Do you have good hair? The kind people look at and just want to stick their hands in it because it’s so shiny and soft looking? If so, you might have thought about becoming a hair model. After all, there are always people on the covers of dye boxes and often on the packaging of things like brushes and other products.
There are some things you should know about hair modeling, first, before you commit to trying it out. Like most jobs, it isn’t for everyone. So is it for you? Let’s find out.
There's a way to fast track your hair modeling career (join a modeling agency that specializes in hair modeling).
What is a Hair Model?
A hair model is someone that models their hair in photographs or at events. As a hair model, you might find yourself in many different situations, though mostly the job is to sell hair-related products for the companies that make them. Hair models often find themselves in magazines and on commercials, on the runway, or even photographed for the covers of novels.
A hair model has the option to work with an agency or try to freelance and find their own jobs. It can be much easier to find jobs through an agency than looking for them alone, but there are some freelance hair models that have found success. You will find the method that works for you.
The hours are flexible, some hair models working part time, some full time and some having their hours vary depending on what jobs they’ve taken at that moment. One big advantage to freelancing is the ability to take jobs that suit your schedule, as opposed to an agency which might expect you to conform more to the work they have for you on a given day.
Regardless, you can expect your hair to be combed out and styled, and you will be responsible for maintaining good condition so that it does not lose its luster.
How Much Does a Hair Model Make?
Modeling can be a difficult business to break into, but the good news is, it pays well. Jobs typically pay anywhere from $100 to $10,000, so there is a wide range of payment depending on what you take on. On average, a hair modeling job will pay around $250 in the United States.
Another factor in how much money you make is the number of jobs you take. Like with many jobs, the more you work, the more you earn.
How to Become a Hair Model
There’s so much that goes into making sure you have what you need to get the jobs you want hair modeling! There are several things to look into so let’s break them down and take them one at a time.
Get Your Locks in Line
Your first step should be to make sure your hair is healthy. Hair models are often called in for advertisements and packaging for hair care products, so if your hair isn’t shiny and soft your odds of being hired for one of these gigs is significantly lower.
If you are male presenting you might consider the grooming of your facial hair and if you have any; there are some companies that will want to take that into account so bear in mind which hair you are trying to show off when you go to take your photos later.
Regardless of your gender you may also consider growing your hair out long. This is because there is much more a stylist can do with long hair than short, and a hair model with short hair will have a far harder time finding work due to the lack of versatility a short haircut restricts you to.
It’s also worth noting that most companies want a blank slate, natural look for their models. What this means is a traditional haircut, preferably long, with no roots showing. It also means most of them are looking for a natural hair color. Wild hair colors look amazing but they will prevent you from getting a lot of hair modeling gigs unless you find a particular niche.
Put Together a Portfolio
When you go to audition for jobs, they are going to want to see your hair in action. Make sure you have plenty of photographs of yourself and your hair in various styles and situations. Companies are going to want to see your versatility, and if you only have one sort of picture in your portfolio, you are only likely to be considered for one kind of modeling job.
Make sure to have your hair professionally styled and photographed for your portfolio pieces. This will be costly, up front, but ultimately set you ahead of your competitors and make you more likely to get the hair modeling jobs you want.
Join an Agency
You may not go with a modeling agency for your hair. There are some people who reach success without a go-between. However, these people are few and far between and realistically you will probably want someone to help you find jobs.
Not only is it easier to find jobs if you go through someone that already has connections and lines in the water for them, but it’s also far safer. An agent knows what jobs are suspicious and has a vested interest in making sure nothing bad happens to their clients. Additionally, an agent won’t be taken in by someone who doesn’t intend to pay what you agreed upon.
For that matter, the companies looking for models will know that one vetted by an agent is the real deal. So having representation increases your odds of getting the jobs you apply for.
The Takeaway
Hair modeling can be rewarding and lucrative work if you have the right contacts and have the right hair. If you don’t mind restrictive rules on your personal style, and have the patience to make sure your hair is cared for very well, a career in hair modeling may be what you’re looking for!
From Baltimore to Las Vegas, there are agencies looking for hair models - and you could be their next star!
