Hair Modelling 101: The Ins and Outs of Being a Hair Model

Like all parts modelling, hair modelling can be a lucrative hobby and part-time job for models with amazing locks.

Read on to find out everything there is to know about hair modelling.

What is a Hair Model?

A hair model is someone who models hairstyles, usually for hairdressers, hair salons or hair product brands (for example shampoo, conditioner, and hair styling products). They are often also required for other things like bridal magazines, hair accessories, and beauty editorials.

Hair models are considered to be commercial models usually, but occasionally you may see more high-end advertisements for premium hair accessories or products.

Both men and women are required for hair modelling depending on the brand and target audience. Hair brands like Tresemme, Remington, GHD, Herbal Essences and Tony & Guy regularly require hair models.

What is Needed to be a Hair Model?

Hair models must have a healthy, attractive head of hair. They must also feel comfortable having their hair styled however the designer and brand requires it. This usually involves a hairstyle of some sort but will occasionally involve a cut and colour that may not be to the model’s tastes. Hair models must be versatile and happy to try a look they may not choose for themselves.

Hair models must also have attractive faces with a good profile (which usually means a good jawline and high cheekbones). They can’t have any scalp-related issues like dandruff.

Are you interested in becoming a hair model? Register with us today to find out if you have what it takes!

Male Hair Models

Male models may also require their facial hair to be groomed for hair-related shoots. Male models who model their facial hair will need to be able to grow a thick and even beard.

On occasion, a male model may be required to wear a stick-on beard or moustache or even have extensions applied to the hair for added body and length. Like female models, male models must feel comfortable sporting any number of styles.

How Hair Models Look After Their Hair

Constant heat styling will damage hair and it is a hair model‘s job to maintain the overall health of their hair by getting regular trims and using good products to protect, nourish and moisturise hair strands.

Hair models will visit the hairdressers regularly and may request for a deep conditioning treatment to be applied.

Hair models will also generally avoid using harsh products or damaging styling tools in their everyday lives in order to prevent damage.

Famous Hair Models

Most body part models (including hair models) do not find huge fame. However, some supermodels over the years have elevated their fame purely because of their hairstyle. These include:

– Twiggy and her popular elfin pixie cut in the ’60s

– Grace Jones and her extreme cropped haircut

– Linda Evangelista and her ’90s boyish crop

– Agyness Deyn and her platinum blonde crop

How to Become a Hair Model

Like other areas of modelling, hair models will likely give themselves better and more opportunities if they are signed to a modelling agency.

Keep abreast of current hair trends and follow salons and stylists on social media to see if they require a hair model. Salons regularly require models for practice and competitions. While these might not be paid, they will be good experience, you will get a free haircut and you can add photos to your modelling portfolio.

Most work will be found in main cities such as London and Manchester. You need to be comfortable travelling for work to be a model of any kind.

Short hair may look great but it might affect your chances of finding work as a hair model as they like length to give them plenty to work with for styles and updos. Bear this in mind before going for the chop; models with long hair will likely be chosen over someone with short hair.

Unless you are modelling for an alternative brand, most brands will require you to have a natural hair colour with no roots showing. Having brightly coloured dyed hair will affect your chances of finding work.

The same goes for alternative styles like a mohawk. You might look great but you will limit the amount of work you will be able to get if you have such a strong style. Brands prefer a blank canvas.

Curly hair will have just as much chance of finding work as straight hair. Look after your curls and keep them healthy to give yourself a better chance of being chosen.

Find an agency who works with hair models and apply to them online via their application form. These agencies will likely be able to find you more work.

Whether you have blonde hair, brunette hair or red hair, keep hair well moisturised to make hair shine and colours pop.

Keep an eye out for auditions and competitions for hair models that may be advertised online.

Making the Most of Your Modelling Portfolio

Your modelling portfolio should show off your potential and flexibility as a hair model, so make sure to include only the best photos of you and your hair.

Hair models will also have to have their faces shot a lot so an attractive face shape is also important. Include some beauty shots in your portfolio so agencies and brands can see what you look like.

If you are an aspiring model with no experience it’s a good idea to book a professional photoshoot. This shoot will give you experience in front of the camera as well as give you the opportunity to purchase your favourite shots to include in your portfolio.

Register with us today to see if you have what it takes to be a hair model!

Watch this video for hair modelling advice from a professional hair model: