Hair models are important within the beauty industry. Products for styling and caring for hair needs to be promoted through advertising commercials, brand imagery and campaigns.

To market their unique product a male or female model who can showcase the benefits of the hairspray, shampoo or gel will be selected. Therefore, individuals who have healthy, strong hair will succeed as the product will be promoted in the correct light and ultimately persuade consumers to purchase the item from their nearest retailer. The likes of Pantene, L’Oreal, Herbal Essences and Tresemme require hair models.

Hair Model Requirements

Of course, all types of hair is required for modelling jobs depending on the product in need of advertising. Creating the perfect curls, adding volume to lifeless hair or enhancing a short, grey crop requires a model to literally show the benefits through a commercial or carefully thought out image. However, typically an individual with long, flowing locks will be picked due to their versatility.

A well-conditioned, healthy head of hair can be transformed into various styles and demonstrate how the product works easily. The brand needs for consumers to feel envious of the hair on the screen and desperately want the product to create the same look. Straight hair can be curled and styled to look shorter than reality with the help of stylists who are trained in the profession.

Looking After Your Long Hair

Hair stylists will use products and heat to create the vision of the brand, which can have a damaging affect on your locks. Having your hair pulled tight into high buns with almost a full can of hairspray to hold in place, backcombed to create volume or straightened countless times will negatively effect your hair.

Even when the shoot or show does not focus on your hair, your tresses will be styled perfectly. Imagine having multiple shows each day during fashion week and the amount of product applied to change the look. Therefore, it is up to you personally to look after your locks.

It is important to take great care of your hair to ensure that it remains conditioned and healthy. Brittle, weak hair will not transfer well through the camera lens and promote the brand positively. All types of hair colours are used in the industry creating a diverse image.

9 Fantastic Hair Care Tips

• Ensure that you remove product from your hair at your first convenience to avoid build up and damage.
• Wash with a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type and will add either volume or control depending on whether your locks are thick or fine. It is worthwhile seeking advice from those who are trained to know which products will enhance your locks.
• Always apply conditioner to the ends of your hair and use shampoo just for the scalp. The shampoo will run down as you wash out but doesn’t need to be rubbed in at the ends.
• Do not wash your hair too regularly as natural oils are beneficial and excessive water will constantly remove the oils creating dry hair. 2-3 times a week is perfect. Avoid too hot water also as it can dry out your hair. Keep the water at a warm temperature.

• After washing comb your hair carefully to avoid splitting and fighting with a knot that will cause extra damage. When brushing your hair always brush from the bottom upwards.
• Trim your hair every 6 weeks to remove split ends and present a well-maintained mane. Always go to the hair salon for a professional cut.
• When possible let your hair air dry rather than using a hair dryer to allow a day without heat. When you do dry your hair use a cool setting and use heat protector products.
• Dry shampoo is perfect for going that extra day without washing your hair.
• Always seek advice from a colour expert when dying your locks to avoid damage.

Male Models Are Hair Models Too

Hair models can be both females and males as all genders are needed to promote cosmetic products. After all, men and women both buy hair products to style their hair. Again male models will be required to present a good amount of hair over a short, shaved crop as the brand will not be able to showcase the effects of their product.

In many cases wigs or extensions may be used at a photoshoot to create more volume or length depending on the brief. Therefore, in these circumstances shorter haired models can be used if the client favours your appearance over other models.

Photoshop is also a tool used to create more body and volume into a hair shot. It may be easier for employers to use advanced technology to create the desired look rather than trying to mould a hairstyle.

It is important that models are versatile when professionals are creating their new vision. Always be easy going and enthusiastic about the style as negativity will not be perceived well.

How to Become a Hair Model

• For those who wish to become a professional hair model it is wise to look after your tresses to ensure that you are repeatedly hired for new roles. Healthy, bouncy locks will always be favoured over lifeless, brittle hair. Therefore, it is important to maintain a regime that works for your hair type.
• Ensure that you are always open minded to the hair styling created by the artist. Do not criticise the work of a professional. Your locks will be exposed to heat and hair products therefore, it is wise to take great care of your talent. Decide before you go into the profession if you mind having your hair cut.
• As well as modelling for brands, salons such as Toni & Guy also advertise for hair models needed for competitions and practice. These might not be paid hair modelling jobs but they do provide great experience and a free haircut. Most likely they will state the type of locks they are after such as ‘long hair models wanted.’ Becoming a hair model takes dedication and persistence as looking after your tresses is very important.
• Those with short hair will still be hired yet it might affect your opportunities. Many supermodels do have a buzz cut. However, they have established their place in the industry and are wanted for their name and social media standing. It is very different for a new model. Curly hair model jobs do exist also, so make sure you embrace your fabulous locks.
• As with any areas of the the fashion industry there will most likely be more jobs in London. This is due to it being a vibrant, large capital city with many hair modelling opportunities available. Models with brunette, red or blonde hair have a great chance of finding work, it might be worthwhile finding a modelling agency in a large city who can help you find new jobs including walking in fashion shows.
• Whilst getting your hair styled you will more than likely be having your face done by a makeup artist. Photoshoots and especially fashion shows are hectic with everyone working very quickly to be finished on time. There will be a lot of new faces working hard to pull the show off, with some close up in your personal space.