What Does a Hair Department Head Do?

Sometimes, with consent and appropriate licensing, but they also design, assign, supervise, and protect the whole department workflow.

Day to day, Hair Department Head work commonly includes Break down scripts for character, period, cut, color, texture, wig, action, and continuity needs., Design, test, document, and approve hairstyles with creative leadership., and Hire, schedule, brief, and supervise hair stylists and wig specialists.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.

The most useful skills are Hair design, Cutting and styling, Texture and period knowledge, Department leadership, and Continuity. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.

Common tools include Professional cutting, styling, thermal, color, and texture tools, Wigs, pieces, blocks, adhesives, pins, and maintenance supplies, Sanitation, ventilation, skin and scalp protection, and Continuity photography, design, budget, and cast systems. The role also relies on Hair breakdown, Design boards, Wig and piece log, and Continuity photos so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.

Department Heads progress through extensive Hair Stylist and Key Hair work across varied textures, periods, wigs, cast, and production scales.

The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The role spans early trailer calls, fittings, wig rooms, set touch-ups, travel, power tools, products, and close performer contact.