Hairdressers work on feature films and on some commercials and pop promos.  They liaise closely with colleagues in the Hair, Make-up and Costume Departments, as well as with Directors, Actors and extras.  They prepare performers' scalp and skin and create hairstyles to suit production requirements.  They also work with wigs, hair pieces, and hair extensions and may be required to use chemical solutions, and to administer hair and scalp treatments as necessary.  They oversee hair continuity during shoots, and remove products as required.  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.

What is the job?
Hairdressers 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 liaise 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.  

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 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.  Hairdressers usually accompany their performers onto set, and standby during their scenes, touching up hair and redressing wigs between takes, and ensuring that continuity notes are maintained by taking length measurements and Polaroid 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.

Typical career routes

Hairdressers may move into feature films from commercials, fashion or television.  They may also be specialists in designing and manufacturing wigs.  They may have entered the department as Trainees, progressing to become Assistant Hairdressers and eventually Hairdressers.  After several years in this role, they may become Chief Hairdressers working on larger and more complex productions.  Progress through the department is usually based on skills and experience, which is acquired by on the job training, while assisting established Hairdressers.  Dailies work on a day to day basis normally on crowd scenes, and this may provide good experience for new entrants.  

Essential knowledge and skills
Hairdressers must be self-assured, without appearing over-confident.  Good communication skills, diplomacy, the ability to cope with stress, and a positive attitude are paramount, as they work long hours in a pressurised, often cramped environment, as part of a team.  The work can be physically demanding, as it involves many hours of standing or bending over Actors.  Hairdressers work very closely with Actors in a physical sense and must therefore be tactful, sensitive, patient, and able to put people at their ease.  Creative problem solving and flexibility are essential, as is the keen eye for detail needed to oversee continuity. 

Hairdressers should be able to break down scripts in terms of Hair plots, and need an understanding of story structure and character arcs.  They must understand the research process, and should be familiar with both period hairstyles and contemporary looks.  They must be able to define the overall look of the production and re-create it.  They need the artistic and technical skills, and manual dexterity, necessary for the creation of styles and effects, using different products and techniques.  All members of the Hairdressing department are expected to have their own kits.

Key Skills include:

• hairdressing skills including: cutting, waving, straightening, colouring, perming, setting, applying extensions, braiding, shaving;
• altering, setting, dressing, and applying wigs and hairpieces;
• effective communication and diplomacy skills;
• excellent organisational skills;
• good presentation skills;
• ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• ability to work under pressure to external and departmental deadlines;
• good IT skills;
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures, especially when dealing with different substances, materials, and scalp reactions;

Training and qualifications
Hairdressers must have NVQ/ SVQs in Hairdressing at levels 1, 2 and 3. They may have achieved these by attending a full or part-time course, or by applying to a salon as a Trainee and attending college on day release.  Short course vocational qualifications are also available at levels 2 and 3.  Hairdressers may also work toward an NVQ/SVQ level 4 or HNC/D course in Hairdressing Management, although this is not essential for working in film.  As it is essential that all Hairdressing personnel keep up to date with new methods and materials, further qualifications may be acquired by attending specialist, industry approved short courses. Experience of working in theatre or with wig makers is extremely useful.  At all levels, personality and the right attitude are extremely important.  Good computer skills (Mac and PC), and a full EU driving license are very useful. 

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

Websites

• BBC
• BECTU - the trade union represents Make-up and Hair personnel

Publications

• Broadcast - the weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry
• Televisual - the business magazine for the broadcast and production industry
• Stage Screen and Radio
• Screen International
• The Hairdressers Journal
• Fashions in Hair - Richard Corson ISBN: 0720610931
• Illustrated Dictionary of Hairdressing and Wig Making: James Stevens Cox ASIN: B0000CNAES

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Hairdresser - Film - Job Profile

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