The Make-up and Hair Department is responsible for the design, application, continuity and care of hair and make-up during feature film production.  The work involved ranges from creating contemporary looks, to recreating period designs and styles, or transforming an Actor's face and body using prosthetics.  Hair and make-up effects also include the application of facial hair, bald caps, wigs, tattoos, body-paint, and medical effects such as scars, wounds and blood.  Hair and make-up are key elements in the overall design of films, creating a look that is appropriate for the characters and time periods.

Increased multi-skilling in the UK film industry means that personnel are often proficient in both Hair and Make-up, and the departments are often merged.  Consequently, a variety of different job titles and responsibilities exist, depending on production needs.  The departments may be unified, with a Make-up and Hair Designer in charge; or they may be separate, with a Chief Make-up Artist and Chief Hairdresser controlling their respective sections.  On larger productions the title of Chief may also be used to describe a senior member of the Department working to a Designer.  There may be two or more units working simultaneously, with Chiefs overseeing Hair and /or Make-up on each unit.   A team of Assistants usually work in the department(s), and there may also be Trainee positions. 

Personals are Make-up Artists and Hairdressers working exclusively on a particular performer.  Dailies work on a day-to-day basis, normally on crowd scenes.  Prosthetics Artists and Wig Makers create specialised items, which cannot be brought or hired, for the film.  In general, Hair and Make-up department members work indoors on the production in trailers, buses, dressing rooms, and on-set, or outdoors on location. 

As there is a demand for personnel with both Hair and Make-up skills, it is advisable to choose a course or training programme that includes components of both disciplines.  Practitioners may have worked in a related field such as television, theatre, fashion or commercials.  Entry-level practitioners may have taken part in an apprentice-style scheme to gain their foundation skills, or they may enter the department as Trainees.  If they make a good impression on senior staff during their placement they may be called back to work as a Daily or an Assistant on another production. 

Progression through the department is usually based on skills and experience.  Personality and the right attitude are also extremely important.  Experience is gained through on-the-job training, while assisting established Make-up Artists and Hairdressers.  Film Make-up and Hair Department personnel work on a freelance basis, and must be prepared to travel.

Occupations found in this area are detailed below: