Have you ever wanted to be a hair model? If the answer is, “hells to the yeah!” then please read further and I will share my hair modeling experiences, tips, and advice.
So this blog entry is inspired by my last experience hair modeling at the 2018 International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach this past January. This was my first time modeling live in front of an audience, however I have modeled other times within a salon setting. Ultimately the two are very similar in terms of your job as a model.
The first and foremost biggest piece of advice I can give to anyone who wants to be a hair model (whether once or multiple times) is to be reliable. If the stylist can not count on you to be where you need to be at the time they need you to be there, then you are dead in the water. Their time is just as valuable as yours, be sure to acknowledge that, and show up to the appointment you have mutually agreed upon on time.
So how to become a hair model?
If you are into hairstyles, hair color, etc., then you probably follow one or two (or several) stylists on Instagram. On occasion, stylists will post that they need hair models. Usually they are pretty specific as to the type of hair they are looking for. If your hair matches what they are looking for, message them. What have you got to lose. Seems easy, right?!
That’s how I got into it, so it could totally work for you as well.
Also be aware of hair related conventions happening in your area (such as ISSE). Many times stylist’s from all over the country will need local models at these conventions. Perfect situation!
Tips and advice…
So this is the most important information that I feel is included in this post. Again above all, as mentioned before BE RELIABLE. But here are a few extra tips that will help you on your hair modeling journey.
- Patience – This is HUGE! You are likely to be at the salon or convention all day. Plan for it! There is quite a lot of down time and waiting around, especially if there are multiple models being worked on.
- Flexibility – Be flexible with your hair, trust the professional. If you have a clear, dead-set idea of what you want and are not willing to stray from it one bit, modeling is not for you. Typically a stylist will ask what you’d like to avoid (mine all did). Be honest, if you don’t want green hair, speak up. But be open to ideas they have.
- Have fun – Enjoy the process!
- Camera ready – Be well rested, well prepared, and comfortable in front of the camera. Get a good night’s sleep, no one wants a tired looking model. Come prepared with your makeup done (if requested) and with apparel options (usually black in color).
- Grace – Be gracious, there are usually a lot of people they could have worked with, and they chose you, so be thankful.
Previous hair modeling
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Thanks for reading!
Please leave any questions in the comments 🙂