Creative and design
Hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics technician - Make up and prosthetics
To help create and maintain the visual appearance of performers, artists, models or clients, to meet design requirements.
Summary
This occupation can be found in production and technical departments of theatres, television, film, dance and fashion productions, and cultural organisations. This occupation runs across a range of sectors such as music events, pop concerts, recitals, commercials and print media, and university events. The duties of a hair, wigs, make up and prosthetics technician can be varied, and technicians need to be able to adapt to the requirements of the setting. Out of hours working, such as evenings and weekends, and travel may be required as part of the role.
Technicians will typically work under the instruction of a supervisor and are required to follow delegated tasks, completing given work independently.
Hair, wigs, make up and prosthetics are key elements in the overall design of a performance or production. They will need to use reliable sources to research looks that are authentic and appropriate, creating looks in line with production requirements and budget. They may use design and planning documentation such as notes, reference sheets and photographs to ensure performers, artists, models or clients will have the same look every time.
They support preparatory stages, rehearsals and actual performances or production and work closely with performers, artists, models or clients to get them ready and undertake quick touch ups or changes throughout the performance or production.
It is essential that technicians are sensitive in their approach when dealing with performers, artists, models or clients and keep any personal information confidential, observing the required workplace etiquette.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of their team and their supervisors to meet the objectives. They develop good working relationships with performers, artists, models or clients.
This is a core and options apprenticeship with two options:
Option 1: Hair and wigs technician
Option 2: Make up and prosthetics technician
Typical job titles include
- Hair stylist | Hair technician | Make up technician | Make-up artist | Prosthetic artist | Prosthetics techncian | Special effects technician | Wig-maker | Wigs technician
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
Methods to identify hairstyles or make-up characteristics to meet period or genre requirements.
K2:
Methods of research such as digital, visual and historical to ensure suitability for use.
K3:
The design process for hair or make up.
K4:
Health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures such as hygiene standards, PPE, data protection, COSHH, manual handling and risk assessments.
K5:
Legal requirements when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
K6:
Sustainable working practices and environmental legislation relevant to role such as storage and disposal of chemicals, disposal of rubbish, recycling.
K7:
Production or organisational structure and how each department interacts with each other throughout the process.
K8:
Processes to prepare design notes, reference sheets and photographs to ensure consistency and continuity. Sharing and storage considerations.
K9:
The production schedules and impact on personal workload. Tools and methods used to meet deadlines.
K10:
Equipment set up, maintenance, cleaning and storage.
K11:
Management processes in a hair or make up department to support efficient running for example management of equipment and resources, use of tools, replenishment of stock, adherence to agreed budgets and staffing requirements.
K12:
Employment in the industry: self-employment, contract types, union membership, pensions, invoicing and tax requirements, personal finances.
K13:
Techniques to secure employment in the industry such as networking, interviews, CVs and jobs boards.
K14:
Workplace practices such as use of IT systems software or record keeping systems relevant to role.
K15:
Privacy rules, GDPR, social media use and online content and activity.
K16:
Communication techniques: verbal, written, and digital. Use of industry specific terminology relevant to the role.
K28:
Tools and materials required for make up and prosthetics activities such as SFX making and application, make up application, airbrush application.
K29:
Techniques to assess individual performers or models make-up requirements such as skin type and colour, required skincare, allergies, sensitivities.
K30:
Methods to select, apply and remove make up products to meet design requirements.
K31:
Make-up application techniques for body and face for example brushes, sponges, stippling, painting, airbrushing, stencils, embellishment.
K32:
Airbrushing techniques including spray techniques such as lines, areas, shades, highlighting and shading, concealing, even colour washing, stencils, templates, masking, temporary tattoos, body painting, tanning.
K33:
Processes for life casting, mould making, use of foam latexes and silicones, and surface rendering.
K34:
Prosthetics creation including bald caps, body parts, wounds and blemishes
K35:
Prosthetics application - methods and processes.
- Reference:
- OCC0918A
- Status:
Occupational standard in development
- SOC 2020 code:
- 0
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
S1:
Gather and collate research to meet design requirements.
S2:
Use and work to design and planning documentation, to produce the required look.
S3:
Prepare and maintain equipment including cleaning and storage.
S4:
Store products, tools and equipment in accordance with process requirements.
S5:
Contribute to the management of the budget, following organisational processes.
S6:
Apply time management processes to prioritise tasks and time, to meet deadlines.
S7:
Respond to hair or makeup requirements during a performance or production ensuring continuity of the look.
S8:
Keep workspace tidy, following health and safety guidelines.
S9:
Work collaboratively with colleagues, to achieve performance or production requirements, in line with organisational expectations.
S10:
Adapt working style and communication techniques to develop and maintain productive working relationships.
S11:
Meet employment expectations, policies, codes of conduct such as zero tolerance around drugs and alcohol, bullying and harassment and respect in the workplace. Comply with contractual obligations and workplace policies and procedures such as dignity and respect at work, social media, privacy rules.
S19:
Choose and apply make-up to meet design requirements.
S20:
Undertake colour assessments when applying body and facial make-up.
S21:
Remove make-up and prosthetics in accordance with hygiene requirements.
S22:
Dispose of make-up tools and materials in accordance with organisational and environmental process requirements.
S23:
Create prosthetics such as bald caps, body parts, wounds and blemishes.
S24:
Apply SFX make up or prosthetics to meet design requirements.
- Reference:
- OCC0918A
- Status:
Occupational standard in development
- SOC 2020 code:
- 0
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
B1:
Committed to maintaining high standards with attention to detail in tasks.
B2:
Displays respect, tolerance and dignity when working with colleagues and others in line with required equality, diversity and inclusion standards.
B3:
Works calmly under pressure.
B4:
Displays resilience and flexibility when facing challenges. Actively works to find solutions, accepts support and acts on feedback.
- Reference:
- OCC0918A
- Status:
- Occupational standard in development
- SOC 2020 code:
- 0
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
