Hair & Makeup

Hair Stylist

Step 1 of 8 · Overview

Hair is one of the hardest things to fake on camera, so the stylist who can make a wig, a period set or a match across six weeks of shooting read as real stays essential.

The job, and where it's going.

A film and TV hair stylist designs and maintains every character's hair, from a quick touch-up on a commercial to period styles, wigs, facial hair and aging on a series. You break down the script for hair changes, prep wigs and pieces, and keep every look matching from shot to shot and day to day. On set you watch the monitor and step in between takes before a flyaway ruins a close-up.

What stays human

Reading how hair moves under wind, rain, sweat and stunts, and fixing it fast
Laying a lace front so the hairline disappears on a close-up
Matching a style exactly after a lunch break or a six-week gap
Working gently and quickly with an actor in the chair before call
Knowing textured hair, curls and protective styles and caring for them properly

What's changing

Sharper cameras, closer looksHigh resolution capture shows lace, glue shine and flyaways. Hairline work and finishing have to be cleaner than ever.

Continuity moved into appsMany productions track hair looks in SyncOnSet instead of binders. Good photos and notes are part of the deliverable now.

Every hair texture, every dayProductions and performers expect stylists who can work confidently with all hair types. Being skilled with textured and curly hair is likely to keep you booked.

Wigs and pieces everywhereWigs, toppers and facial hair speed up character changes and protect actors' own hair. Wig prep, blocking and maintenance are core skills.

Hair and visual effects overlapShows sometimes clean up flyaways or wig edges in post. Knowing what post can and can't fix helps you plan, but it doesn't replace getting it right on the day.

Content and brand work fill the gapsCommercials, campaigns and creator shoots need fast, camera-ready hair. Those jobs are steady work in between longer productions.

The next ten years

Now

Most departments use digital continuity, wigs and pieces are common, and stylists who handle every texture are in demand. A cosmetology license is required for union routes in Local 706.

Next few years

Expect continuity documentation and planning with VFX to keep growing. Demand for skilled wig and period work is likely to stay strong on series and features.

By 2036

The likely future still needs hands on the head. Stylists who combine wig craft, every-texture skills and clean documentation should be the ones running departments.