What is a Hair and Make-up Supervisor?
Working to production requirements, the Hair and Make-up Supervisor oversees the continuity of hair and make-up throughout the duration of the production. The Supervisor will also co-ordinate the design, application and the storage of products. Usually, they are employed from pre-production to the end of production.
Key Skills
Hairdressing
The supervisor must be confident in a variety of hairdressing skills and techniques. Basic requirements include the ability to cut, straighten, wave and apply non-permanent colour. Depending on production requirements the Supervisor should also be skilled in applying extensions, facial hair and wig setting.
Make-up Skills
Productions rely on Make-up to bring a character to life with the difference between the actor and the character being vast. As standard, the Supervisor must therefore be confident in contouring and ageing techniques. Knowledge of specialist skills such as body art is also beneficial. It is also important to be aware of the impact of lighting on make-up.
Historical and Cultural Knowledge
Hair and Make-up is key in transporting the audience to a particular place or period in time. Therefore it is essential that the Supervisor is aware of the different styles within a period or culture. Failing this the Supervisor must have excellent research skills.
Communication and Language Skills
For Hair and Make-up Supervisors, communication skills are a must-have. Not only must they be able to co-ordinate with other teams (depending on the size of the production), they must also be able to work with actors in a sensitive and professional manner. Language skills are a plus when it comes to this role, and can be very useful when working on shoots abroad.
How to become a Hair and Make-up Supervisor
Hair and Make-up Supervisors usually start out as a Make-up and Hair Trainee, before progressing to Assistant and then Artist. Hair and Make-up Supervisors have usually been working in the film/TV industry for a minimum of 10 years.
Education & Training
Although 2 years worth of experience as a Make-up and/or Hair Artist is acceptable, it is recommended that you have a minimum of 2 qualifications in make-up and a level 2/3 NVQ in hairdressing. A successful candidate will always keep up-to-date with the latest industry developments and techniques.
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