How to Attach a Merkin

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A merkin is a wig made to cover the pubic area. It is typically used by women as a bedroom accessory or as a way to disguise their pubic area in films [1] They can be worn for as little as a few hours to as long as 3 or 4 days. Whatever reason you choose to wear a merkin for, you must take care to apply it properly. This includes waxing or shaving your pubic areas.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Attach the Merkin

PDF download Download Article
  1. The more realistic, natural-looking merkins are made from human hair hand-tied to skin-colored lace or netting. These can get quite expensive. If you are wearing a merkin as a gag, prank, or novelty, you might be interested in a fake-fur one instead. [2]
    • Some cosmetic salons may be able to apply a merkin for you. These merkins are made from fox fur, and are glued onto your skin.
  2. Some merkins come "oversized" so that you can cut them down to the right size and shape for your body. Most of the lace-backed merkins are already made to fit, but the novelty fur ones can be cut into all sorts of weird shapes.
  3. You can still wax your pubic hair, even if you plan on wearing the merkin for just one day. Waxing is recommended for those who wish to wear their merkins longer, because it lasts longer than a shave. Choose a full Brazilian wax, as opposed to a bikini wax or a “landing strip.”
  4. Use a shaving gel or cream suitable for sensitive skin and a clean, sharp razor to get the closest shave possible. Because shaving does not last very long, it is not recommended for those who wish to wear their merkins for longer than 2 days.
  5. Whether you shave or wax your pubic area, you will need to wait a few hours before you can apply the merkin. Both of these procedures place a fair amount of stress on your skin, leaving it sensitive and tender. You will need to give the area time to recover. Once the inflammation is gone, you can start applying the merkin.
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Attaching the Merkin

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you cannot find any spirit gum, try another type of cosmetic adhesive meant for gluing on lace-front wigs, mustaches, and beards. For example, the Telesis 5 silicone matte lace adhesive is designed for use with skin and lace-backed cosmetic items.
    • Try to get something high quality. It may be more expensive, but a cheaper product may irritate your skin.
    • If you have not used spirit gum before, or have sensitive skin, consider doing a patch test on your inner elbow or wrist to see whether or nor you are allergic to the spirit gum. If you are allergic, consider using wig tape instead.
  2. Place the merkin in your genital area to approximate its proper placement. Draw a guideline with an eyeliner if you do not feel you will be able to apply the glue in the right area. Once you apply the spirit gum, it will be tricky to remove it.
  3. Flip the merkin over so that the mesh side is facing you. Twist the cap off the spirit gum, and use the brush to trace the perimeter of the merkin.
    • Most bottles of spirit gum will have a brush attached to the cap, like nail polish. If yours did not come with a brush, use popsicle stick or a clean brush with short, stiff bristles instead.
  4. Position it just above the pubic mound, where the majority of your pubic hair would be. If you need to make any adjustments, do so now.
  5. Start smoothing the merkin from the center and move to the edges. Don't worry if the merkin starts to slip; it's simply because the spirit gum has not finished setting. Simply hold the merkin in place until it stays still. It should only take a few seconds for it to finish setting.
  6. Avoid scrubbing the merkin itself. Spirit gum is typically waterproof and can last a few showers. Remember, this is not a permanent accessory, so you will need to remove it after day or two. Do not wear it for more than 3 to 4 days.
    • Merkins are reusable. If you'd like to wear your merkin more often, take it off, clean it, and reapply it using the same method listed above. You can also secure it using some wig tape instead.


Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Removing the Merkin

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you cannot find any, try baby oil or olive oil. Some sources will recommend rubbing alcohol, but this is not a product you'd want close to such a sensitive area. If you must, use some facial toner for sensitive skin instead.
  2. You do not want to rip the merkin right off. Spirit gum is very strong, and you could damage your skin this way. You might also end up ripping the merkin itself if it is lace-backed.
    • Be sure to have several q-tips handy.
  3. The spirit gum remover will get under the merkin and start dissolving the spirit gum.
  4. Keep doing this until you can peel the merkin away completely. Do not try to forcibly pull or rip the merkin from your skin. Allow the remover to dissolve the spirit gum.
  5. If you feel any resistance, get out a q-tip, soak it with some spirit gum remover, and run it around the area where you feel resistance.
  6. Wipe the area down first using some cotton balls soaked with spirit gum remover. Next, wash the area using some soap and water. Pat yourself dry. Some people recommend applying moisturizer or baby oil to the area to keep the skin soft. [3]
  7. Dampen an soft-bristled brush (such as an old tooth brush_ with spirit gum remover. Gently scrub the back of the merkin where the spirit gum is. If the spirit gum is not coming off, try using some 90% rubbing alcohol instead. [4] Keep doing this until the spirit gum residue is gone. Once it is gone, gently pat the merkin dry.
    • Spirit gum remover can leave behind an oily residue. If this happens, simply wipe it off using a soft cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol.


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Why would someone use a merkin rather than grow the hair themselves?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes a person might like to try out differently colored pubic hair. Or, it could be fun to try. Also, an actor/actress might use one for a role if they do not want to or do not have the time to grow the hair out, such as after a Brazilian.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 46
  • Question
    What is a merkin made from?
    Community Answer
    Typically, most merkins are synthetic and made from nylon.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 20
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Tips

      • If you know how to hand sew, consider stitching your merkin onto a clear or skin-toned g-string instead. This way, all you have to do is pull the g-string on and off. You won't have to mess with any adhesives. [5]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • If you plan on wearing the merkin for only a few hours, try using some wig tape or medical-grade double-sided tape instead. Place a piece of tape along each of the back edges of the merkin, and press it onto your bare skin.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Get some short-term wig tape if you plan on wearing the merkin for only a few hours or a less. Get some long-term wig tape if you plan on wearing the merkin for much longer. Note that you may also need some adhesive remover as well.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • Merkin
      • Brazilian wax or razor/shaving gel
      • Scissors
      • Mirror
      • Spirit gum or similar adhesive
      • Spirit gum remover
      • Q-tips and cotton balls
      • Soft bristled brush or soft cloth
      • Baby oil or moisturizer

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Restore a Synthetic Wig
      How to
      Apply a Wig
      How to
      Apply a Lace Front Wig
      How to
      Make a Wig
      How to
      Dye a Synthetic Wig
      How to
      Keep Synthetic Hair Soft
      How to
      Melt the Lace on a Wig
      How to
      Dye a Wig Using Acrylic Paint
      How to
      Wash a Human Hair Wig
      How to
      Detangle Your Wig at Home in a Few Easy Steps
      5 Stylist-Approved Ways to Straighten a Synthetic Wig
      How to
      Make a Wig Look Real
      How to
      Cut a Lace Front Wig
      How to
      Dye a Human Hair Wig at Home

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/pubic-wigs
      2. ↑ http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/09/20/merkins-hollywoods-most-private-accessory.html
      3. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2012/01/would-you-wear-a-225-fox-fur-merkin-rhony-alum-cindy-barshop-is-offering-them-in-her-salons
      4. ↑ http://www.customwigcompany.com/faqs/how-should-i-clean-spirit-gum-off-of-the-lace-on-my-wig-beard-or-mustache/
      5. ↑ http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-pubicwigs.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To attach a merkin, start by waxing your pubic hair if you plan on wearing the merkin for more than 2 days or shaving your pubic hair if you plan on using your merkin for only 1 to 2 days. Next, buy some spirit gum or a cosmetic adhesive for gluing fake hair and apply it to the back perimeter of the merkin. Wait 20 seconds for the gum to become tacky before placing the merkin gum-side down onto your skin. Then, hold the merkin down for a few seconds while it sets. Wear your merkin for no more than 3 to 4 days, washing your body as usual during this time. To learn how to remove your merkin, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 480,728 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Elliot Bellingham

        Jul 30, 2016

        "I was just wondering if male merkins existed or if there was only a need for female merkins, also how they were ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?