Why, when and how to get a hairdressing agent when you're freelance

We interviewed freelance stylist Matthew Wade to find out why, when and how to get a hairdressing agent. Matthew's clients include Twiggy and Kate Bush and he has shot campaigns for L'Oréal and Marks and Spencer's, as well as creating hair for shoots in Vogue, Sunday Times Style and ES Magazine. What are the pros of working with an agent? An agent first and foremost will help get you jobs. They can also help look after your website and invoices. I find that people are either creative or business minded. If you are both (lucky you!) you might be able to sort your own invoices and be a self-promoter. But for me having an agent is great. My agent (Carol Hayes Management) also represents a lot of other artists so I am often recommended if another artist isn’t available which is a great perk. How did you come to work with an agency in the first place? I had a friend who was a model turned make-up artist and she recommend that I do session work. So after I had got a few images published I went to see an agent. My dream was to travel the world doing hair and within six weeks of getting an agent I was in the Maldives! When wanting to join agencies contact them and offer your services as an assistant. Often you can earn a small fee for this as on a shoot there may be several models to do. Prove your worth and this agent may take you on in time. Why not contact several agents to assist their hair stylists? What do you look for when choosing a hairdressing agent to work with? I visited two or three agencies and researched who they were representing. It’s good to note that very high-end editorial agencies are focused on their profile and discourage their artists from doing small/ medium jobs. I would say there are about ten hairdressers and make-up artists that are still doing those high end shoots. I went for an agent that specialised in editorial and commercial work. Would you recommend every freelancer get an agent? For the first five years of your freelance career everyone would benefit from having an agent. It’s not only great for the reason already mentioned but it will help you meet and work with fellow artists at your agency and hopefully in time they will recommend you too. Any top tips for working with a hairdressing agent? Build up a good relationship with your booker! Also move near to or where you want to work. An agent won’t take you seriously if you don’t. HJ's Freelance Week is sponsored by Wella Professionals