Make-Up and Hair Designer

As a Make-Up and Hair Designer you develop the overall creative vision for the hair, make-up and wigs of performers in film, television, theatre and live events. You research historical periods, cultural contexts and artistic concepts to build detailed design briefs, sketches and mood boards that align with the director's and production designer's vision. Day to day you collaborate closely with artistic directors, costume designers, directors of photography and the wider creative team to ensure your designs are consistent with the production's look. You oversee and supervise a team of make-up artists and hair stylists during rehearsals and shoots, updating your designs as the production evolves. In some contexts you may also work as an independent artist, creating make-up art for editorial, commercial or gallery purposes.

There is no single mandatory qualification, but most Make-Up and Hair Designers in Ireland build their skills through specialist courses at institutions such as IADT (Dún Laoghaire) or through QQI Level 5 or 6 PLC programmes in make-up artistry offered by Colleges of Further Education across the country. Useful Leaving Certificate subjects include Art, Design & Communication Graphics, and Biology, while strong results that allow access to creative arts programmes are beneficial. Some practitioners progress to Level 7 or Level 8 degree programmes in Theatre Design, Film & Television Production, or Performing Arts at institutions such as TU Dublin, IADT or University of Galway. Private specialist academies offering recognised diplomas in make-up artistry for film, TV and theatre are a common and well-regarded alternative route into the industry. There is no statutory registration body for this occupation in Ireland, though professional membership of industry networks and a strong portfolio are essential for career development.