Article Summary: A review of styrofoam flocked heads for display of props/wardrobe.
Displaying Your Collection: Flocked Heads
One issue that some collectors encounter is how to display hats, helmets, masks, and other original prop or costume parts that do not display well without some sort of support.
A solution that has worked well for me is using “flocked heads”, which are Styrofoam heads that have been flocked with material that is described as “velvet-like”, which is fairly accurate.
These can be found from many different sources on the Internet. I acquired a box of 8 from MannequinLand.com some time ago, and found the pricing and service to be good.
There are different styles to choose from – male, female – as well as 18 colors. I used the standard male (BEN627) and “skintone”.
I have used them on masks, helmets, hats, headbands, and eyewear and have been very pleased with the results across the board.
One feature I discovered accidentally is that if you remove a sticker from the bottom of the display, they have been drilled – if you purchase a stainless steel paper towel holder and remove the top (such as this one), you can insert the rod into the head and add height to the display or simply do it for more stability (if the prop is heavy) or just to create a different look.
Here is a photo of the type and style of flocked head I’ve been using:
Here is the same flocked head with my V for Vendetta mask on display:
Here is another example with my Karate Kid headband:
Jason De Bord