What does a hair stylist do on a film?

They design and maintain hair for every performer — contemporary styling, period accuracy, wigs and hairpieces — and hold continuity across a shoot that may run months while real hair grows.

Why is hair continuity difficult?

Productions shoot out of order over weeks or months while hair grows and changes. Matching a style across a six-week gap requires photographic documentation and skill rather than memory.

When do I need wigs rather than styling?

For period accuracy, for characters whose look changes dramatically, and whenever a performer's own hair cannot be altered. Wigs need sourcing, fitting and dressing time well before the shoot.

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Costume & Makeup

Hair Stylist

Creates and maintains every character's hair, including period, wigs and continuity across months.

The Hair Stylist Role

The Hair Stylist designs and maintains hair for every performer, covering contemporary styling, period accuracy, wigs and hairpieces. Continuity is a particular challenge in this department — productions shoot out of order over weeks or months while real hair grows, and matching a style across a gap of six weeks requires documentation and skill. On period productions the hair department is often as significant a design contributor as costume.

Script Breakdown Sheet TemplateA script breakdown sheet records every production element required to shoot a single scene. It lists the scene's location, time of day and page count, then itemises cast, background, props, wardrobe, vehicles, stunts, effects and other elements by category, so each department knows exactly what to prepare.Free template · every field explained

Key Responsibilities

Design hair looks for every character and period
Fit, style and maintain wigs and hairpieces
Maintain hair continuity across out-of-order shooting
Style and touch up performers throughout the day
Document looks photographically for continuity
Coordinate with makeup, costume and production design

When to Hire a Hair Stylist

Alongside makeup on any production with performers, and considerably earlier on period work where wigs must be sourced, fitted and dressed. Wig work has long lead times and cannot be compressed. Contemporary shoots often combine hair and makeup in one department.

What to Look For

Wig experience if your project needs it — a distinct and scarce skill
Period accuracy where relevant
Continuity documentation across out-of-order shooting
Speed under pre-call pressure
Ability to work with a range of hair types

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FAQ

Hair Stylist — Common Questions

What does a hair stylist do on a film?: They design and maintain hair for every performer — contemporary styling, period accuracy, wigs and hairpieces — and hold continuity across a shoot that may run months while real hair grows.
Why is hair continuity difficult?: Productions shoot out of order over weeks or months while hair grows and changes. Matching a style across a six-week gap requires photographic documentation and skill rather than memory.
When do I need wigs rather than styling?: For period accuracy, for characters whose look changes dramatically, and whenever a performer's own hair cannot be altered. Wigs need sourcing, fitting and dressing time well before the shoot.

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