Creative and design
Hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics technician - Wigs and hair
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.
K17:
Tools and materials required such as wig, hair piece, facial making, switches and wefts, facial cutting, styling or application tools.
K18:
Hair preparation techniques for wig, hair piece, switch, weft or facial making. Assessment and or selection methods according to texture, type, length, colour, shade, pre-blend, mix, colouring or root shading as required.
K19:
Techniques used to cut, colour, set, dress and style hair, wigs or hair pieces to meet design requirements.
K20:
Pressure boiling and perming for pre-curling
K21:
Maintenance of hair, wig, hair piece, switch, weft, facial hair including tying hair bundles washing and storage.
K22:
Measurements and fitting techniques for head and face wraps. Preparation techniques of the head or face block.
K23:
Wig making and knotting techniques following templates or instructions to meet design requirements.
K24:
Weft making and weaving techniques. Foundation making using whipping or sewing techniques following templates or instructions to meet design requirements.
K25:
Switch making from weft pieces, using a twisting machine, to incorporate into a wig on models or performers own hair.
K26:
Techniques used to assess hair and wig applications such as scalp conditions, contraindications, sensitivities, textures and type.
K27:
Colour assessment techniques including colour mixing; colour washes; highlights and shades.
- Reference:
- OCC0918B
- 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.
S12:
Prepare hair for for a variety of uses such as making wigs, hair pieces, switches, wefts or facial. Consider texture, type, length, colour, shade, pre-blend, mix as drawn, colouring or root shading.
S13:
Pin-curl hair in preparation for wigs and hair pieces.
S14:
Knot hair for a variety of uses such as facial hair, wigs or hair pieces using a knotting direction template or instructions to meet design requirements.
S15:
Make weft pieces and switches to meet design requirements
S16:
Make alterations and repairs to wigs as required.
S17:
Set and dress-out wigs or hair pieces.
S18:
Cut and style hair, wigs or hair pieces to meet design requirements.
- Reference:
- OCC0918B
- 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.
- Reference:
- OCC0918B
- Status:
- Occupational standard in development
- SOC 2020 code:
- 0
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
