What a Hair Stylist Does on a Film or TV Set
A hair stylist on a professional production does far more than style hair before the first take. They work closely with the department head, often a key hair stylist or hair department head, to design and maintain looks that stay consistent across shooting days, locations, and lighting conditions. Their responsibilities typically include wig fitting and maintenance, period-accurate styling, continuity tracking between scenes, and quick touch-ups between setups. On narrative productions, they also collaborate with wardrobe and makeup to make sure every element of a character's appearance tells a coherent story.
What to Look for When Hiring a Hair Stylist in Glendale
Glendale sits in the heart of one of the most active production regions in the country, which means you have access to a strong pool of talent. When evaluating candidates, consider the following:
- Experience with the format you are shooting, whether that is a feature film, episodic television, commercial, or music video, since each has different pacing and continuity demands.
- Familiarity with a wide range of hair textures and types, which matters for productions with diverse casts.
- A solid continuity practice, including detailed photo logs and notes that keep looks locked across non-linear shooting schedules.
- References from other productions or department heads who can speak to their reliability and professionalism on set.
- Knowledge of union protocols if your production is a union signatory, or comfort working within your specific production structure if it is non-union.
Typical Rates for Hair Stylists in Glendale and the Los Angeles Area
Rates for hair stylists in the Glendale and broader Los Angeles market vary based on experience level, union status, project budget, and the scope of work. Entry-level or day-player stylists on smaller productions typically earn less than those working in a department head capacity on larger budgets. Union scale rates are set by IATSE agreements and apply to signatory productions. Non-union projects negotiate directly, and day rates can range meaningfully depending on the stylist's credits and the demands of the role. It is worth budgeting realistically for experienced talent, since continuity errors caused by rushed or underqualified hires can cost more to fix in post or on a reshoot than a fair day rate ever would.
How NeedaCrew Helps You Find and Book Crew Fast
NeedaCrew is a marketplace built specifically for film and TV production in the US and Canada. Every crew member on the platform has gone through a verification process, so you are not sorting through unvetted strangers. You can post your project, describe the role, and receive responses from qualified hair stylists in the Glendale area who are available for your dates.
Producers and production coordinators: post your project on NeedaCrew and start connecting with verified hair stylists in Glendale today. If you are a hair stylist looking for your next gig in the Los Angeles area, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get your profile in front of productions that are actively hiring.