Drag for Dummies | How to Start Doing Drag

Starting your drag journey can feel both exciting and overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. This guide breaks down the essentials: building a persona, learning makeup techniques, shaping your silhouette, and developing the confidence to perform or express yourself however you choose. Whether you’re exploring identity, creativity, or performance art, drag gives you the freedom to create a version of yourself that feels bold and authentic.

Drag is a form of self-expression that blends creativity, character building, fashion, and performance. It allows you to explore different sides of yourself while playing with gender, presentation, and artistry. There’s no single way to approach it — the beauty of drag is how flexible and personal it is.

There are many expressions under the drag umbrella, including:

• Classic glamour — polished, feminine silhouettes

• Alternative or queer aesthetics — experimental and boundary-pushing

• Comedy-focused characters — playful and exaggerated

• Androgynous looks — blending masculine and feminine traits

• Fantasy or character-based personas — inspired by pop culture or imagination

Exploring different styles helps you understand what resonates with your personality.

Every performer starts by shaping a persona — a character or amplified version of yourself that guides your look, behavior, and style.

Think about the energy, attitude, or aesthetic you want to express. You might draw inspiration from:

• Fashion icons

• Other performers

• A feeling or mood

• Your everyday personality — just exaggerated

Let curiosity lead you.

Choose a name that reflects the essence of your persona. Some performers pick witty names, while others choose elegant or dramatic titles. From there, build out traits that make your character feel alive: attitude, movement style, humor, strengths, and visual themes.

Confidence grows with practice. Spend time experimenting with makeup, outfits, and performance ideas. Allow yourself to make mistakes — that’s part of the process. Every attempt teaches you something new.

Makeup is one of the most transformative tools in drag. It lets you reshape your features, express your character, and create a stage-ready look.

Start with clean, moisturized skin. Apply primer, then choose a full-coverage foundation that photographs well and holds up under lights. A strong base creates a smooth canvas for everything else.

Contouring adds structure and depth to your face. Use darker tones to carve cheekbones, reshape the forehead, or define the jawline. Highlight with lighter shades to lift the high points of your face. These techniques create dimension that reads well on stage and in photos.

Bold eyes are a hallmark of drag makeup. Experiment with:

• Blended eyeshadows

• Cut creases

• Graphic eyeliner

• Layered false lashes

Your eye makeup should match the mood of your persona.

Overlining can enhance volume and shape. Choose shades that fit your character — glossy, matte, soft, or dramatic. Finish with setting spray or powder to lock everything in place.

Wigs, clothing, and accessories bring your persona to life.

Wigs offer endless possibilities. A well-fitting cap, teasing comb, pins, and hairspray help you create volume, shape, and stability. Whether you prefer sleek hair or big glam curls, styling your wig can greatly elevate your presentation.

Your outfit should reflect the energy of your persona while supporting comfort and movement. Consider silhouettes that flatter your shape, colors that complement your makeup, and pieces that align with your character’s personality. Thrifting, DIY, and tailoring are great ways to build a wardrobe without overspending.

Many performers use shaping pieces to create their desired silhouette. Popular tools include:

• Hip pads

• Bum pads

• Corsets

• Waist trainers

• Breast forms or breast plates

• Gaffs (for tucking)

• Compression or binding options for kings

Shaping should always feel safe and comfortable. Invest in quality materials and follow proper wear guidelines.

Performance is where your persona truly shines, whether you're lip syncing, dancing, hosting, or simply embodying your character in a room.

Lip syncing is more than knowing the words. Focus on emotion, timing, facial expressions, and storytelling. Record yourself practicing to see what you can improve.

Intentional movement makes your performance engaging. You don’t need formal dance training — understanding musicality and stage presence is enough to start. Explore poses, simple choreography, or gestures that match your character’s style.

Every performer eventually discovers a recognizable trait: a signature makeup detail, a style of music, a type of humor, or a particular silhouette. These quirks make you memorable.

Authentic engagement elevates a performance. Use strategic eye contact, playful gestures, confidence, and emotion to create a connection. When the audience feels something, your performance succeeds.

Starting drag is a creative adventure filled with discovery, experimentation, and self-expression. Your journey will evolve over time, shaped by what inspires you and how boldly you explore new ideas. There’s no formula — only the joy of shaping a persona that feels like an extension of your true self.

Lean into curiosity, practice often, and let the art form guide you. The world is ready for the persona you’re creating — and your transformation is just beginning.

And here’s a little inside scoop from the queens themselves: the winner of Canada’s Drag Race Season 4, Venus, loves her Athena breastplate for creating a soft, natural shape on stage, while Season 6 star Hazel swears by our gaffs for flawless tucking and confidence during her performances. Our drag essentials are designed to help queens of all levels look and feel their absolute best — whether you’re just starting out or taking the stage like a pro.