How to Make a Medusa Costume

Medusa is a symbol of ancient Greek beauty and terror, all wrapped into one. To make a Medusa costume of your own, attach a series of rubber snakes to your hair. Wear a Greek-inspired dress and apply light makeup and accessories that keep the focus on your snake-covered hairdo. If you’re still interested, read on to find out how to accomplish this look in greater detail.

Part 1: Simple Snake Hair

Step 1: Curl Your Hair

This look works best if you start with wavy hair.

• Using a curling iron or foam rollers: A curling iron works on most hair textures, but women with especially fine hair may need to use rollers in order to get a lasting wave.
• Braiding method: Braid your hair into multiple pigtails and wear the braids overnight, or at least for several hours before the event. Unravel the braids and comb them lightly to separate them into waves.
• Beach waves method: Apply a thorough coating of hair gel to your hair. Working in sections, push the tips of your hair to the base of your head, allowing the hair to fold on itself as you work. The gel will hold waves for a few hours.

If you have short hair or would like an easier option, you could also buy a green wig with a long, wavy hairstyle.

Step 2: Attach Large Rubber Snakes to a Wig

• Materials needed: 15 large rubber snakes, green craft wire, hot melt glue.
• Place one snake across the wig, letting the head fall to the side. Keep the snake’s body wavy rather than straightening it out. Tie it in place by wrapping wire around it.
• Attach another snake to the wig, arranging its head to face in the opposite direction.
• Tie the remaining large snakes to the wig by punching holes into the wig and gluing them in place, also using more wire. Arrange the snakes so that they are balanced on both sides of your head but not perfectly symmetrical.

Step 3: Place the Wig on Your Head

• Arrange the attached snakes as necessary so that they are not falling in front of your face.
• You may need to hold the snakes in place by tying them to your head with wire.

Step 4: Tie Smaller Rubber Snakes to Your Wig

• If your head is not already overwhelmed by rubber snakes, tie a few more snakes directly to your wig by twisting wire around the small snakes and locks of your wig hair.
• Hide the wire underneath your hair, if possible.

Step 5: Final Adjustments

• Check yourself in the mirror. Make any necessary adjustments to the curls and snakes in your hair, holding them in place using hairspray, wire, and hot glue as needed.

Part 2: Other Snake Hair

Step 1: Braid Your Hair

• Create many small braided ponytails using all your hair. Aim for at least 10 to 12 braids, but the more braids you have, the better.
• Tie each braid off with a small elastic or rubber band.

Step 2: Leave Hair Down or Pin It Up

• For a traditional snake-covered style, leave your hair down.
• For something more elegant, wrap the braids into a bun and pin it to the top of your head.

Step 3: Weave Snakes into Your Hair

• Wearing hair down: Wrap one to three small rubber snakes around each braid. Tie them loosely in place with elastics.
• Wearing hair up: Weave four to six snakes into the braids. Secure dangling snakes in place by tying a thread to a bobby pin and poking that thread into the snake with a sewing needle. Slide the pin into your hair and adjust as needed.

Part 3: The Outfit

Step 1: Wear a Grecian-Style Dress

• Simple approach: Buy a Greek goddess costume from the store or wear a Greek-inspired white dress.
• Modern twist: Opt for a one-shoulder dress made of draping, flowing fabric that stops just above the knee.

Step 2: Create a No-Sew “Peplos” Dress

• Materials needed: White sheet or large piece of material.
• Fold the material in half so that it reaches from elbow to elbow.
• Fold the top 18 inches over.
• Wrap the fabric around you and fasten it at your shoulders with decorative brooches or safety pins.
• Fasten together the open side with safety pins or by knotting it in several places.
• Tie a belt around your waist.

Step 3: Sew an Easy “Chiton” Dress

• Materials needed: White material like a sheet.
• Fold the material in half from fingertip to fingertip.
• Sew along the open seam at your side.
• Secure the open top with brooches, safety pins, or knots.
• Tie a belt around your waist.

Part 4: The Makeup and Accessories

Step 1: Highlight Your Eyes and Lips

• Apply heavy black eyeliner and mascara. Use dark eyeshadow or a bolder metallic shade of green or purple.
• Use black lipstick for a spooky look, or bright red or deep red lipstick for a more alluring aspect.

Step 2: Add Horrifying Scales (Optional)

• Use facial paint to draw small scales around the top of your forehead, the edges of your face, and along the sides of your hands and feet.

Step 3: Carry Around Other Snakes

• Wear a large rubber snake around your shoulders or waist, or weave a smaller one around your fingers.

Step 4: Opt for Simple Footwear

• Flat, gold, or beige sandals work best. Paint all exposed skin with green tempera paint (non-toxic).

Step 5: Use a Lot of Jewelry

• Wear antique-looking earrings, bracelets, or brooches to enhance the hedonistic demon look.

By following these detailed steps, you can create an impressive and memorable Medusa costume perfect for any event or cosplay.