Female First gets some insight into the world of film hair stylist Charlotte Hayward, who has been part of the behind the scenes team on movies including Harry Potter, Captain Phillips and X-Men.
With over 11 years' experience in the hairstyling industry and working in the fast-paced film industry, Charlotte Hayward knows what it's like dealing with tight time pressures and challenging environments to create easy to manage hair styles that look great as well as keeping hair healthy-looking. Charlotte has teamed up with kids' hair care brand Vosene Kids, to help give parents #onelessthing to think about when it comes to kids' hair hacks and mishaps. For more information visit: www.vosenekids.co.uk
What's your typical day like on a shoot?
A typical day doesn't really exist! My job changes all the time - scenes, characters, locations, fashion, film - and that's one of the things I love about it. For me is a great way to keep being inspired.
What are you responsible for?
I am generally responsible for creating a character look and then helping that look evolve through the story line and adapt with each scene depending on what happens to them. I then maintain that look throughout the day for continuity.
Did you always want to work with hair?
I always loved hair and makeup and experimenting with looks on my friends or doing makeovers. I loved fashion and art too but it was when I was in college that I really decided which direction to go in.
Is there a key personality trait for being a hair stylist working in the film industry?
It's as much to do with your personality and getting along with people as it is your skill set. Sometimes people are just drawn to each other and get along and work together better due to who they are. You spend a lot of time with the people you work with so you need to be able to read people and know how to act. Generally, you need to be adaptable and try not to let stress and pressure have too much of an effect on you.
Who do you mostly work with on a film set?
In my day I work alongside so many people. The main ones are the actors who I am with all day and will collaborate with to find their look. Then there's other makeup and hair artists to work with, assistant directors who help schedule our timings and organise everything, costume, who I will work as a team with each day, the director, the director of photography, who lights each scene and the actors, props and camera crew too.
Who do you like working with?
I love working with kids on set. You never know what they might say and how funny they could be, plus it's fun to watch children grow and find their own way and develop personalities. Sometimes they can get a bit creative with their own hair which can add a healthy surprise to my working day and I have to think on my feet!
Have you seen any DIY hair disasters?
I think we've all been overly scissor happy at one point in our lives and I see all sorts of hair hacks! That's why I have teamed up with kids' haircare brand, Vosene Kids, to create a handy video and tips giving parents advice for coping with wonky fringes and much more.
What do you love about your job?
All of it! Almost. All of the creative parts of it, the travel, the people I meet, how no one day is the same as the next, and that there is always room to grow and learn.
What's the worst part of your job?
The unpredictable schedules - it sometimes means having to change your plans last minute and missing out on fun and special events for people you care about.
What are your work challenges?
Working outside on location I might have to work in rainy conditions or cold weather and it can be really hard to maintain your work and keep everything fresh.
What's the most glam location you've worked in?
Oh so hard to choose! I have been lucky to travel quite a bit. Morocco, Iceland and Argentina for the landscapes. New York, LA, Cannes, for the glamour. Budapest, Berlin, Morocco for the culture.
Do you have a go-to hair style?
I like to use plaits a lot as they tell a story. It's a classic but they can be broken down and dishevelled and still look good and so it can share a journey with the character if needs be. Also they can be pretty and glamorous if used in other ways.
Using her know-how, Charlotte has shared some of her best kept-secrets revealing a range of tricks she has up her sleeve. From caring for your little one's hair whilst they're swimming, through to getting their hair ready for school in 5 minutes, Charlotte has advice and tips that can help you with your day to day life. When it comes to a special occasion, Charlotte's dad-proof special style is a sure fire success and finally, for those of you dealing with those dreadful DIY disasters, they couldn't be easier to tackle with Charlotte's advice for coping with wonky fringes and more. For more information visit: www.vosenekids.co.uk
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