The Complete Handbook of Body & Hair Glitter
A professional's field guide to selecting, applying, and maintaining body and hair glitter
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
From particle grade to private label: a no-hype manual for choosing, using, and selling body and hair glitter.
About this book
For makeup artists, costume designers, and event businesses, body glitter is either a dependable workhorse or a logistical headache. This handbook is written for professionals who need a reliable, technical understanding of the category, not a sales pitch. It breaks down the science of glitter: what it is, how it reflects light, and how different materials (polyester, aluminum, glass, mica) behave on skin and hair. You will learn how to read a specification sheet, decode particle grades, and understand why a 0.008-inch square glitters differently than a 0.04-inch hexagon.
The book covers practical, step-by-step application for various body areas and hair types, from gel-based applications for the cheekbone to aerosol adhesives for a full-back festival look. It provides a dedicated troubleshooting section for common issues such as migration, clumping, and adhesive residue, along with the right ways to remove glitter without damaging skin or hair. For entrepreneurs, a dedicated chapter outlines the business landscape, including private-labeling, lash-and-glitter bar operations, and niche manufacturing opportunities.
Written in plain, instructional prose, this reference cuts through the hype. It tells you what to look for, what to avoid, and how to deliver results that keep clients coming back. It is the manual we wished existed, designed to save you time, money, and the frustration of failed applications.
Reader Reviews
William Wright
★★★★★This is a solid, no-nonsense reference. I appreciate that it treats glitter like a technical material, not just a fun product. The section on particle grades alone saved me from a costly mistake with a supplier. My only gripe is that the application chapter prioritizes gel adhesives, which is fine, but I would have liked more on the newest 'wet look' hybrid aerosols. Still, a very useful book to keep on the studio shelf.
Kimberly Scott
★★★★★It's a decent handbook, though a bit dense for what I needed. I'm a freelance MUA and I was hoping for more practical, quick application tips for a fast-paced shoot environment. The first few chapters felt like a science textbook, which was interesting but not exactly what I expected. The troubleshooting chapter on removing glitter from hair without damage was worth the price for me, so I still recommend it, but it's not a light read.
Shirley Nelson
★★★★★Finally, a reference that gets it right. As a salon owner, I have been frustrated for years with glitter that migrates or clumps. This book gave me a clear understanding of why, and how to fix it, by explaining the relationship between particle size and adhesive viscosity. The business chapter on private labeling was incredibly realistic, laying out true cost expectations and manufacturing pitfalls that I haven't seen anywhere else. It's become required reading for my junior stylists.