What a Hair Stylist Does on a Film or TV Set
A professional Hair Stylist on a film or television production is responsible for far more than making talent look good. They design and execute hairstyles that serve the story, match the period or tone of the project, and hold up under hot lights across a long shooting day. Their core responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the director and department head to develop character-appropriate looks
- Prepping talent in the hair trailer before each shooting block
- Maintaining consistency across shooting days so cuts and styles match in the edit
- Performing touch-ups between takes to catch flyaways, sweat, or continuity breaks
- Working cleanly and quickly under tight turnaround schedules
- Sourcing and maintaining wigs, hairpieces, or extensions when the role requires them
What to Look for When Hiring a Nashville Hair Stylist
Not every talented salon stylist is the right fit for a film set. When you are hiring for a production in Nashville, look for candidates who have specific on-set experience, not just a strong portfolio from editorial or commercial print work. Key things to assess include continuity discipline, comfort working in a fast-paced environment alongside a Makeup Artist and Wardrobe team, and familiarity with union or non-union set protocols depending on your production type.
Ask to see their kit. A well-prepared Hair Stylist brings a comprehensive kit covering thermal tools, a full range of pins and clips, color-matched hairpieces, and products suited to different hair types. On larger productions you may also want to confirm whether they can serve as a Key Hair Stylist and supervise additional assistants.
Rates for Hair Stylists in Nashville
Day rates for Hair Stylists on Nashville productions vary based on the scale of the project, union affiliation, and the stylist's experience level. Indie and short-form projects typically run at lower daily rates, while episodic television, major commercials, and feature films command higher fees reflecting longer days and greater continuity demands. As a general guide, non-union day rates in the Nashville market typically range from moderate to competitive compared to major coastal markets, which is one reason producers are increasingly drawn to shooting here. Always budget for kit rental fees on top of the day rate, and clarify overtime expectations upfront.
Why Nashville Is a Strong Market for Production Crew
Tennessee offers a film and entertainment incentive program that has attracted a growing slate of features, series, and branded content to the state. Nashville in particular benefits from a deep pool of working crew who have built their careers across music videos, documentary work, and scripted productions. That local experience translates into Hair Stylists who understand the demands of the camera and can deliver polished results on schedule.
Find and Book a Hair Stylist on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and TV production hiring. Every crew member on the platform has a verified profile with credits, skills, and availability. You can post your Nashville project, review applicants, and confirm your Hair Stylist without the back-and-forth of cold outreach.
Ready to staff your shoot? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start receiving applications from qualified Nashville Hair Stylists today.
Are you a Hair Stylist based in Nashville or available to work in Tennessee? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get discovered by producers hiring right now.