Contact Us

Guiding and supporting the theatre makers of the future…

Gemma Flaherty - Head of Hair & Make-Up Play Video

I look after all the wigs, hair pieces, facials and go round and do the make-up for all the cast on the Michael Grandage Company.” 

Head of hair & make-up

Role

On larger productions these related jobs may be separated, but usually the two roles are combined. Working initially with the designer, the Hair and Make-Up Departments are responsible for the design, application and care of hair/wigs and make-up during a production. 

Key Skills

  • Hair/wig dressing.
  • Specific make-up skills, including period and ageing.
  • Specialist areas, including wig making, body painting, prosthetics, making contact lenses and teeth.
  • Good communication and diplomacy skills.
  • Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety guidelines, including good working practices and hygiene.

Courses

  • BA (Hons) Fashion: Hair & Make-Up for Fashion- London College of Fashion Click Here
  • BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design – Southampton Solent University Click Here
  • BA (Hons) Specialist Hair and Media Make-Up – University College Birmingham Click Here
  • Make-Up Design and Hairstyling – BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma – West Thames College Click Here
  • See also: The Wig Accadamy  & Uk Wig School

Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.

Responsibilities

  • Ensuring that actors’ hair and make-up fits within the overall production design, with particular attention to historical detail on period dramas.
  • Supervising adjustments and repairs to wigs, maintaining them during long runs, making sure wigs are collected at the end of each performance and prepared for the following one.

Training 

To become a hair and/or make-up artist it’s important to do a good foundation course – completing an NVQ in hairdressing is also advisable. It’s vital to gain practical on-the-job experience, starting with work placements at local theatres. Many Heads of Wigs start as Wig Assistants, gaining invaluable experience in hair, wigs, make-up and special effects by working closely with senior colleagues.