What a Hair Stylist Does on a Film or TV Set
A hair stylist on a professional production is responsible for far more than making talent look polished. They design and maintain hair continuity across shooting days, work closely with the director and director of photography to ensure hair reads correctly on camera, and collaborate with the makeup department to create a unified look for each character. On larger productions they may supervise a team of assistants and manage a full kit of tools, products, and hairpieces. On smaller shoots they often work independently and need to be highly self-sufficient.
A skilled hair stylist will have done their prep work before day one, reviewing scripts and reference images, sourcing wigs or specialty pieces if needed, and building a continuity bible so that every scene matches regardless of shooting order. That kind of preparation protects your production from costly reshoots.
What to Look for When Hiring in Montreal
Montreal has a strong local crew base with stylists experienced across English and French language productions, commercials, documentaries, and episodic television. When reviewing candidates, look for the following:
- A portfolio or reel that shows range across different skin tones, hair textures, and period or stylized work if your project requires it
- Union status if your production is signatory to IATSE or another relevant agreement in Quebec
- Familiarity with continuity paperwork and on-set protocol
- Strong references from recent productions of a similar scale
- Clear communication and the ability to work efficiently under pressure
Rates and Budgeting in Montreal
Hair stylist day rates in Montreal vary depending on the type of production, the stylist's experience level, and whether the production is union or non-union. Entry-level or emerging stylists on independent projects typically work at lower day rates, while department heads on union episodic or feature productions command rates that reflect their seniority and responsibilities. Quebec's competitive production incentive landscape means there is a steady stream of mid-to-large productions operating in the city, which keeps the local talent pool active and experienced. Budget for kit rental fees in addition to the day rate, as most stylists bring a professional kit that is billed separately.
How NeedaCrew Makes Hiring Faster
Rather than chasing referrals or scrolling through social media groups, you can post your project directly on NeedaCrew and receive responses from hair stylists who are available, local, and verified. Every crew member on the platform has a profile showing their credits, skills, and location, so you can compare candidates quickly and reach out directly.
If you are a producer or production coordinator looking to staff your Montreal shoot, post your project on NeedaCrew and start hearing back from qualified hair stylists right away.
If you are a hair stylist based in Montreal or the greater Quebec region and want to connect with productions actively hiring, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and make your profile visible to producers looking for your exact skills.