start to smell. Just airing it out won't prevent the smell. Make sure you are regularly wiping down the inside. Do not use alcohol wipes on the outside as it will strip the paint. You can also use alcohol spray on the padding to help with bacteria. Wash the inside semi-regularly with a cloth with soap and water and make sure the mask is properly aired out. Do not place the mask over or next to a heat source to dry it.

Mold/Mildew

In some cases, your mask can develop mold/mildew. Mildew grows when parts of your mask are exposed to moisture and warmth and left for long periods. Usually, this happens on masks with a fabric or foam mouth or on wigs from condensation from your breath and sweat. I do not use fabric/foam for mouths and the material I use for my wig helmets is mold-resistant, but this is still worth noting, as the padding can still mold (which can be easily replaced). It is important to always air your mask out after wear and to store in a dry environment.

Messy Wig (Tangles, Frizz, Loose Pieces)

No matter how careful you are, a wig will eventually no longer be pristine. You will need to do proper maintenance every now and then. Some wig shedding when brushing is normal. At the bare minimum, you will want hairspray/hair glue (Got2B Glued in the US) and basic hair styling tools (comb, heat tools) to re-secure stray hairs, manage frizz, and restyle wigs that have fallen flat. Do not use products meant for human hair, as wigs are a synthetic material. There are many resources online about cosplay wig styling that you can utilize to repair these issues. Absolutely do not wash the wig in water unless the wig has zero styling (which is only a small number of wigs). I do not offer wig restyling services.

Basic wig care involves brushing it after every wear. Do not brush parts that have been glued or styled. It will ruin it. Going outside and exposing the wig to the elements like wind, rain, and snow, will also degrade the wig quickly.

Paint Discoloration

The main culprit for paint discoloration is exposure to the sun, and this cannot be undone without a complete re-do of the paint job. Make sure to keep the mask completely unexposed to the sun, even by a window, when not in use. Try to keep outdoor time to a minimum. I put a UV-protectant coating on my masks, but it is not foolproof. Discoloration can also be caused by oils and sweat from handling the mask with your bare hands. Try to only touch the mask where necessary and avoid touching parts with makeup.

Mask Cracking/Shattering

If you drop your mask or if it falls, it is likely to crack or shatter. Treat the mask like a piece of fine china. It is your baby. When you are putting the mask on, make sure you have a firm grip on it, and it's also recommended to sit on a bed in case you drop it. When it is not on your head, always handle it over your lap, over a carpet, or over a cushion. Keep in mind that tripods can fail, and masks can fall. It is best to keep the mask in a storage container on the floor. If you use a tripod, please use a sturdy one. Accidents happen, and we want to avoid them.

Never

Use any kind of cleaning product other than mild soap and water to clean the mask
Submerge the mask in water or any other liquids
Leave in a car for any length of time unless the car is running with A/C and the mask is out of the sun