How to Become a Successful Film Hair Stylist in Nigeria

The film industry in Nigeria, popularly known as Nollywood, has grown significantly over the years, becoming the second-largest film industry globally. Hairstyling plays a crucial role in the film industry as it helps to enhance the appearance and bring characters to life on screen. In the vibrant world of Nigerian cinema, film hair stylists play an indispensable role, shaping characters and narratives with their artistic touch.

A film hairstylist is a professional in the film industry who cares for and styles the hair of the acting professionals. They often collaborate with other departments to create cohesive character ensembles. If you're interested in becoming a film hairstylist, learning more about what they do and how much they earn can be beneficial

The Nigerian film industry, affectionately known as Nollywood, is renowned for its dynamic storytelling and captivating visuals. Behind every iconic character’s appearance lies the expertise of a skilled film hair stylist. This profession transcends mere hairstyling; it is an art form that requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of characters, and the ability to seamlessly blend creativity with practicality.

What does a film hairstylist do?

Depending on the size of the film and the specific position, a film hairstylist may manage different responsibilities. For example, a film hairstylist in an entry-level position may only style hair, while a leader may coordinate teams and delegate tasks. These are some tasks a film hairstylist may manage:

Designing hairstyles for specific scenes

Coordinating a hair and makeup team

Delegating hair styling tasks to others

Reviewing styles before actors begin

Collaborating with make-up professionals

Reading scripts to determine which styles to use

Compiling reference images for styles

Performing touch-ups and fix styles

Informing actors on how to care for hair

Helping deconstruct elaborate styles

Maintaining caps and wigs for actors

Applying caps and wigs to actors

These are some steps you can follow to become a film hairstylist:

1. Determine if it's the right career for you

The first step to becoming a film hairstylist is determining if it's the best career for you. Hairstyling in the film industry is a great opportunity for experimenting with new styles and techniques, and it also offers the ability to express your creativity. However, film hairstylists often work in fast-paced environments and use their problem-solving abilities to remedy hairstyle issues. Those who prefer relaxed environments and consistency during daily work may consider other options. If you enjoy being creative and using critical thinking, this position may be right for you.

2. Consider attending cosmetology school

Though having a cosmetology education and license may not be necessary for film hairstylist positions, having these credentials can help you compete with other professionals. Consider attending cosmetology school to improve your hairstyling skills and learn more about other areas of cosmetology, like nail care and make-up application. Attending cosmetology school can also help you network with other students and meet hairstylists you can work and study with.

3. Gain experience as a stylist and hairdresser

Before working on a film set, you likely need some experience as a hairstylist. You can apply for entry-level positions at budget salons, or consider renting your own seat in a salon. During this time, you can gain clients and practice applying dyes and styling hair. To gain more experience with styling, consider offering services for weddings and school dances to learn more about elaborate hairstyles.

4. Study film and how hair interacts with the story

While styling hair is your primary skill, learning more about film and how hair can interact with a story can help you perform better as a hairstylist for a film. This can include learning more about hairstyles and types in different cultures and studying the history of hair and the symbolic meaning of different styles throughout history. When designing styles for movies, you can be more historically accurate and create character designs that support the story.

5. Develop a professional hairstyle portfolio

As you gain experience as a hairstylist, you can take pictures of your best styles and add them to a portfolio. If you want to work in a specific type of film, consider focusing your portfolio on hair that applies. For example, if you want to work with historical films, you may show your ability to install powder wigs or create era-specific hairstyles. If you're more interested in science-fiction or fantasy films, you may create ambitious styles that reflect dystopian futures or magical characters.

6. Pursue small hairstyling jobs to start

To enter the film hairstyling field, you can apply for small hairstyling jobs. This may include helping with a specific day of filming or creating hairstyles for short films or music videos. By successfully completing jobs, collecting testimonials and building your portfolio, you can gather evidence of your skills and abilities.

7. Apply for official film hairstylist positions

To pursue permanent hairstylists positions, use your portfolio to apply for open roles. Consider which film companies you most want to work with when applying for positions. When applying, create effective application materials that emphasize your experience and highlight your skills, including a customized resume and cover letter for each specific role. Before interviews, you can practice answering common hairstylists questions to prepare your responses.

In order to become a successful film hair stylist in Nigeria, there are several key steps you need to take:

A. Importance of acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills

Acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills is important as it sets the foundation for a successful film hair styling career in Nigeria.

B. Researching the film industry in Nigeria

Understanding the film industry in Nigeria is crucial for a hair stylist.

This includes knowing the types of films produced, popular actors/actresses, and current trends.

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C. Enrolling in a reputable hair styling school or workshop

To further enhance your skills and gain practical experience, enrolling in a reputable hair styling school or workshop is highly recommended

D. Continuous learning and staying updated with trends

It is important to continuously learn and stay updated with the latest hair styling trends in the film industry.

This can be achieved by attending workshops and keeping up with industry publications.

By following these steps, you will be on your way to becoming a successful film hair stylist in Nigeria.

Remember, education, research, and staying up-to-date with industry trends are key factors in achieving success in this field.

In a nutshell, pursuing a career as a film hair stylist in Nigeria holds immense potential for growth and opportunities. With passion, hard work, and dedication, you can carve out a successful path in the film industry. So, if you have a love for hairstyling and a passion for film, don’t hesitate to pursue this exciting and rewarding career in Nigeria.

Get our Practical Guide on how become a successful Film Hair Stylist in Nigeria. This guide aims to illuminate the path for aspiring individuals who harbor dreams of making their mark in the film industry, particularly within the realm of hairstyling. From mastering the fundamentals of hairstyling techniques to navigating the intricacies of set dynamics, we will navigate through the essential steps and invaluable insights that can propel you towards a successful career as a film hair stylist in Nigeria.

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