Creative Media Skills

Introduction to Hair for Screen

Begin your journey into the world of hair styling for film and television with our comprehensive foundation course. This intensive program introduces you to the essential techniques, professional practices, and creative skills needed to start your career in the UK screen industry.

Course Overview

The Introduction to Hair for Screen course is designed for individuals with little or no experience in film hairdressing who want to explore this creative career path. While you should have basic hairdressing skills and an understanding of hair care, you don’t need previous screen industry experience. Our expert instructors, who work actively on major UK productions, will guide you through the fundamental techniques and professional practices that form the foundation of screen hairdressing.

Located at Pinewood Studios, you’ll train in professional facilities and learn on the same equipment used on actual film productions. With a maximum class size of 10 participants, you’ll receive personalized attention and have plenty of opportunity to practice techniques and ask questions in a supportive learning environment.

What You’ll Learn

Basic Styling and Setting Techniques

Screen hairdressing requires precision, speed, and the ability to create styles that look natural on camera while maintaining their integrity throughout long shooting days. This module introduces fundamental styling techniques including blow-drying for different hair types, setting techniques, and creating basic styles that work for camera.

You’ll learn:

Introduction to Wigs and Hairpieces

Wigs and hairpieces are essential tools in film and television production, used for period drama, character transformation, and practical production needs. This module introduces you to working with wigs, from basic preparation to simple styling and maintenance.

Key topics include:

On-Set Etiquette and Workflow

Working on film and television sets requires understanding production protocols, professional conduct, and effective communication with other departments. This crucial module prepares you for the realities of working in a fast-paced production environment.

You’ll discover:

Hair for Different Production Types

Different production formats have different requirements. Learn how hairdressing techniques vary between contemporary drama, period productions, commercials, and reality television. Understand the pace, style, and technical requirements of different production types.

Building Your Foundation

This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in screen hairdressing while helping you understand whether this career path is right for you. You’ll gain hands-on experience creating styles, working with wigs, and understanding the professional environment of film production. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed fundamental skills and a clearer sense of how to continue your education and career development.

Many successful screen hairdressers started with foundation courses like this before specializing further or gaining on-set experience as trainees or dailies. The UK screen industry offers numerous pathways for talented, dedicated individuals who are willing to learn and work hard to develop their craft.

Industry Pathways and Resources

The UK screen industry provides various routes for developing your career in hair for film and television. ScreenSkills offers information about career pathways, training opportunities, and sometimes funding for professional development. Educational institutions like MetFilm School and Buckinghamshire New University offer longer-term programs for those interested in degree-level study.

Specialized training centers such as Iver Makeup Academy at Pinewood Studios provide focused professional training accredited by ScreenSkills Select. Building your skills through a combination of courses, practice, and eventually on-set experience as a trainee is a common pathway into the industry.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for individuals who have basic hairdressing skills and are interested in transitioning into film and television work. You should be comfortable working with hair, have good hand coordination, and be willing to learn in a practical, hands-on environment.

Perfect for:

What to Bring

You’ll need basic hairdressing tools including:

All styling products, wigs, and specialized equipment are provided during the course.

Course Details

Duration: 3 intensive days

Class Size: Maximum 10 participants

Location: Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire

Prerequisites: Basic hairdressing knowledge and skills; no screen industry experience required

What’s Included:

Building Your Career

While this foundation course alone won’t make you a fully qualified screen hairdresser, it provides the essential first step. After completing this course, many students continue their development through:

The most successful screen hairdressers combine formal training with extensive practical experience, continuously developing their skills throughout their careers.

Start Your Journey

If you’ve ever watched a period drama and wondered how those incredible hairstyles were created, or dreamed of working behind the scenes on major film productions, this course provides the perfect introduction to the craft. You’ll gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and the confidence to take the next steps in your career.

The UK screen industry is always looking for talented, dedicated individuals who bring creativity, technical skill, and professionalism to their work. With training at Pinewood Studios and instruction from working professionals, you’ll gain authentic insight into what this career truly involves.

Apply now to secure your place in our next Introduction to Hair for Screen course, or contact us if you have questions about the course, prerequisites, or how to prepare.

Creative Media Skills foundation courses are designed to provide genuine, practical introduction to screen industry careers. Our instructors are working professionals who understand the current requirements of UK film and television production.