Finding a hair model: versatility is key

Thinking of entering HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional? Finding a hair model is vital - and versatility is key. The right model can make or break your photographic collection. When you spend months preparing the hair story and invest heavily in the photographer, choosing the right face shouldn’t be a decision taken lightly. A good face can make an average style look great, but an average face will make a great style look ordinary. And when you want your images to stand out from the rest, you want to be anything but normal. So what should you look for when casting a model for a photo shoot? Cos Sakkas, British Hairdresser of the Year 2022, shares his tips...

Always Hold a Live Casting When Possible

This gives you an opportunity to see the face, touch the hair and discover how their hair moves; you won’t always be able to use wigs so you want to be able to work with their natural hair when you can. It also gives you a glimpse into the model’s personality and how they may move and work on set.

Don't Cast Straight From an Agency's Website

This is because they will always display retouched, finished images. Instead, always ask for a polaroid of the model with no make-up or hair done, shot both face-on and from the side.

Think of Your Theme

The face is really important to an image, so make sure you find one that suits your theme, style and story. You are looking for a face that has emotion and character, and can tell your story. The face is just as important as the hair; the face is the canvas you are building your style around, so don’t rush the decision.

Think About Colour Prep

If you’re not doing a colour collection and purely styling, check whether the model is having her hair coloured on any jobs before your shoot, or whether she needs her roots touching up before your shoot. Adding in a prep day will cost you, but is essential.

Respect Your Models

Build trust with the agency – respect the model has to get work after your shoot, so don’t go crazy with the cut or colour unless you’ve approved this with the agent and the model prior to the day. Always return their hair to their original state at the end of the day - whether this is brushing out heaps of hairspray, or taking their colour back to what they walked in with.

Be Transparent

Always negotiate the model’s fee before your photo shoot day. Make sure they know how you want to use them – for a competition, for PR, for social media, window or marketing campaign.

Consider Your Budget

Finding a hair model on a budget? Do a street casting. There are some great people walking around who would love to take part in a photo shoot. Check out the FAQs for HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional