Pros Know It All! Hair and Makeup Artist Booking Tips

Have you ever had your hair and makeup done at a salon? If so, you know how crucial it is to accurately communicate your desired style and skin type. Simply saying, "Make it look natural," can result in something completely different from what you expected.

It's not uncommon for brides to be shocked after receiving their wedding photos because their makeup looks wedding-ready but not as they envisioned. 😭 This issue isn’t just wedding-related but applies to fashion editorials and commercial shoots. For a successful shoot, it’s essential to carefully select a hair and makeup artist and communicate your vision in detail. Today, we’ll introduce the key differences that make a great hair and makeup artist booking!

Clearly Communicate Your Desired Style to the Hair and Makeup Artist

While it may seem obvious to give clear and specific instructions to your hair and makeup artist, it’s a common mistake, especially for those with little experience in hiring one. Many people assume the artist will figure everything out, but in reality, detailed communication is key to achieving the best results.

A great way to ensure mutual understanding is by summarizing your hair & makeup needs in a single presentation slide. Write a concise one-liner about the required styles based on the shoot concept or outfit, and highlight the must-follow points. This can significantly reduce the chances of miscommunication. (We'll explain this in detail below!)

Hair and Makeup Artist Booking Tips

For a flawless shoot, checking the hair and makeup artist’s skill and experience is crucial. Before hiring one, make sure to review the following points:

1. Check the Artist’s Specialty

Hair and makeup salons typically fall into two main categories: wedding and entertainment. Even within entertainment, some artists specialize in beauty or fashion. Check the artist’s or salon’s Instagram or portfolio to see if they have experience in your type of shoot. Artists with extensive experience in fashion editorials or commercials will be more familiar with the set environment and workflow, ensuring a smoother process.

2. Book at Least Two Weeks in Advance

Schedules for hair and makeup artists fill up quickly, so it’s best to book at least two weeks ahead, or even three to four weeks in advance for popular artists. Checking availability early is a must.

3. Share a Detailed Timetable

One of the most common issues during shoots is unexpected schedule delays. To prevent this, share a timetable in advance. Pre-determine the time required for each model or outfit change, coordinate arrival and waiting times, and allow some buffer time for unforeseen situations.

4. Finalize the Pricing in Advance

Hair and makeup costs usually depend on the number of style changes rather than the number of outfits. For example, if you wear three different outfits but keep the same hairstyle, additional charges may not apply. However, if you change your hairstyle multiple times during the shoot, extra fees may be incurred. When requesting a quote, clarify whether hair transformations are included.

How to Create a Clear & Concise Hair and Makeup Guide

To help the hair and makeup artist understand your vision accurately, it’s essential to organize a structured reference sheet. Summarize the hair and makeup changes required based on the shoot concept and outfit, and include must-follow details to avoid misinterpretation.

1. Provide Recent Photos of the Model

Hair and makeup styling varies depending on the model’s face shape and current hair condition. Sharing recent photos allows the artist to suggest realistic options. Providing the model’s Instagram account or portfolio can also help the artist understand their usual style and vibe.

A brief memo about the model’s current hair (e.g., whether they have bangs) can be useful. This helps the artist prepare items like clip-in bangs or hair color sprays in advance.

2. Include Image References for Hair and Makeup

Visual references make it easier for the hair and makeup artist to grasp the desired style quickly. In addition to showing what you like, sharing styles to avoid can also be helpful.

💡 TIP : Summarize the preferred hair and makeup style in one simple line along with the reference image for clarity.

• Hair and Makeup Style: Sleek bun / Decide on bangs after reviewing model’s hair condition

• Makeup : Semi-smoky eye makeup / Lip & cheek in brown tones to match the look / Chic and edgy mood

3. Consider Outfit & Concept in Your Guide

Sharing the shoot concept and outfits helps the hair and makeup artist determine necessary makeup and hair changes. For instance, classic black dress shoots and casual daily look shoots require different styling, so providing these details in advance ensures a cohesive look.

A Platform for Booking
Hair and Makeup Artists & Models

Now, it’s time to book your hair and makeup artist! <Spotlite> is a model booking platform with over 2,000 local and international models. By April 2025, they’ll expand their services to include on-location hair and makeup artist bookings, allowing you to hire all the professionals you need for your shoot in one place.

The platform lets you search for verified artists based on their style and expertise, browse portfolios, and book them easily. If you’re looking for a seamless way to hire models and beauty professionals for your shoot, check out Spotlite!

👉 Click here to learn more about Spotlite’s hair and makeup artist booking service!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How far in advance should I book a hair and makeup artist?

A: It’s best to book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for popular wedding and fashion makeup artists.

Q: What is the cost of professional hair and makeup services?

A: Prices vary depending on the number of style changes. Wedding and editorial shoots often have different pricing structures.