How to Be Production Hair and Makeup Artist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Hiring a professional Hair and Makeup Artist can have a significant effect on a production. A skilled makeup artist will be able to ensure that all actors, models, or other talent look their best, which can help give the production a more professional and polished look. Furthermore, an experienced Hair and Makeup Artist will be able to provide high quality makeup, hairstyling, and special effects that may be needed for the production.

having a professional on set can help to reduce stress levels and create a more organized production process. Finally, having a Hair and Makeup Artist can help to save time and money as they can provide quicker and more accurate results than an amateur.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for Production Hair and Makeup Artist positions. Consider taking courses in cosmetology, theater, art, or photography to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for this profession.
Gain experience. Working as an assistant or apprentice to a Production Hair and Makeup Artist is a great way to gain experience in the field. Such positions allow aspiring artists to learn from experienced professionals, as well as build a portfolio of work.
Pursue further education. Many Production Hair and Makeup Artists choose to pursue further education in cosmetology, theater, art, or photography. Courses in these areas can help aspiring artists hone their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques.
Network. Building relationships with other professionals in the industry is key to finding work as a Production Hair and Makeup Artist. Consider attending industry events, workshops, and seminars to meet other professionals, get advice, and build your professional network.
Obtain necessary certifications and licenses. Depending on your location, you may need to obtain specific certifications or licenses to work as a Production Hair and Makeup Artist. Check with your state or local government to find out what requirements you need to meet before beginning your career.
Build a portfolio. Aspiring Production Hair and Makeup Artists should create a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and talent. This is essential for getting hired for jobs, so take the time to create a portfolio that highlights your best work.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a production hair and makeup artist, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the beauty industry. This can be done by attending workshops, seminars and other educational events, reading industry magazines, and keeping an eye on the latest products and techniques being released. Additionally, staying connected with other professional makeup artists can help to keep your skills sharp and provide valuable insight into new opportunities. Finally, staying organized with a portfolio of your work will provide potential employers with a record of your past successes, ensuring that you remain competitive in the ever-evolving world of production hair and makeup artistry.

You may want to check Bridal Makeup Artist, Film and Television Makeup Artist, and Body Painting and Special Effects Makeup Artist for alternative.

Job Description

Provide hair and makeup services for on-set production, including styling, cutting, coloring, and styling wigs.
Create hairstyles and makeup looks that are in line with the productions vision.
Work with actors to ensure their hair and makeup looks are appropriate for the shoot.
Check makeup and hair equipment before and after shoots to ensure they are in good working condition.
Maintain a clean and organized workstation while on set.
Collaborate with the production team to ensure hair and makeup looks are in line with the productions vision.
Monitor inventory of supplies to ensure necessary items are available.
Assist in the preparation of hair and makeup props for shoots.
Keep up to date with current trends in makeup and hair styling techniques.
Train new hair and makeup crew members on company policies and protocols.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expert knowledge in hair styling techniques such as curling, straightening, updos, and blow-drying.
Expert knowledge in makeup techniques such as airbrush makeup application, false lash application, contouring, highlighting, and eyebrow sculpting.
High level of creativity and artistic ability to create looks that enhance the subjects natural features.
Ability to coordinate and collaborate with other production team members to ensure a successful shoot.
Proven track record of creating looks that are on-trend and reflect current beauty standards.
Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Skilled in managing budgets, supplies, and equipment.
Knowledge of special effects makeup techniques for film and television.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

Having a strong background in both hair and makeup is essential for a successful career as a production hair and makeup artist. In order to succeed, an individual must have an excellent knowledge of different techniques, styles, and products. A successful hair and makeup artist must have an eye for detail and be creative, as well as have the ability to think on the spot and troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Furthermore, having a professional attitude and the ability to work well with a team is also necessary for production hair and makeup artists. Having good communication skills, being organized, and staying calm under pressure are all important parts of the job. All these skills are essential for success in the industry because they enable the artist to work quickly and efficiently, producing results that will satisfy the client's needs.

Beauty Show Makeup Artist, Online Makeup Artist, and Beauty Advisor/Makeup Artist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Production Hair and Makeup Artist?
What techniques do you use to create the desired look for a character?
Describe your creative process when it comes to hair and makeup design.
How do you handle last-minute changes or requests from clients?
How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects at once?
What challenges have you faced while working in production hair and makeup?
Describe a successful project that you have completed in the past.
What is your experience working with different budgets and timelines?
Are you familiar with any specialized software or tools for hair and makeup production?
How do you ensure a consistent look for all actors in a scene?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Clips. These are used to section off and secure hair during styling. (eg: Butterfly Hair Clips)
Hair Brushes. Used to detangle, brush and style hair. (eg: Boar Bristle Brush)
Hair Dryer. Used to blow dry hair for styling. (eg: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer)
Curling Iron. Used to curl and straighten hair for styling. (eg: Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron)
Styling Products. Used to add texture and hold to the hair. (eg: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray)
Makeup Brushes. Used to apply and blend makeup. (eg: Sigma Beauty Brush Set)
Makeup Palettes. Used to store and mix colors for makeup applications. (eg: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette)
Foundation. Used to even out skin tone and create a base for other makeup applications. (eg: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation)
Mascara. Used to lengthen and thicken lashes. (eg: Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara)
Highlighter. Used to add a luminous glow to skin. (eg: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Make-Up Association (IMA)
The Make-Up Artist Magazine (MUAM)
The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
The National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
The International Beauty Show (IBS)
The International Beauty Showcase (IBS)
The Professional Beauty Federation (PBF)
Association of Makeup Artists (AMA)

We also have Freelance Makeup Artist, Beauty Makeup Artist, and Professional Makeup Artist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hair Styling. The art of arranging and cutting hair to create a desired look.
Makeup Artistry. The application of cosmetics to enhance an individual's appearance.
Color Theory. The study of color interactions and how they affect the overall look of a project.
Cosmetology. The science and practice of beautifying the skin and hair through the use of cosmetics and other treatments.
Aesthetics. The study of beauty, including the principles of style, proportion, balance, and harmony.
Product Knowledge. Understanding of the products used in hair and makeup artistry, such as tools, techniques, materials, and formulas.
Hair Coloring. The technique of adding color to hair to create a desired look.
Facial Contouring. The art of highlighting, shading, and contouring the face to create a desired look.
Airbrushing. The technique of using an airbrush to apply makeup for a flawless finish.
Photo Retouching. The process of digitally editing photos to improve or enhance them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to become a Production Hair and Makeup Artist?

To become a Production Hair and Makeup Artist, you should have a diploma or certificate in hair styling or makeup artistry, as well as experience in the field. Additionally, you should have a good understanding of color theory, knowledge of facial anatomy, and experience working with wigs, prosthetics and special effects makeup.

What skills are necessary to be successful in this role?

To be successful as a Production Hair and Makeup Artist, you should have strong creative and technical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.

What type of working environment is typical for a Production Hair and Makeup Artist?

Production Hair and Makeup Artists typically work in television and film production studios, theaters, or on location sets. They may also work with photo studios or fashion shows.

How much does a Production Hair and Makeup Artist typically earn?

The average salary for a Production Hair and Makeup Artist ranges from $30,000 to $80,000 per year depending on experience, location, and type of production.

What are some common job duties of a Production Hair and Makeup Artist?

Common job duties for a Production Hair and Makeup Artist include consulting with directors and producers to determine the look of characters; applying wigs, prosthetics, cosmetic products, and other special effects makeup; styling hair; creating special effects makeup; maintaining a clean work area; and keeping updated on current trends in hair and makeup.