Trying your hand at the fame game

This year has seen one very unflattering portrayal of hairdressing on television (don’t mention the Wars), but for years top names in the industry have been acting as ambassadors for hairdressing in the UK, raising the industry’s profile and ensuring bright young people see it as a creative career prospect and not a fall-back. As Hair Wars illustrated, not all publicity is good publicity and any hairdresser accepting an invitation to appear on TV needs to go into the project with their eyes open. That's a message that is firmly endorsed by top industry professionals Errol Douglas, Andrew Barton and Beverly C, who agree that television appearances can be a major opportunity; but also represent a huge risk.Errol Douglas, whose TV highlights include regular appearances on the BBC’s Clothes Show, GMTV, This Morning and Model Behaviour says:

“Before making the decision to do any type of small-screen appearance, I will always try and find out what context I will be appearing in. If the programme portrays hairdressing in a professional light, I will consider it. The work I’ve done on-screen has been an amazing experience and has had a positive effect on my business.”

Current British Hairdresser of the Year Andrew Barton, the resident hairdresser on Channel 4's 10 Years Younger, adds:

“Television is an exciting proposition for a hairdresser and I’d understand anyone jumping at the chance to be involved with a project. But it is vital to find out as much as possible about the show and to be honest with yourself about how you’re going to be represented . Don’t be tempted by those 15 minutes of fame because if the show doesn’t portray you or the profession in a good light, that’s all you’ll get.”

Beverly C, another TV veteran on shows including ITV’s This Morning has a similar message:

“TV takes you to a different level. It’s the most powerful media for getting your name, and your personality, out there in the UK and, potentially, internationally, but beware of the way you are portrayed. It’s taken a long time for TV companies to produce programmes on hairdressing that promote the industry as sexy and glamorous and one that people will want to get involved in. However, there are still programmes produced that make a mockery of the industry, so it’s imperative that you understand what the programme will be about and the underlying angle.”

TOP TIPS FOR TV

• Go into any television work with your eyes wide open. Be clear on exactly what angle the programme plans to take and in what light you and the industry will be portrayed
• Be aware that a production company will have its own agenda and that editing can change the context and meaning of what you say and do on film
• Think about what you say and how it could be interpreted by a TV audience. Could it be twisted to show you in a bad light?
• Check what time commitments are expected of you and if these can be accommodated into your schedule.