Hair and Make-up

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This chapter provides guidance in relation to the use of hair and make-up on a production.

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This chapter is primarily based on guidance issued by the following:

• The New Zealand Film & Video Technicians;
• National Association of Screen Make-up Artists and Hairdressers (UK); and
• Ontario Ministry of Labour: Safety Guidelines for the Film and Television Industry.

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Who needs to read this?

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Anyone involved in the application of hair or make-up or the handling of associated products on a production, cast or other performers,
and those responsible for engaging hair and make-up artists on a production need to read this chapter.

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Minimum responsibilities for Performers

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Performers have a duty to inform the production’s hair and make-up artists of all known or suspected allergies, sensitivities, communicable diseases and skin reactions.
Performers should not eat, drink or smoke while hair or make-up chemicals are being used around them.

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Planning and Guidance Considerations and Responsibilities

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Producer / Production Manager

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The Producer / Production Manager should consider hair and make-up resources in pre-production; this includes:

• hiring competent Hair and Make-up Artists with an appropriate level of training, experience and/or qualifications with respect to the requirements of the production;
• the number of Hair and Make-up Artists hired in relation to the size of the project;
• ensuring sufficient resources, including budget, are allocated to enable the use of appropriate and safe products; and
• ensuring guidelines on hazardous chemicals and the section on fire below are adhered to.

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Head of Department

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The chief Make-up Artist or Hair Stylist in charge of the department should ensure that they and those working under them are familiar with these guidelines and best practice health and safety.

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Hazards

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The following potential hazards in relation to the use of hair and make-up products should be considered when assessing the level of risk. Refer to ‘Health and Safety Risk Assessment Process - Appendix 2 for more information on identifying hazards and assessing risk.

• Burns
• Chemicals
• Cuts
• Electricity
• Infections
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*NB. Appendix 2: Health and Safety Risk Assessments process will help you undertake a risk assessment.

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Workspace

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Depending on the location of the production, the hair and/or make-up workspace could be a purpose-built room, a vehicle or a trailer.

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The head of department responsible for the production workspace for hair and/or make-up should ensure the space:

• is clean;
• is maintained at a comfortable temperature;
• is well ventilated;
• has adequate lighting inside and outside;
• has a first aid kit;
• has, or is close to, hot and cold running water; and
• has clean water available to rinse eyes from contact with hazardous substances.

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Mobile Vehicles as a Workspace

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If a vehicle is provided as the hair and make-up workspace, the vehicle should be level, stable, comfortable and, where possible, have access to hot and cold running water.

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Trailers or caravans should be checked, preferably by the person hiring the vehicle, to ensure that:

• all the correct certificates, including insurance, gas safety and electrical appliances, are valid and current;
• all drivers have a current valid license; and
• the vehicle is capable of being plugged into mains power and has a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness.

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Responsibilities specific to hair and make-up

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Hair and Make-up Artists should:

• be fully proficient in the knowledge of products, procedures and techniques to be carried out when performing their role;
• consult and inform the production team, cast members or other personnel likely to be impacted by toxicity and possible health risks of any products to be used on a production;
• consult performers about any known sensitivities, allergies, or skin reactions;
• where possible, undertake make-up or skin tests to ascertain if a reaction is likely to occur; and
• check that electrical equipment has been tested and tagged, for example hair dryers or hair straighteners.

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Replacing Make-up Tools

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Hair and Make-up Artists should ensure:

• old and stale make-up and hair products are replaced and updated regularly, especially products for the eyes; and
• tools and utensils are replaced when necessary to avoid overuse.

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Hazardous Chemicals

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An “MSDS” (Material Safety Data Sheet) should be available for all products. These provide safety and health information about the hazards and safety precautions including toxicity and emergency treatment.

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Storage

• All hazardous chemicals must be stored in appropriate containers and clearly labelled.

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Disposal of Chemicals and Containers

• The producer or person with delegated responsibility must make suitable arrangements for the disposal of used hazardous chemicals, including containers and spray cans.

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Ventilation

• It is important to ensure adequate ventilation when mixing chemicals.
• Ensure that adequate ventilation (or if contaminant levels are too high install mechanical fume extraction) is provided when using coloured sprays, hair sprays, fixer sprays and insect repellent.

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Fire

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Precautions to eliminate the risk of a fire when applying make-up or hair products must be taken.

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No Smoking

• Strictly no smoking in areas where chemicals are stored and/or used and no smoking on set in general.

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Provision of Firefighting Equipment

• Suitable firefighting equipment, such as extinguishes, should be on hand.
• All workers should be briefed on where to find firefighting equipment in the workspace as part of their induction.

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Fabrics and Fire Retardants

• Wigs and costume fabrics should be non-synthetic for use in scenes involving fire or a naked flame.
• Retardants should be used whenever practicable.
• The costume designer or person with delegated responsibility should consult with the stunt coordinator and special effects supervisor prior to designing wardrobe for use in fire sequences.

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Fire Hazards

• Hair tongs, irons and similar equipment can create a fire hazard and should be switched off when not in use.

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Hygiene

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Hair and make-up artists should:

• ensure they wash their hands before and after working with each performer and use new gloves when required;
• use disposal applicators or adopt single use procedures where there is a risk of infection between performers;
• ensure each performer has their own sponges, combs and brushes labelled and contained in a sealed bag;
• disinfect containers before and after each use along with razors, scissors, tweezers and other utensils;
• use isopropyl alcohol of 90 percent or greater to sanitise any tools and be sure the alcohol has evaporated before use;
• disinfect hairstyling combs and brushes, use soap and rinse with water;
• ensure all equipment is kept clean and ready for use;
• not allow mascara to be shared, to help prevent the spread of infections;
• remove make-up from compact using a spatula, mix on artist’s tray and then apply; and
• wear closed toe and rubber soled footwear at all times.

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Preventing Spread of Infections and Diseases

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Infections, including colds, flu and health conditions, such as cold sores (herpes), acne (pimples), warts, conjunctivitis, sties, thrush and other mouth infections, hair and scalp afflictions, and hepatitis are possible. HIV/Aids can also be a concern in the presence of blood.

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Make-up artists should be aware of what infectious conditions look like and how they are caused. Any infectious condition must be dealt with carefully so as not to put yourself or others at risk of infection. Make-up artists must take appropriate measures to prevent spread between performers and to themselves including:

• wearing latex rubber gloves, especially in the presence of blood; and
• using disposable brushes on cold sores, and disposing of them correctly.

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Cleaning and Disinfection

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Correct cleaning and disinfection considerations include:

• sanitising and disinfecting brushes and combs– such as washing in hot water and detergent followed by immersion in a solution of isopropyl alcohol for 15 minutes;
• washing sponges thoroughly in hot water and detergent, then rinsing and drying well;
• ensuring all make-up equipment is stored in a clean container;
• ensuring all clients have individual towels for the removal of make-up and there is an adequate supply of clean towels as needed; and
• ensuring all work surfaces are sanitised once each day.

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Disinfecting solutions can be obtained from hairdresser supply merchants.

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Chemicals

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If hair or make-up chemicals are used during production, hair and make-up artists should:

• keep an inventory of products being used;
• have a thorough understanding of the ingredients of all products to identify any potential hazards or consequences of using them (with attention to routes of entry and skin irritation);
• ensure all chemicals are clearly labelled;
• ensure the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as face masks, goggles and gloves, are worn in the use of hairsprays, bleaches, mixing powders and oxidising chemicals;
• use non-aerosol hairsprays wherever possible;
• use premixed powders when possible;
• use non-solvent materials, such as isopropyl myristate, to remove special effects make-up wherever possible;
• not eat, drink or smoke while chemicals are being handled; and
• ensure performers do not eat, drink or smoke while chemicals are being handled near them.

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Airbrushing

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As more artists use an airbrush as a form of make-up application, it's vital to take this into account when doing any risk assessments. Airbrushing pushes both carriers and pigments into the air surrounding both the make-up artist and their subject.

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In the case of using an airbrush, it is essential that:

• the workspace has good ventilation, particularly if multiple airbrushes are in use;
• windows are opened and, if possible, an extractor fitted;
• roof vents are open and an extractor is available for mobile vehicles; and
• in tents or location make-up rooms, tent flaps are left open and fans are available.

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Prosthetics – Special Effects Make-up

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Chair

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It is recommended that an appropriate and comfortable chair be provided for long-term application of make-up, such as prosthetics, to avoid discomfort or back pain. It is encouraged that performers take micro-breaks from sitting in one position, and where possible stand up and stretch.

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If a performer needs to stand for a long period, an appropriate anti-fatigue floor mat should be used.

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Check for Allergies

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Do test skin patches for reactions to substances such latex, adhesives and removers and other applicators.

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Contact Lenses

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Before make-up commences, check whether a performer wears contact lenses already and follow any instructions provided for special contact lens application.

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The performer should see an approved optician for compatibility. Lenses should only be fitted by correctly trained personnel. The performer must also have their own “standby kit” of eye drops.

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Lenses must be fitted correctly and are for one performer only, they must be cleaned and sterilised between performer application and for storage.

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References

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NZ Technician’s Guild Safety Code of Practice (SCOP) section on Hair and Make-up.

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Guideline No. 35: Hair And Make-up | Safety Guidelines for the Film and Television Industry in Ontario | Guidelines No. 35: Hair and Make-up. Available at: https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/filmguide/gl_35.php

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National Association of Screen Make-up Artists and Hairdressers (UK)
http://www.nasmah.co.uk/#/health-and-safety/4541326447

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