WHAT DOES A HAIRSTYLIST DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A Hairstylist Do?)

Hair Styling Equipment / Photo Credit: Dyson Hairdryers - Evening Standard

WHAT DOES A HAIRSTYLIST DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A Hairstylist Do?)

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What Does A Hairstylist Do?

Hairstylist / Hairdressers work closely with colleagues in the Hair, Make-up and Costume Departments, as well as with Directors, Actors and extras. They are briefed by Heads of Department (either the Make-up and Hair Designer, or the Chief Hairdresser) who provide them with detailed continuity notes for the characters they create. They work on principal and supporting Actors and, depending on the schedule, usually look after several Actors throughout the shoot.

Personal Hairdressers are specifically requested by one of the principal Actors to work exclusively on their hair, and they have autonomy within the department. They work closely with the Chief dresser, and are responsible for breaking down the script, all hairdressing requirements, and monitoring the continuity of hair for their own Actor, throughout each production. They attend any wig and/or hair piece fittings with their artists. 

Daily Film Hairdressers (dailies) work on productions on a day-to-day basis, usually on large crowd scenes. In all cases, Hairdressers prepare performers' hair and scalp in advance, note any allergies or sensitivities and report them to appropriately qualified personnel. They may be required to use chemical solutions, and to administer hair and scalp treatments. They wash, cut, blow-dry and style hair, apply hair products and use techniques to create specific designs. They repair, alter and dress wigs and hairpieces.

They oversee hair continuity during shoots, accompanying their performers onto set. They standby during their scenes, touching up hair and redressing wigs between takes, and ensuring that continuity notes are maintained by taking length measurements and photographs. When the scenes have been shot, Hairdressers wash out products from, and condition, performers' hair. They remove wigs, and ensure that they are cleaned and prepared for further use. Hairdressers may be required to assist with any subsequent publicity shots.

Hairdressers are recruited onto films during pre-production and work throughout production, usually on a freelance basis.  The hours are long and the job can involve long periods working away from home. 

With the flick of a comb, a hairstylist can characterize, set a time period or even illuminate a theme. Successful hairstyles can evoke a sense of drama or even comedy. They can be tied to certain eras and even to certain celebrities. Because of this, it cannot be understated how important hair is to a star’s image, and subsequently, the films and television shows in which he or she appears. Just imagine the actor playing Wolverine with a Justin Beiber cut. To make sure that actors, actresses, and the characters they portray are properly done up according to the project’s needs, hairstylists are on the job.

Duties

The job duties of a hairstylist seem pretty straightforward: to take care of the hair of actors and actresses in film, television, and commercials by washing, drying, cutting, and otherwise styling. However simple this may seem, there are many intricacies that make the job slightly more involved than merely combing and brushing. Hairstylists work closely with the directors, as well as with makeup and costume departments, to help create a seamless image for characters through all their physical characteristics. They prepare the scalp and skin of actors and actresses, work with wigs, hairpieces, and extensions when needed, and often turn to chemicals and scalp treatments to achieve the desired hair effects. Another important part of the job is maintaining hair continuity throughout the shoot, which includes a great deal of touching and retouching during the shoot itself. Hairstylists work within the hair department and are often brought in during pre-production to determine how they will be performing their tasks during the shoot. Often, hairstylists will also work exclusively with the principal actors or actresses on the film, following them during the shoot to make sure their hair is always the way it needs to be. In addition to making sure an actor’s or actress’s hair is perfect for what is needed on set, the hairdresser also sees to it that all products, chemicals, and other funky do’s are washed away and dried at the end of the day. 

Skills & Education

Hairstylists for film and television must first have strong skills. There are many cosmetology and beauty schools that give hairstylists the opportunity to learn and perfect their craft, and many film hairstylists get their starts in salons. Obviously, a talent for hair styling is paramount and this often necessitates knowledge of hair design, coloring, technology, and artistry. All are equally important to become a successful hairstylist. The ability to communicate well, understand directions, and work independently as well as on teams are also attractive qualities in a hairstylist. An eye for detail is one of the most critical requirements for hairstylists, since their work helps to define the image of the character, and thus must maintain continuity throughout the shoot, which is sometimes easier said than done.

What to Expect

Hairstylists can often expect to form close relationships with certain actors and actresses, since celebrities commonly develop loyalty to stylists who successfully manage their looks. Because appearance is such a vital part of an actor’s profession, their hairstylists must be aware of any allergies the actors and actresses may have to chemicals and be prepared to handle diva behavior. Then, of course, hairstylists also get the perk of high praise for making an insecure starlet feel confidently coiffed. Becoming a personal hairstylist for individual actors or actresses is not uncommon, and this is a highly coveted position that brings with it greater autonomy and with it greater success. As with many of the careers in makeup and hair, hairstylists can expect long hours on the set and lots of freelance work. The beauty of being a hairstylist for films is that when the shoot is over, you can always return to the salon and continue styling the hair of all the actors and actresses you’ve already impressed.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures,

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Hair Styling Equipment / Photo Credit: Dyson Hairdryers - Evening Standard