In Australia, hair and make-up go hand in hand. Artists are often referred to as HMUAs (Hair and make-up artists) which carries the expectation that a make-up artist is also proficient in not only hairstyling but hairdressing as well. The fact is, however, the Diploma of Screen and Media in Specialist Makeup Services offered throughout Australia, only hair styling is a part of the diploma qualification. Hairdressing has its own certification outside of courses such as the Diploma of Screen and Media.
Film
In the film, you are required to be competent in both hair and make-up to be on the main make-up teams. If you are only skilled in make-up it is likely that the work you receive from film sets will be doing dailies (uncredited work usually done on extras). In the American film scene hair and make-up are split into two different departments and most importantly unions; however, in Australia, they are usually joined into one department. Hairdressing will also prepare you with the base skills required to work with wigs on films and in theatre!
Employability
Possessing a hairdressing qualification opens a world of extra employment opportunities. The skills acquired from hairdressing courses such as Certificate III in Hairdressing are relevant when working at Weddings, Formals, Salons, Runways, Film, TV, Theatre, Commercials or Photography to just name a few. Combining this with a Diploma of Screen and Media makes you much more desirable in all the above sectors. An employer will acknowledge that you are well equipped to work in a variety of scenarios and situations.
Hairdressing is a fantastic skill for make-up artists to learn. By increasing your skillsets and knowledge you open many more employment opportunities and are favourably desired by employers in the creative industries. As it is expected for make-up artists to be proficient in hair styling why not take it to the next level with a hairdressing course?
If you are wanting to upskill as a make-up artist why not enrol in a hairdressing course such as Certificate 3 in Hairdressing. Accelerate your career by studying a bespoke hairdressing course that has been designed specifically for makeup artists in the creative industries.
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