Bectu have just launched the ‘Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Essential Skills requirements for working with textured hair and darker skin tones’ document.
We welcome and endorse this new strategy. The document clearly outlines what is expected from hair and makeup artists across the creative industries, so they can meet the needs of all performers. The strategy mentions global majority – curriculum delivery needs to be inclusive, preparing learners to be able to serve all hair types and skin tones, so there isn’t discrimination, and the pipeline of talent coming into the sector can competently work on everybody.
This is a very important document for any organisation training learners to enter the creative sector as hairdressers or makeup artists. It’s now essential that they can work with all hair types and skin tones, or they won’t get the contract. We need to ensure our learners leave college/academy with these skills so they are employable.
This Bectu guide aims to bridge any skills gaps within the industry. It has been designed by hair and makeup professional working in film and tv and it sets out the skills that are required to be considered competent to work with performers who have textured hair and darker skin tones.
Bectu say ‘There is a widespread desire within the hair, makeup and prosthetics community to end this lack of provision and ensure that every actor can rely on the hair, makeup and prosthetics department on every production to deliver the high-quality service that all performers should receive’.
The guide includes a section covering the basic (minimum) skills that EVERY hair, makeup or prosthetic artist should have in their knowledge as they enter or continue in this industry. They also provide a continuing professional development (CPD) guide that all hair, makeup and prosthetic artists should be working towards completing to become an artist who is competent to work in detail with Global Majority performers.
Habia celebrate the launch of this document, a game-changer, long overdue, providing clarity about the need to be inclusive in the services we offer. It was a pleasure working with Bectu’s officials Deb Kenton (Hair & Make up HOD/Designer) and Janice Turner (Diversity Officer and Editor, Stage Screen & Radio magazine).
Click here to read the Essential Skills document.