Hair Stylists in Film Production

A comprehensive guide for beginner filmmakers exploring the specialized role of Hair Stylists in film and television production

Character Design Continuity Collaboration

Understanding the Film Hair Stylist Role

A Hair Stylist in film production is not your typical salon professional. They are specialized craftspeople who work as integral members of the film crew, responsible for creating and maintaining character-specific hairstyles that serve the story, maintain visual continuity, and collaborate seamlessly with other departments.

Character Development

Creating hairstyles that reflect character personality, social status, and story arc

Technical Precision

Maintaining frame-by-frame continuity across multiple shooting days

Team Collaboration

Working closely with makeup, wardrobe, and camera departments

What Does a Hair Stylist Do on a Film Set?

Hair Stylist working on film set

Professional Hair Stylist at work on a film production set

1

Script Analysis & Character Research

Breaking down the script to understand each character's journey, social background, and the time period of the story to inform hairstyle choices.

2

Pre-Production Design

Creating mood boards, conducting hair tests with actors, and coordinating with other departments to establish the visual language.

3

On-Set Execution

Styling actors before scenes, maintaining continuity between takes, and making quick adjustments as needed during filming.

4

Specialized Techniques

Working with wigs, extensions, period-accurate styling, and special effects hair applications for unique character requirements.

Key Insight

Unlike salon stylists who focus on making clients look their best, film hair stylists serve the story first. They might intentionally create "bad" hair days, aging effects, or historically accurate styles that prioritize character authenticity over contemporary beauty standards.

From Script to Style: Designing the Character Look

The creative process of translating character descriptions into visual hairstyles that enhance storytelling

Research Phase

  • •Historical period research
  • •Character background analysis
  • •Social class considerations
  • •Regional/cultural influences

Design Development

  • •Mood board creation
  • •Reference photo collection
  • •Color palette selection
  • •Texture considerations

Collaboration

  • •Director consultations
  • •Actor input sessions
  • •Costume designer coordination
  • •Makeup artist alignment

Before & After: Character Transformations

Character transformation before and after

Dramatic character transformation showing the power of hair design in storytelling

Transformation Considerations:

  • Age progression or regression
  • Social status changes
  • Emotional state reflection
  • Time period accuracy
  • Character arc visualization

Continuity in Hair Styling: Frame-by-Frame Accuracy

The technical precision required to maintain consistent hair appearance across multiple shooting days and scenes

The Continuity Challenge

Films are rarely shot in chronological order. A hair stylist must ensure that a character's hair looks identical whether it's shot on day 1 or day 50 of production. This requires meticulous documentation and precise recreation techniques.

Detailed photo documentation from multiple angles
Comprehensive notes on products and techniques used
Time-stamped records for each scene and take
Hair and makeup continuity sheet

Professional continuity sheet used for tracking hair and makeup details

Continuity Tools & Techniques

Documentation Methods

  • ▶Polaroid reference photos
  • ▶Digital continuity books
  • ▶Detailed hair charts
  • ▶Product tracking sheets
  • ▶Time and scene notations

Practical Strategies

  • ▶Multiple hair pieces for backup
  • ▶Quick-reset styling techniques
  • ▶Portable touch-up kits
  • ▶Constant set monitoring
  • ▶Close camera department collaboration

Working with the Make-up and Wardrobe Departments

Understanding the interconnected nature of film production departments and how hair styling fits into the larger creative vision

Makeup Department

  • Coordinate color palettes
  • Share workspace and scheduling
  • Plan aging and character changes
  • Manage prosthetic integration
  • Ensure overall facial harmony

Wardrobe Department

  • Match period accuracy
  • Consider collar and neckline interactions
  • Plan costume change timing
  • Coordinate character evolution
  • Share character background research

Camera Department

  • Understand lighting effects on hair
  • Plan for different camera angles
  • Consider HD/4K requirements
  • Coordinate movement and hair behavior
  • Account for color temperature changes

Collaboration Workflow Example

Script Analysis
Department Meeting
Character Design
Testing & Approval
Production Execution

This collaborative process ensures that all visual elements work together harmoniously to support the director's vision and enhance the storytelling experience.

Best Tutorials and On-Set Insights

Professional insights and behind-the-scenes content from industry experts

How Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Work

StudioBinder's comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at hair and makeup departments in film and TV production.

17:15 • StudioBinder

How Hyperrealistic Wigs Are Made For Movies & TV

Inside look at professional wig making for film and television, showing the intricate process of creating believable hair pieces.

10:17 • Insider

Hair Stylist - Film Industry Occupation

Professional overview of the hair stylist role specifically within the film and television industry.

3:59 • The Labour Market Group

Key Takeaways:

  • • Industry-specific requirements
  • • Career path insights
  • • Day-to-day responsibilities
  • • Professional development

Interactive Learning Workshop

Practice your understanding with these interactive exercises designed to reinforce key concepts

Character Hair Style Matching

Match the hairstyle description to the appropriate character type or time period.

Finger waves and pin curls
Big, voluminous permed hair
Victory rolls and pompadour

Continuity Checklist Practice

Check off the essential items a hair stylist must document for continuity.

Collaboration Scenario Analysis

Scenario:

You're working on a period drama set in the 1940s. The lead actress needs to age from 20 to 60 throughout the film. The makeup department wants to use prosthetics for aging, and the wardrobe department has designed increasingly conservative clothing. How do you coordinate your hair designs?

Key Considerations:

Hair texture changes with age
1940s styling techniques
Prosthetic integration

Department Coordination:

Makeup team scheduling
Wardrobe color coordination
Camera test requirements

Your Solution:

Resources & Next Steps

Continue your journey in film hair styling with these professional resources and career guidance

Essential Reading

  • ScreenSkills Career Guides
  • Film Production Handbooks
  • Period Hair Reference Books
  • Continuity Best Practices

Professional Training

  • Film School Programs
  • Cosmetology with Film Focus
  • Wig Making Workshops
  • Period Hair Styling Courses

Industry Networks

  • Hair & Makeup Unions
  • Film Industry Associations
  • Professional Social Groups
  • Mentorship Programs

Ready to Start Your Film Hair Styling Journey?

Hair Stylists are essential storytellers in the film industry, bringing characters to life through their craft and technical expertise.

Character Design
Technical Precision
Creative Collaboration