Role
Assistant Hair Stylist
An Assistant Hair Stylist supports the hair department with station setup, sanitation, tools, products, wig and extension preparation, performer processing, continuity reference, touch-ups, resets, cleanup, and inventory. They work under department leadership, follow approved designs and product restrictions, protect performers’ hair and scalp, and communicate changes or concerns rather than independently altering established looks.
The assistant may support background, principal, wig, or crowd work depending on staffing, skill, and the day’s needs.
Assistant Hair Stylist connects a defined craft or decision area to the wider production plan. A strong brief clarifies authority, deliverables, schedule, safety expectations, and the handoffs this role owns.
Responsibilities
- Prepare sanitized stations, tools, capes, products, appliances, wigs, extensions, and continuity reference.
- Assist washing, drying, setting, styling, pinning, wig prep, touch-ups, resets, and removal.
- Track assigned products, tools, performer sensitivities, timing, and photographed continuity.
- Clean and disinfect equipment, restock stations, and report damage or performer concerns.
Tools
- Combs, brushes, pins, irons, dryers, rollers, and styling products
- Wig blocks, stands, nets, extensions, and ventilating supplies
- Sanitation and protective equipment
- Continuity camera and records
Documents
- Hair continuity record
- Product and sensitivity note
- Station checklist
- Wig or extension log
Skills
- Hair preparation
- Sanitation
- Continuity
- Performer care
Career path
- Assistants train in cosmetology, salon, wig, theater, fashion, or screen hair work and progress as their styling and set-continuity experience grows.
Work environment
- The work occurs in crowded trailers, tents, stages, locations, weather, early calls, and repeated performer touch-ups near camera.
Common questions
What is the main responsibility of an Assistant Hair Stylist?
An Assistant Hair Stylist supports the hair department with station setup, sanitation, tools, products, wig and extension preparation, performer processing, continuity reference, touch-ups, resets, cleanup, and inventory. They work under department leadership, follow approved designs and product restrictions, protect performers’ hair and scalp, and communicate changes or concerns rather than independently altering established looks.
What does an Assistant Hair Stylist do day to day?
Day to day, Assistant Hair Stylist work commonly includes Prepare sanitized stations, tools, capes, products, appliances, wigs, extensions, and continuity reference., Assist washing, drying, setting, styling, pinning, wig prep, touch-ups, resets, and removal., and Track assigned products, tools, performer sensitivities, timing, and photographed continuity.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for an Assistant Hair Stylist?
The most useful skills are Hair preparation, Sanitation, Continuity, and Performer care. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does an Assistant Hair Stylist use?
Common tools include Combs, brushes, pins, irons, dryers, rollers, and styling products, Wig blocks, stands, nets, extensions, and ventilating supplies, Sanitation and protective equipment, and Continuity camera and records. The role also relies on Hair continuity record, Product and sensitivity note, Station checklist, and Wig or extension log so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for an Assistant Hair Stylist?
Assistants train in cosmetology, salon, wig, theater, fashion, or screen hair work and progress as their styling and set-continuity experience grows.
How does an Assistant Hair Stylist vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The work occurs in crowded trailers, tents, stages, locations, weather, early calls, and repeated performer touch-ups near camera.
Related entries
Sources
- Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild craft overview — IATSE Local 706
- Motion picture industry craft groups — Contract Services
- Costume Designer definitions and duties — Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892