Where Will My Hair and Makeup Artist Set Up?

Where and what your dream team will need to ensure you not only look and feel your best, but your service is fluid and timely.

…and also what to avoid!

Space to set up

Hair and makeup artists need a space to set out their tools and provide the service. The best place to set up for your wedding or event is usually the dining room. Often the dining room has generous natural light, has a hard floor surface, (best should there be any accidental product spills), access to GPOs, and can usually be out of the way of high traffic areas. Hair and makeup need a large table at waist height to lay down and easily access their tools. Should a table not be available, the next best area is usually the breakfast bar area of a kitchen bench.

Light

Natural light is always best for hair and makeup artists to work in, and it’s best to avoid turning on ambient or overhead down lights which may throw off the colours or contours of the face. Some artists will bring portable media lights. It’s usually a good idea to let your artist know if you are aware that the space you’ll be getting ready in does not have abundant natural light.

Chairs

Most makeup artists will bring their own directors style chair to ensure you are are eye level height, which assists in the artists ability to easily check your symmetry during the service, as well as saving their back from strain in bending down. If there is a bar stool on location then this will be suitable too. Some artists will provide a service while the client and artist are both seated on a dining chair should there be no access to suitable tall seating.

Hair stylists require a regular chair such as a dining chair, with a back support that isn’t tall. Hair stylists need to seat your lower than makeup artists so they can easily see over your crown area to check symmetry, balance your hairstyle and it also saves their arms from strain.

Utilities

Hair and makeup artists will require access to a safe working GPO (general power outlet), running water and soap. Most artists will bring a power board, but for GPO’s in far or strange places, an extensions cable may be needed. Some of the equipment that may need access to power are: airbrush compressors, multimedia lights, hair tools including hair driers, curlers, flat irons, tongs and crimpers. Running water and soap is integral for maintaining hand hygiene throughout your service.

Space

While hair and makeup artists don’t require huge amounts of space they still need a comfortable amount to work in. Enough for their kit, tool layout, lighting, chair and standing space.

Mirrors

Although artists will bring a hand held mirror, but it’s always a good idea to have a larger mirror nearby, or access to the bathroom mirror. This aids in clients being able to see the back of their hair design with ease.

What to Avoid

Children - should never be in the work space, it’s too dangerous with hot tools and cables. Children that are booked for the service will be able to go in once called, otherwise they are best to be out of the workspace for safety purposes.

Wind and rain - keep your preparation space out of the elements as it will hinder the artists ability to produce their best work.

Hot or cold - no one is comfortable under freezing cold air-conditioning and for this reason it’s best not to set up directly under air-condition vents. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s also a good idea to avoid setting up in direct sunlight not only due to perspiration, but it’s unpleasant for the client to be in direct sun, queue glare + watering eyes + burnt skin!

Animals - as much as our fur babies are loved, they’re best to keep away from the work area. It’s not a great idea to have puss walk over the makeup brushes, or an excited doggo knock a hot tong over.

Walkway / high traffic area - Avoid setting up in a high traffic area. This will cause too many disruptions and delays to the hair and makeup service.

Bedroom - bedrooms aren’t my first pick for setting up, usually because they don’t have suitable table space, and is usually carpeted, (hello spillages), and this really only leaves the bed to be used in lieu of a table; not a great idea. It doesn’t allow products to be stood up and may mean hot tools and products could be rolling around. Often for weddings the bedroom may be utilised for the bridal dress prep photos so it’s best to leave this tidy for your moment, and the photographers to do their best work.

Small tables - I’ve touched on this, but small tables just won’t cut the mustard for a comprehensive set up of tools and products. Try to opt for a dining table or kitchen bench.

Your artist will certainly help on the day to help decide which area will be the best place to set up, but it’s always helpful to know what they need to do their best work. I hope this helps!