Why Hair Length and Style Matter to Casting Directors - Central Casting (2024)

NOVEMBER 28, 2022

Why Hair Length and Style Matter to Casting Directors - Central Casting (1)

Knowing your look and keeping your appearance information updated in your online profile is key to working with Central Casting. Here’s what you need to know about how your hair length and style factor in to the types of roles you can portray.

Why hair length and style matter

For Casting Directors, hair length and style often play a big role when booking their scenes. For example, if casting a show set in the 1980s, like American Horror Story: NYC, Casting Directors need to ensure the Background Actors they’re booking have period-appropriate hair, which can include general style, length, and color. In modern shows, hair can still play a big role in how well your look fits the scene requirements. A pastel bob may fit right in for a trendy college scene, but likely won’t work for firefighter roles.

Hair is also an important detail when casting doubles (who often need to match a principal actor as closely as possible) and for some Stand-In roles (especially single camera Stand-Ins).

Modern hairstyles

Just like wardrobe trends, hairstyles are often distinct to time periods. When submitting for jobs, you may see posts that say “no modern hairstyles,” which usually means the Casting Director is working on a period piece or flashback scene. So while your copper balayage or curly fade may be perfect for projects set in 2022, they probably won’t work for shows in other time periods.

How do you know if your hairstyle is modern? Highlighting, ombre, or balayage dying techniques with natural or unnatural colors are considered too modern for most time periods. Also, contemporary braids, weaves, and extensions can make your look too current for period work.

But don’t some hairstyles come back around? It’s true that many modern hairstyles are versions of popular looks from the past, but they are often updated to fit the current period. Don’t forget that Casting Directors are also matching the aesthetic of a movie or TV series, so even if you think your modern look could fit a certain time period, it may not fit the production’s idea of that time period.

Getting booked with your hairstyle

Keeping your hair information and photos up-to-date in your online profile is key to finding work with Central Casting. We use the photos you upload to your profile when determining the types of roles you can portray, so it’s extremely important that these photos always reflect your current look. Our Casting Directors recommend wearing your hair down for your current photo so they can clearly see how long your hair is. If you add additional photos in different looks, you can wear your hair in whatever style you prefer, but you should always have a photo in your profile that shows your current hair length.

Don’t forget to also update your hair length, color, and style in the Appearance section of your online profile. If these field are blank or incorrect, you may be missing out on roles you’re perfect for.

Keep in mind that small hairstyle changes may not seem like a big deal to you, but could matter to Casting Directors. Even an inch of growth on your hair may make the difference between you being perfect for or not fitting a role. That’s why we recommend updating your photo and profile information any time your look changes.

To learn more about optimizing your online profile to find work with Central Casting, read our guides Why Updating Your Sizes is Essential for Background Actors and The Ultimate Photo Guide for Your Online Profile.

Why Hair Length and Style Matter to Casting Directors - Central Casting (2024)

FAQs

Do casting directors care about hair? ›

Casting directors take advantage of every interaction with an auditioner—at least, I do. I look for how you present yourself and how you interact with those in the room. If it's a self-tape, I watch your communication etiquette. So, yes, your hairstyle definitely matters, too.

How to stand out to casting directors? ›

Own the room with your energy, tell a joke, connect on a deeper level with the casting director, and win the job. It's a simple process that, when done right, can go a long way. If you can make the person behind the camera or table laugh, you're one step closer to the most important step of this process: creativity.

How should I wear my hair to a casting? ›

Hair should be pulled back and out of the face. Go for a simple ponytail or a bun. If your hair is short, style it in a cute style but make sure you don't have any bangs covering your face.

What do casting directors want to see? ›

Even if they think they know, the right performance in an audition could completely reshape their view of the character. If you want to know the most important thing that a casting director is looking for, the answer is easy: they're looking for something honest, real and true. They're looking for you.

What are some factors you think directors should consider when they decide which actors to cast in their plays? ›

The people you cast need to have a good attitude, show kindness to the rest of the cast and crew, and be willing to put in the work. There isn't room for divas who are going to make everyone want to quit. This is your standard, run-of-the-mill, this person is a better actor, singer, you name it.

Why should hair potential length be considered before and during styling and dressing hair? ›

The length of the hair will determine the size of rollers to be used during setting and the choice of equipment you choose for blow drying. The length of the hair will determine the style which can be achieved.

How do so many actors keep their hair? ›

Everyone, including celebrities, may suffer from hair loss. Even though there are various treatments, hair transplant is the most common permanent solution among celebrities.

How to tell if a casting director likes you? ›

I've been on the casting side before, one good sign would be if the director spends a good amount of time with you. Maybe they ask if you have anything else you can sing, or give you another side to read. Time is money and the more time they spend with you, the more invested they are in you as an option.

How to get noticed by casting directors? ›

Casting professionals conduct their searches to narrow down their choice of performers, so they're unlikely to search for broad terms that most people will have on their profile. Ensure you convey your uniqueness and make yourself stand out.

How to impress at an audition? ›

Tips for Auditioning
  1. Be prepared. If you are asked to present a song or monologue, prepare your piece well. ...
  2. Be kind to everyone and smile. ...
  3. Be on time for your appointment. ...
  4. Use your waiting time wisely. ...
  5. Dress appropriately. ...
  6. Introduce yourself. ...
  7. Don't watch the directors. ...
  8. Mistakes happen.

Does hairstyle matter in looks? ›

Your hairstyle does more than just shape your appearance; it also impacts your mood and self-perception. At Hair People Denver, we believe that the right haircut can significantly boost your confidence and influence how you feel daily. Here's how your hairstyle affects your mood and why it matters.

What should you not do at a casting? ›

Join Backstage to access jobs you can apply to right now!
  • Don't shake hands unless the casting director initiates it. ...
  • Remember that the reader isn't acting with you. ...
  • Stop saying sorry. ...
  • Always have your sides unless you're told not to. ...
  • Don't dress the part or bring props. ...
  • You still need a reader for your self-tape.
Jul 31, 2023

What defines cast hair? ›

In the Curly world, the patina that forms on the hair thanks to the application of one or more styling products is identified as "CAST", which becomes hard after drying, leaving the hair with a "wet effect" and very defined curls but not very voluminous.

How can I impress my casting director? ›

Thorough preparation is key to impressing the casting director in auditions. Memorize your lines and be familiar with the scene or monologue you'll be performing. Practice your delivery multiple times, focusing on clarity, emotion, and connection to the character.

How do casting directors pick actors? ›

Casting directors consider the actor's availability, fees and how much box office buzz they're going to create. Casting directors need to know the talent that's out there, so they attend theatre productions and graduation shows to spot potential actors. They organise auditions and look at headshots, demos and reels.

What do casting directors look for in a self-tape? ›

You want to make sure casting directors can focus 100% on your stellar performance, so your self-tape should be clear, crisp, and completely distraction-free. Of course, your ability to achieve this kind of high-quality recording will be contingent on the effort you put into your self-tape set-up.

What do directors look for when casting? ›

Casting directors want to see that the actor knows his art. Body movements, facial expressions, tone of voice, smooth transitions, vocal strength, stage presence, character confidence and the ability to portray the role given are all embedded in the sense of professionalism that casting directors want to see.

Do casting directors watch auditions? ›

As long as it's in on time, it doesn't matter. We watch every single tape we request. No. Every single casting director has a different process, rhyme and reason.

What are the factors of hair length? ›

On average, human hair grows approximately half an inch per month. This rate equates to about six inches per year. However, this growth rate can vary from person to person due to various factors such as genetics, diet, overall health, and hair care practices.

How important is styling your hair? ›

Aesthetic Expression

One of the primary purposes of hair styling is to express one's personal style, creativity, and individuality. People use hairstyles to convey their personality, cultural identity, and fashion sense. It's a form of self-expression and can help boost confidence and self-esteem.

What are the most important factor to consider in hair styling? ›

When choosing a hairstyle, it's important to consider factors such as your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The right hairstyle can enhance your features, complement your style, and boost your confidence.

Should your hair be up or down for an audition? ›

Our Casting Directors recommend wearing your hair down for your current headshot so they can clearly see how long your hair is. If you add additional photos in different looks, you can wear your hair in whatever style you prefer, but you should always have a photo in your profile that shows your current hair length.

Should I shave for an audition? ›

The casting director will be looking at you and your headshot; that's it! If you are clean shaven in the headshot, why not walk in with three-day stubble. Show them something different; they may actually prefer it. Your hair should be combed or brushed but not puffy.

How do actors deal with body hair? ›

Celebrities may have more time and money to devote to their appearance, but ultimately the hair removal treatments available are the same. Traditional techniques like threading, shaving, and waxing are still used; however, innovative techniques like electrolysis and laser hair removal promise more permanent results.

How do movie actors maintain their hair? ›

How do they prevent baldness? "While most stars need to be made up in hair and makeup most days, they spend their off days allowing their hair to soak up a hair mask ," she explains. These deep conditioners (like the OUAI Treatment Mask) are designed to combat the damage of constant heat styling and chemical damage.

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