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How To Become A Hair Model

12th April 2022

How To Become A Hair Model
Georgia Carter

Georgia Carter

Do you dream of becoming a hair model and you want to know the steps to becoming one? Then I will give you all the answers right here. You will get to know what hair models get paid, what are the ins and outs of the industry and the type of clients you could work for. By the end of this article, you will know all there is to know about how to be a hair model.

What is a Hair Model?

Hair models will be used by hairdressers, photographers, stylists, editors, bridal magazines, hair brands for a variety of jobs and it can be a very lucrative business if your long or short tresses are kept in perfect condition.  And both men and women can be hair models and used in both commercial and high end advertisements. Hair models can be used either on a runway, in a magazine or work on live demonstrations. 

The Criteria For Being A Hair Model

Having healthy looking and well kept hair is a must if you want to have a long term career in hair modeling. Casting directors need to know that they can work with beautiful hair for the brand they are working with. So I would suggest making an appointment with the hairdresser every 5 weeks to ensure those locks are kept in the best condition. 

A hair model does need to be attractive as well as their face will be a dominant feature alongside their hair. 

Therefore, you need to take care of your skin and your whole body to be able to pull off any of the looks for the brands you work with. 

Very importantly, you must feel comfortable with your hair being styled in any way that works for the client. Therefore, if there is a cut and color that you are not a fan of, you need to be aware of this before you take on the job. It is imperative that you are adaptable and flexible in this industry.  

For men, you need to be aware that they will ask for facial hair for a shoot and so your portfolio should also be up-to-date so the client can see the type of look you have. Once again, adaptability is key in this job! 

How To Become A Hair Model

My first piece of advice is to be represented by an agency as they will open so many doors for you and make the necessary introductions. As you would do to be a regular model, you need to organize a photoshoot to create your own portfolio. This will be seen by potential agents and future clients. 

At the start of your career, it is helpful to gain experience working for a local salon, even if the job isn’t paid. You will get a free haircut and you will be able to use the photo to add to your portfolio. 

Once you have built up some experience in the industry, you can look for other work – which will mainly be based in London, but be prepared to travel for other work as you may work on location. 

It is advised to maintain a natural hair color. Clients prefer a longer cut as it is easier to work with, unless this is the criteria for the role. If you have curly hair, you will be able to find work the same as if you have straight hair, but of course you will spend more time on the maintenance of your locks. 

You could try out as a model first and then once you are in the industry, you will be used for hair shoots and then the contacts will roll in. It is all about networking and impressions in this industry. You will also need to promote yourself and become business savvy. Your hair is your main selling point, so make sure people know this. 

What Are Good Products To Use For Your Hair?

These products you will need to have at the ready for model-worthy hair 

  • The Spray will give you that chic look on set 
  • The Hair Mask will ensure a quick fix for damaged hair and who doesn’t love to be pampered? 
  • The Styling Gel that will hold your hair in any style you choose for the day
  • The Hair Mousse will give dimension to the hair, whilst also taming frizz and help those curls to be bouncier if you have them
  • The Serum adds shine and can be used on either damp or wet hair 
  • The oil penetrates and conditions the scalp and prevents hair loss, especially olive oil. 

To be considered as having ‘good hair’, it has to meet certain standards. Hair should be wavy or straight in texture and soft to the touch. It needs to have the ability to be grown long. The ideal hair should require minimal intervention by way of treatments or products to be considered good for modelling.

Famous Hair Models 

  • Kaia Jordan Gerber
  • Edie Campbell
  • Agyness Deyn 
  • Twiggy 
  • Linda Evangelista
  • Chrissy Teigan
  • Julia Roberts 
  • Mia Farrow
  • Cara Delevigne 
  • Karlie Kloss 

How Much Do Hair Models Make? 

Hair models can make from $100 – $100,000 per job depending on their experience and it can be very lucrative. Once you have worked with one brand, they will ask you back to work with them. The job can even be part-time. As some shoots only last a few hours so then you have the rest of the day as your own. You could even do one shoot during the day and then head out for drinks with your mates later with a new amazing haircut! 

Now for example, if you are a L’Oreal hair model, you could make up to $36,000 per year. It does vary though.  

As a hair model starting out in their career, you can make up to $20 per hour. If you do well as I said earlier you can make your way up to $100 per hour. It is all about how you promote yourself.  

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, we have covered the basics in what a hair model is and how to become one today. 

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