What is a Junior Hairdresser?
Junior Hairdressers work with designers and senior staff members in the Hair and Make-up Department. Junior Hairdressers will arrive on set just prior to the start of production. Although job requirements will vary from production-to-production,  we’ve put together a list of the things you can expect.

Workstations At The Ready
As a Junior Hairdresser you will be required to setup and maintain workstations throughout the production. This will include ensuring that the workstation is equipped with all the necessary tools and that at the end of each day all tools have been cleaned and are ready for re-use. You’ll also need to keep stock of the products used and assist in the purchase of extra supplies.

On The Road
Another important part of your role will be moving tools to each filming location. You’ll need to make sure that no stock gets left behind, or damaged. Items can include brushes, wigs, toupees and products.

Prepping Performers
Another key part of the role will be ensuring that performers are ready for Assistant Hairdressers to work on. You will be expected to wash performers hair and prepare any extras such as wigs. As well as helping to prep main performers you will also be styling extras and minor characters. Here, communication skills are key as you’ll need to quickly find out if the performers have any allergies or skin conditions which could impact product use.

Aside from preparation, you’ll work alongside the Assistant Hairdresser to perform minor touch-ups during shootings. Importantly, you will need to do all of this keeping in mind continuity. You should always be on the lookout for any minor discrepancies and be ready to notify a senior member of staff should you notice anything!

Key skills

• Communication skills will be key as you are working within a large team and with a number of performers.
• You should be familiar with a range of hairstyles from different eras.
• Be able to work as part of a team, stepping in where needed to fulfil production requirements.
• You should be an organised individual and be aware of the key products/tools needed on a shoot.
• Be aware of Health and Safety regulations when working with products that contain chemicals, and be aware of the dangers of allergies and skin sensitivities.

How to become a Junior Hairdresser
An entry-level role, Junior Hairdressers will usually have achieved college qualifications in hairdressing before joining a production. Usually a minimum requirement are NVQs in Hairdressing at levels 1,2 and 3. With these qualifications you can apply to work on TV shows, commercials and films.

Become a Junior Hairdresser today
If you’ve just finished college and are ready to start your career why not take a look at our latest Junior Hairdressing roles? You can view our latest vacancies here.