Chief Hairdressers are responsible for the overall design and execution of hair styling on feature films; they are in charge of the Hairdressing Department. As well as styling and dressing performers' natural hair, they also design, make, style, dress and apply all wigs, and hairpieces.  Chief Hairdressers work closely with Costume Designers and Chief Make–up Artists to ensure that each artist's overall "look" complements every aspect of the script.  Chief Hairdressers research and create the hair design, supervise its application, and oversee its continuity throughout the shoot.  They also set up the department: drawing up the budget and schedule, hiring staff, and organising facilities. 

On larger productions, when a Make–up/ Hair Designer is involved, the Chief Hairdresser is the senior member of the Hairdressing Department. In all cases, Chiefs are recruited during pre–production, and liaise with all staff in the Make–up and Hair Departments, with the Costume Designer, Director of Photography, Production Designer, Director, Actors and extras.  Chief Hairdressers usually work on a freelance basis.  The hours are long and the job can involve long periods working away from home.

What is the job?
Chief Hairdressers acting as Heads of Department break down the script: working out hair styles for each character, assessing whether wigs need to be made or hired, and carrying out research into the production's time period.  They present their initial ideas to the Director, Chief Make–up Artist, Production and Costume Designers.  Having created individual designs, they make sure that Actors are comfortable with their look, note any allergies or sensitivities and report them to appropriately qualified personnel.  

Chief Hairdressers work with the Camera and Make–up departments on test shots to assess how hairstyles look on camera.  They are allocated their budget, and may negotiate for increased funds.  They assess the creative and technical requirements of the work, carry out a full risk assessment, and oversee the preparation of the departmental budget breakdown.  Chiefs staff the department, and explain the design brief to their team to ensure that the look is consistent.  They prepare an overall departmental production schedule, as well as overseeing the day–to–day breakdown of responsibilities.  They negotiate terms with, and hire, the appropriate suppliers and/or wigmakers, communicate design requirements to them, and ensure that they deliver to specified deadlines.  They ensure that wig fittings or salon appointments for Actors are arranged.

Prior to each shoot, Chief Hairdressers prepare accurate call times for performers, and draw up and distribute continuity notes for principal and supporting Actors.  They supervise the hair process throughout the shoot, possibly working as Personal Hairdresser for one or more of the principal Actors.  They ensure that continuity is maintained, and that wigs are cleaned and prepared for further use.   Chiefs working with a Designer to oversee additional units undertake duties similar to those listed above, with the following exceptions: they are not expected to take part in the actual design process, although they may have input into it; and they are not given responsibility for drawing up the overall departmental budget, but receive a portion of that budget and break it down for their particular unit.

Typical career routes
Chief Hairdressers are usually experienced personnel who have worked in the film and/or television industries for a minimum of 10 years.  They may work in feature films, commercials, fashion and/or television, or they may specialise in one of these areas.  Chief Hairdressers should be experienced in designing, making and dressing wigs.  They may have entered the department as Trainees, progressing to become Assistant Hairdressers, and eventually Hairdressers working on larger and more complex productions.  After several years in this role, they may become Chief Hairdressers.  Progress through the department is usually based on skills and experience, which is acquired by on the job training, while assisting established Hairdressers.  Chief Hairdresser is not an entry–level position, and considerable knowledge and experience is required, combined with a wide network of contacts with product and wig suppliers and manufacturers. 

Essential knowledge and skills
Overseeing an entire department or a separate production unit requires excellent leadership skills and a great deal of self–assurance.  Chief Hairdressers should be effective team–builders and managers, able to motivate and organise the right mix of personalities and skills.  They should be able to listen to the ideas and concerns of others, whilst at the same time trusting their own opinions and instincts.  Chief Hairdressers work closely with Actors in a physical sense, and must therefore be tactful, sensitive, patient, and able to put people at their ease.  The work can be physically demanding, as it involves many hours of standing or bending over Actors.  Creative problem solving skills, and flexibility are essential, as is the keen eye for detail needed to oversee continuity.  They should be able break down scripts in terms of hair plots, and must understand the research process. 

If acting as Heads of Department, Chief Hairdressers need a large cultural knowledge base, not only in terms of period hair and contemporary styles, but also in make–up, costume, art, literature, film, etc.  They must have creative flair, a strong sense of colour and design, and drawing abilities.  They need the artistic and technical skills, and manual dexterity, necessary for the application of hair products, styles and effects.  They may also be expected to have some make–up skills.  Chiefs need to translate abstract ideas into practical applications, quickly and efficiently.  They must have excellent strategic planning, scheduling and budget control skills.  Language skills are helpful for foreign shoots, where the team may include local Hairdressers.  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.

Training and qualifications
All Hairdressers entering the film and television industries need NVQ/ SVQs in Hairdressing at levels 1, 2 and 3.  They may have achieved these qualifications through experience; 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 work toward an NVQ/SVQ level 4 or equivalent vocational qualification in Hairdressing Management, which is useful (although not essential) for working as a Chief Hairdresser.  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 advantageous.

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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Chief Hairdresser - Film - Job Profile

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