Buying the book now (via this Indiegogo campaign) will get you $5 off the final book price -- $45 plus shipping ($48 total).  After this campaign closes, the book will cost $50 plus shipping ($53 total) -- that's $5 more.  This is your chance to save some money and support this project!

18th Century Hair & Wig Styling: History & Step-by-Step Techniques is a book that combines meticulous research with easy to follow instructions to help you create historically accurate hairstyles of the 18th century.  The book includes a detailed history of men's and women's hair from 1700 to 1799:  which styles were worn when, as well as how hair and wigs were styled.  It provides practical techniques for styling hair and wigs that will be useful to anyone who wants to learn more about historical hairstyling, from beginners to advanced users.  Step-by-step instructions show how to create 25 individual hairstyles -- 22 for women, and 3 for men -- that span the century, and suggestions are included for ways to vary the different styles.

The historical overview provides equal, in-depth coverage of men's and women's hairstyles and wigs from 1700 to 1799, focusing on France, Great Britain, and the American colonies/United States.  The techniques will similarly be useful for both men's and women's styles.  While a good deal of historical styling information is included, the emphasis is on modern methods and products that will achieve a historically accurate look.  You can read a full table of contents on the book website.

This book is perfect for historical costumers, reenactors, and theater/film designers and craftspeople who want to create authentic-looking 18th century hairstyles and wigs.  It will also provide a solid foundation and fun jumping-off point for anyone who wants to create historically-influenced fantasy styles!

Three of the 22 ladies' step-by-step styles from the book:

What We Need & What You Get

The funding for this project will cover:

• Printing costs.
• Art licensing fees.
• Indiegogo fees.
  
• Supplies to make the various hair and wig styles featured in the book -- wigs, hairpieces, and all the fiddly bits.

What you'll get, based on your contribution:

• $10:  Eternal gratitude! (no book)  Can't afford the book right now?  Just want to contribute without receiving the book?  Donate $10 and receive my eternal gratitude AND your name listed in the book as a supporter!  If you'd like to purchase the book in the future, I will credit you the $10 AND sell it to you at the $45 pre-order price (instead of $50).
• $20:  Eternal gratitude! (no book) Can't afford the book right now?  Just want to contribute without receiving the book?  Donate $20 and receive my eternal gratitude AND your name listed in the book as a supporter!  If you'd like to purchase the book in the future, I will credit you the $20 AND sell it to you at the $45 pre-order price (instead of $50).
• $27:  Encyclopedie translations (no book).  Receive a PDF with Kendra's translations of the full entries on Wigmaking & Hairdressing from Diderot's Encyclopedie (1776) (out of print, buying a used copy online costs a minimum of $20) & Panckoucke's Encyclopedie Methodique (1789) (unavailable in English). Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter.  Does NOT include a copy of the book.
• $48:  Discounted pre-order -- $5 off the final price! Receive a copy of the book before everyone else.
• $58:  Signed copy and your name listed in the book as a supporter.  Receive a copy of the book, signed by the author, before everyone else. Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter.
• $75:  Encyclopedie translations and the book.  Receive a PDF with Kendra's translations of the full entries on Wigmaking & Hairdressing from Diderot's Encyclopedie (1776) (out of print, buying a used copy online costs a minimum of $20) & Panckoucke's Encyclopedie Methodique (1789) (unavailable in English).  Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter.  Also includes a signed copy of the book, which you will receive before everyone else.
  
• $80:  Marie Antoinette pendant and the book.  Receive a silver pendant with an image of Marie Antoinette (pendant is .75" across). Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter.  Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter. 
  
• $107: Encyclopedie translations, Marie Antoinette pendant, and the book.  Receive a PDF with Kendra's translations of the full entries on Wigmaking & Hairdressing from Diderot's Encyclopedie (1776) and Panckoucke's Encyclopedie Methodique (1789), AND a silver pendant with an image of Marie Antoinette. Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter. Also includes a signed copy of the book, which you will receive before everyone else.
• $200: Model at Costume College. Kendra will style your hair in a high 1770s ladies style as part of a demo class at Costume College 2014. Class will take place on Saturday, meaning you'll have your hair styled for the Gala. Must have shoulder length hair at minimum (bangs are ok). This price applies if you have already pre-ordered the book. If you haven't, you must add $48 and receive the book. Includes your name in the book as a supporter. Includes US shipping; for international shipping, please add $15.
  
• $200:  Personalized styling session, and the book. Kendra will spend an afternoon with you giving you one-on-one help with styling your own wig or hair! Learn the techniques taught in the book with personalized, expert help.  Session (4 hours max) will take place on a mutually agreed-upon weekend day in 2014, at the author's home in Alameda, California (San Francisco Bay Area).  Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter.  Also includes a signed copy of the book, which you will receive before everyone else. (sold out)
• $300:  Custom 18th century wig, and the book.  Kendra will make you a custom 18th century wig!  Men's or women's styles, from any period within 1700-1799.  Wig will be made and delivered after the release of the book, in spring/summer 2014.  Your name will be listed in the book as a supporter.  Also includes a signed copy of the book, which you will receive before everyone else.  (sold out)

All of the money raised above the costs of supplies, printing, and Indiegogo fees will go towards licensing images for the book.  Licensing art images from museums is shockingly expensive.  There are many artworks out there that give incredibly useful information about hairstyles (especially those elusive back views), which I can't afford to include in the book without a bit of extra cash.

You'll get a copy of the book, and you'll be donating $10 towards licensing art images.

About the Author

Kendra Van Cleave has been creating and studying historic costumes for approximately 15 years.  For the past several years she has specialized in 18th century hair and wig styling.  She has master's degrees in history and librarianship and publishes scholarly research on the history of fashion, specializing in the 18th century.  Her costumes have won various awards, including a best-in-show at Costume Con 26 (2008).

Kendra has taught numerous workshops on the history and how-to of fashion and costume, including wig styling, primarily for the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild and Costume College.  She is on the board of the Costume Society of America's Western Region, and is a past president of the Greater Bay Area Costumer's Guild.

You can read more about Kendra's costuming and research at her website, Demode, where she blogs about her research and projects

Those who pre-order will still receive a copy of the book (and any perks), but I'll have to revise the book to be less fabulous:  cut some of the history and/or one of the hairstyles (to shorten the page length), or print it using less quality paper and binding.

Most importantly, the number of copies available will be limited.  It may end up that I can only afford to print enough for those who pre-order!  In other words, if you don't pre-order the book, you may not be able to buy one later!

Other Ways You Can Help

Can't contribute financially?  That's okay!  Help me spread the word about the book and this Indiegogo campaign:

• Indiegogo campaign:  http://igg.me/at/18thCenturyHair
• Book website:  http://18thcenturyhair.com/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/18thCenturyHairstyling