What does a celebrity hairdresser do?

What is a Celebrity Hairdresser?

Celebrity hairdressers are highly skilled hairstylists who specialize in creating and maintaining hairstyles for celebrities, including actors, musicians, athletes, and other high-profile individuals. They are adept at cutting, coloring, and styling hair to suit their clients' preferences, style and image, and the specific demands of various events, performances, and appearances.

Celebrity hairdressers stay updated on the latest trends and techniques, demonstrating creativity and adaptability in their work. They often develop close, trusting relationships with their clients, offering personalized and discreet services. Some celebrity hairdressers may gain recognition in the industry for their expertise and expand their work to include editorial shoots, fashion shows, and other prestigious events. They may even establish their own salons or product lines, leveraging their success and reputation in the field.

In many ways, the work of the celebrity hairdresser extends beyond hairstyling, as they become key players in the world of entertainment, fashion, and beauty trends.

What does a Celebrity Hairdresser do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Here’s a snapshot of the tasks and responsibilities that celebrity hairdressers undertake to meet the hairstyling needs of their celebrity clients:

• Consultation – Celebrity hairdressers engage in thorough consultations with celebrities to understand their desired hairstyles, preferences, and specific requirements concerning hair length, color, and texture. They use their expertise to determine the most flattering and suitable styles for their clients' face shapes and personalities.
• Haircuts and Styling – Celebrity hairdressers excel in precision hair cutting techniques and are skilled in creating various hairstyles, from classic to trendy. They also style the hair using professional tools, products, and techniques to achieve the desired look.
• Hair Color and Treatments – Celebrity hairdressers are experienced in hair coloring techniques and can recommend and apply different shades and highlights to enhance their clients' hair. They may also provide hair treatments such as deep conditioning to repair damaged hair and restore and maintain its overall health and vitality.
• Event Preparation – Celebrity hairdressers work closely with celebrities to prepare their hair for specific events, performances, engagements, or public appearances. This includes creating hairstyles that complement the outfit, theme, or mood of the occasion. They ensure the hair looks polished, camera-ready, and suits the overall styling vision.
• On-Set Styling – Celebrity hairdressers often accompany their clients to film sets, photo shoots, or music video productions. They are responsible for maintaining the continuity of the hairstyle throughout the filming or shooting process, making touch-ups, and ensuring the hair looks its best under different lighting conditions.
• Trend and Product Research – To stay current and innovative, celebrity hairdressers constantly research the latest trends, techniques, and hair care products in the industry. They experiment with new styles, incorporate emerging trends, and recommend the best products to their clients for maintaining healthy and stylish hair.
• Travel and Availability – Celebrity hairdressers may need to travel with their clients, especially for events or projects that require extended periods away from home. They need to be flexible and available to accommodate their clients' schedules, which can include early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
• Confidentiality and Professionalism – Celebrity hairdressers understand the importance of discretion and maintaining client confidentiality. They respect their clients' privacy and uphold a professional demeanor in all interactions.
• Endorsement and Promotion – Celebrity hairdressers often serve as ambassadors for hair care brands and products, endorsing and promoting them through their association with high-profile clients. Their influence and endorsements can significantly impact the success and popularity of specific hair care products, generating sales and driving trends within the industry.

Types of Celebrity Hairdressers
Now that we have a sense of a typical day in the life of a celebrity hairdresser, let’s look at the different types of celebrity hairdressers, based on their areas of specialization, clientele, and the nature of their work:

• Red Carpet / Event Hairdressers – These hairdressers excel in creating glamorous and camera-ready hairstyles for red carpet events, award shows, premieres, and other high-profile occasions. They have expertise in intricate updos, elegant styling, and ensuring the hair looks impeccable under various lighting and photography conditions.
• Editorial / Fashion Hairdressers – These hairdressers work closely with fashion magazines, editorial shoots, and fashion shows. They collaborate with stylists, photographers, and designers to create avant-garde, trendsetting hairstyles that push boundaries and make a strong fashion statement.
• Music / Performance Hairdressers – These hairdressers specialize in working with musicians, performers, and dancers. They create hairstyles that complement the artist's stage persona, performance requirements, and music video concepts. They often have skills in creating unique and expressive looks that align with the artist's brand and style.
• Film / TV Hairdressers – These hairdressers work in the film and television industry, collaborating with actors, actresses, and production teams. They create hairstyles that suit the character's personality, era, and storylines. Film and TV hairdressers may be skilled in period hairstyles, wig work, and transforming actors' appearances to fit their roles.
• Personal Celebrity Hairdressers – These hairdressers work exclusively with a specific celebrity or a small group of high-profile clients, providing personalized and dedicated hairstyling services.
• Salon-Based Celebrity Hairdressers – Some celebrity hairdressers may work primarily in salons but have a clientele that includes celebrities. They offer their expertise to both regular clients and high-profile individuals who seek their services in the salon setting. They may also work on editorial shoots, fashion events, or provide on-location services for their celebrity clients.

Some celebrity hairdressers may also develop a niche in very specific areas like color and highlights, hair extensions, men’s grooming, natural hair and textured styling, or bridal hair.

It's important to note that these specializations are not mutually exclusive, and some celebrity hairdressers may excel in multiple areas or work with a diverse range of clients and on a variety of projects.

What is the workplace of a Celebrity Hairdresser like?

Celebrity hairdressers work in various capacities for different entities and individuals. Here are some of their most common employers:

• Celebrity Clients
• Talent Agencies / Management Companies
• High-Profile Salons and Beauty Studios
• Production Companies
• Fashion Magazines and Editorial Teams

Some celebrity hairdressers may have a combination of employers, working independently with their own clients while also collaborating with other entities for specific projects or events.

Here are some work settings with which celebrity hairdressers become familiar:

• On-Location – Celebrity hairdressers often work on location, which could be anywhere from a celebrity's home to a hotel room, film set, or wherever they are needed. This could involve setting up a portable salon station with the necessary tools, equipment, and products to create and maintain the desired hairstyles.
• Salon or Studio – These settings are equipped with styling stations, chairs, mirrors, and a range of professional tools and products. Some salons may have a private area of VIP section for celebrity clients who prefer more privacy.
• Backstage or Dressing Rooms – Celebrity hairdressers who work with performers, musicians, or actors often find themselves in backstage areas or dressing rooms. They have a designated area where they set up their tools and products to prepare the clients' hair before performances, concerts, or on-set shoots. They collaborate with other stylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe professionals to create cohesive looks.
• Photo Studios – When working on editorial shoots or fashion spreads for magazines, celebrity hairdressers may find themselves in professional photo studios. These studios are equipped with appropriate lighting, backdrops, and props to create the desired ambiance for the photoshoot. The hairdresser collaborates with the editorial team, photographers, and stylists to bring the envisioned hairstyles to life.
• Travel – Celebrity hairdressers often travel extensively with their clients, especially when they have events, tours, or promotional activities in different locations. During these travels, they may find themselves on airplanes or in hotels, backstage areas of venues, or even private residences. They need to be adaptable and able to create and maintain hairstyles in various environments.
• Industry Events – Celebrity hairdressers may attend industry events, fashion shows, award ceremonies, or red-carpet events. They may have access to backstage areas or designated styling stations where they provide touch-ups or last-minute hairstyling to their clients or other attendees.