Occupation-Specific Information

Full Time Editorial Position: Beautician, Cosmetologist, Hairdresser, Hair Stylist, Hairdresser, Hairstylist, Stylist Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Tasks

A Theatrical and Performance Hair Stylist is a specialized beauty professional responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining hairstyles, wigs, and facial hair for actors and performers in theatre, film, television, and live entertainment. They work closely with directors, costume designers, and makeup artists to ensure the hair fits the production’s historical period, setting, and creative vision.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Character Design & Styling: Designing and implementing hair looks that define a character, ranging from historically accurate, elaborate period styling to fantasy or modern designs.
• Wig & Hairpiece Management: Expertly cleaning, styling, cutting, coloring, and fitting wigs, hair extensions, and facial hair (beards/moustaches).
• On-Set/Backstage Continuity: Maintaining consistency of styles across scenes, including performing touch-ups, managing quick changes, and securing hair for physically demanding performances.
• Collaboration: Working with the wardrobe department to ensure hair complements costumes and with lighting staff to ensure the hair looks correct under stage or camera lights.
• Documentation: Creating “lookbooks” or, in film, taking continuity photos to ensure exact replication of styles daily.
• Safety & Hygiene: Ensuring all tools and wigs are sanitized and maintaining a clean work environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in a wide range of hair techniques, including cutting, setting, styling, and working with hairpieces.
• Historical Knowledge: Strong understanding of hair trends throughout different eras.
• Adaptability & Speed: Ability to work quickly under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Creativity: Ability to interpret a script and bring a character’s look to life.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to work within a team (wardrobe, makeup, actors).
• Licensure: A cosmetology license is typically required.

Work Environment

• Fast-Paced: Involves long hours, early mornings, and working on one’s feet.
• On-Location: Travel to different film sets or work in theatre backstage areas.
• Unionization: Many professionals in this field are represented by unions such as IATSE Local 706.

Common Career Paths

• Entry-Level: Often starts with salon experience, moving to assisting on film/theater productions.
• Key Hair Stylist: Heads the hair team, responsible for designing and leading the department.
• Hair & Makeup Designer: A higher-level role, often on smaller productions, overseeing both departments.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.

Related Experience

Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience are required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

On The Job Training Required

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Job Zone Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include Barbers, Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance, Manicurists and Pedicurists Shampooers, Skincare Specialists

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