Quote Kata-san:
Hey,

Your references aren't showing up but I did a bit of google-fu. I made my buster sword out of lots of bits of 2.5" balsa wood glued together, sanded to shape, and a plexiglas (perspex) tube inserted as the handle) , mega light but very vulnerable to knocks and bashes.

I would probably recommend tabs tutorial at Khaos Kostumes as the principal is the same as what you'd need for your sword, even though he does a Katana. You can get the Plastazote from Coscraft but Tab does mention this in his tutorial.

I hope this helps.

I think these are the references that didn't show up:

Quote MollyMon:
Ahh, exciting! I'm cosplaying Balmung to Hyper Japan. :3

Anywayy, I did a quick ebay search and came up with a few options... I wasn't sure of your exact price range so there is some range, although nothing hideously expensive:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-25cm-Short-Maroon-Toudou-Heisuke-Hakuouki-Cosplay-wig-RW110-/320776999675?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Wigs_Extensions&hash=item4aafcc92fb#ht_7044wt_1185

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-new-beautiful-short-womens-red-brown-human-healthy-wig-wigs-wig-cap-/330668188980?pt=Women_s_Accessories_UK&hash=item4cfd5c2534#ht_1831wt_1139

http://www.coscraft.co.uk/en/coscraft-wigs/168-ash-in-chestnut-brown.html

This was a quick search so I guess you might be able to find something better. Ebay is usually best for cheaper wigs although you cannot always be 100% sure of quality! Coscraft is a UK based store so limited shipping costs but it's still quite small so sometimes they can be quite pricey. You're sure of quality from them though.
Hope this helps!