Overview of the role
Hair and make-up assistants work with hair and make-up designers, stylists or artists. The types of make-up and hairstyles they help with depends on the type of production they are on. They could be helping with the hire or purchase of wigs for a designer, sourcing make-up products for a make-up artist or assisting a stylist with a celebrity’s hair.
On many productions this is an entry-level role and may be required to run errands for the department, clean brushes and prepare make-up kits. On other productions the hair and make-up assistant will assist with the appearance of on-screen guests. Assistants with more experience are often given more responsibility for key performers or presenters.
On bigger budget productions hair and make-up assistants are part of a team ensuring everyone on screen looks ready for recordings. Once shooting starts they are often on set to touch up make-up or maintain hair, and when filming is over they assist with make-up and product removal, cleaning and storing equipment.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of production.
- Assist with shopping for stock, sourcing supplies, creating a list of suppliers and establishing an ordering system
- Prepare admin paperwork to assist the team with planning of staff and stock for the production
- Assist in producing mood-boards and other documentation relating to the overall look of the production, and individual participants
- Incorporate sustainability measures where possible within the department
- Help clean and prepare all work areas and equipment
- If required carry out fittings and tests on the contributors they will be looking after during filming under the supervision of the hair and make-up designer
- Record and photograph the looks for each contributor
- Compile a list of suppliers and contact details
- Assist with the ordering of hair and make-up products and equipment required for the production, raising purchase orders as required
- Work with the hair and make-up designer to document numbers for chairs, tables, work stations and mirrors required during filming
- Identify health and safety aspects with the hair and make-up department. Set up and label cleaning and storage areas
- Check everything is tidy and prepared ready for the day ahead
- If it’s ‘fit on the day’, i.e if no tests or fittings have been carried out, ensure that what is planned and any requirements are discussed in advance with the designer
- Ensure the hair and make-up notes are documented and 360-degree photographs are taken of each look for all contributors in addition to continuity photographs and notes
- Be on-set and stand-by ready to assist in any way or run errands
- Carry out hair and make-up if required using appropriate techniques
- Check hair and make-up work areas are kept clean and tidy throughout the day, tidying up kits and cleaning any brushes that have been in use
- On completion of filming assist in the removal of make-up and de-rigging of hair if required
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of hair and make-up assistant.
- Experience working with every type of hair and the use of hair accessories, products and equipment
- Understanding make-up including colour, shading, skin tone and texture, trained in using make-up; consider entire appearances including hands, nails and any visible skin
- Knowledge of products and being up-to-date on the latest products and equipment; understand allergies, how to test and what to do should a client react adversely
- Good attention to detail, able to spot and deal with any design or styling issues during filming
- Monitoring and ordering of supplies and completion of assigned paperwork
- Work well with others, listen and respond to the hair and make-up designer’s needs, be trustworthy and build good relationships with PR and brands who may supply products
- Communication: communicate the hair and make-up department’s requirements to others, ensuring good communication at all times within the department and with talent and contributors
- Teamwork: collaboration within own department and with others
- Problem-solving: dealing with obstacles or issues that may arise, finding solutions and contingency planning
- Organisation: organisation is vital to the department to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently
- Time management: have the ability to work to pre-determined deadlines
- Adaptability: have the ability to deal with ever-changing schedules and be able to adapt accordingly
- Resilience and enthusiasm: adapt positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing production environment