I love styling hair for theatre productions! Musicals, One Act Plays, Live Radio Shows, I love all of it. I enjoy experimenting with attachments, wigs, volume, hot wax, everything!

I’ve been a licensed Cosmetologist for five years now, and I’ve enjoyed styling hair for over 20 different productions–probably more, but who’s counting? I research the setting and time period for each production to figure out how people used to do their hair.

And, yes, there is a sadistic side of me that loves the looks I get from the actors and actresses when I show them the outrageous style I chose for their character.

Over the years, there are a few truths that have proved consistent over various casts and various theatres, and here they are for your enrichment and enjoyment.

1. Nothing Is Ever Right the First Time

And that’s okay! That’s why there’s a dress rehearsal. Rarely does anyone have their “act” together when the first dress rehearsal comes around, least of all myself. Rarely do any of my leads keep the same hair they had for the dress rehearsal. Sure, I find inspiration for what hair style I think the lead rolls should have, but I rarely actually go with my first choice.

At the first dress rehearsal, when a lead sits in my chair, I ask them, “How would you describe your character?” and often what they tell me is quite different from what I expected. So my plans change.

Another variable that inevitably wrecks my perfectly laid out plans is time. I always want to do something special and eye catching for the leads. But my desires are always beyond the scope of time I have for one character. For reference, I normally spend an hour to an hour and a half on a bridal updo to be sure everything is perfect from every angle. For shows I have only 15-30 minutes per person.

So remember: perfection isn’t about getting everything right the first time; it’s a process of seeing what needs to change and figuring out how it needs to change.

2. Your Hair Is NOT Too Oily

Dirty hair styles better. I know some stylists who dispute this, but their argument is more on controlling what they put into the hair then about whether or not the natural oils are helpful. After over 20 productions, I can tell you; it’s a fact, dirty hair holds better.

But every woman who sits in my chair will apologize for their dirty hair, and beg me to let them wash it before the last show. You know what the answer is…

NO! Ladies, your hair is not that oily. I know you’re used to feeling that perfectly silicone induced slippery, squeaky clean cause you wash it everyday, but forget what’s best for the show, that’s not healthy for your scalp or your hair.

In my experience styling hair, I have had four people that needed to wash their hair during show week because it got too oily. After subjecting these poor actresses to four whole days of not washing their hair, I’ve had ladies tell me, “You know, ever since the show, I haven’t been near as worried about washing my hair everyday, and it feels sooo much better!”

And I’m over here like, “Huh, imagine that! A hair stylist that knows what’s best for your hair!”

So remember: A little oil doesn’t spoil.

3. Finger waves Never Go Out of Style

Much to the irritation of students, finger waves are one of the first styles you practice when you’re in Cosmetology school, and the reason is clear. Finger waves teach you the basics of hair movement.

Since learning them, I use finger waves and the principles of hair movement they taught me, in every show. No, not every time period has over gelled stuck to your scalp finger waves like we saw in the 1920s, but there are finger waves everywhere.

Look at the hair of the 1940s like in South Pacific. Yep, it’s all finger waves and victory rolls. Classic beehive of the 1960s? Typically, it has some kind of wave up front to flatter the face. Even the Hollywood Follies from Reese Witherspoon to Scarlett Johansson, they’ve all rocked the modern take on the old fashioned finger wave–the glamour wave.

So remember: Build on firm foundations

4. You’re Never Fully Dressed without Your Hair

Your makeup is on point. Your custom fits perfectly. But you are never really in character until you put it all together with your hair.

One time, an actress who I work with was doing her first show as a lead role. Needless to say she was really nervous. She had everything done; she was in costume, had her mic check, and had her make-up on, before she sat down in my chair.

She talked nervously the whole time–even though she was supposed to be on vocal rest– and she said, “I just don’t feel in character. There’s something missing!” Now, of course, I know what’s missing. But I just encourage her, reminding her of how hard she’s worked and of how prepared she is, as I put the finishing touch on her hair. She says her thanks, clearly not believing a word I said, and looks in the hand held mirror critically...then it happens...she smiles, and says, “This is so her! I mean I actually look like her now!” [meaning her character].

It’s not just the anxious first timers who notice the difference. I’ve had experienced directors tell me that the caliber of their shows wouldn’t be what it is without the hair. So if your theatre is missing that certain “Je ne sais quoi” get a hair stylist to add the last touch on your masterpiece; we’re worth it.

5. When in Doubt Bring Food and Dr. Pepper

The food gives you the necessary energy and nutrients to stand for long periods of time, and, let’s be honest, you don’t really know the next time you’ll get to eat. So keep a foodbar on hand, it keeps your stomach from growling noisily during the performance or the endless comments afterward.

The Dr. Pepper is also practical; it keeps the taste of hairspray out of your mouth. Okay, so that’s not unique to Dr. Pepper; any drink with taste will do the trick. Just be sure it’s bottled cause with all the hair spray in the air if you don’t put the cap back on it’s bound to get in your drink. And for the record, water does not overpower the taste of hairspray.

6. Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer Cleans Hairspray Off Your Phone

Nowadays everyone sits down in my chair with their smartphone. What they don’t realize is the risk they’re taking. You see hair products–particularly pump hairspray–can build up on your phone’s screen and keep it from sensing the scroll of your finger.

But no worries! Use a little alcohol or hand sanitizer on a cloth and wipe your screen. It will come off just fine. Better yet, put your phone away for a few minutes. Your pre-show anxiety will thank you.

7. You Don’t NEED That Extra Bobby Pin...

...But it helps...It doesn’t matter how secure I make the hair. Before the first show, one of the leads will always find me right before the curtain goes up and ask me for another bobby pin or a final spritz of hairspray.

The truth: it’s not about the bobby pin. I get it. You’re feeling insecure and anxious because it’s your first show. So I place another bobby pin in it and give you a spritz because for my first show, no one was there to do it, and it does help.

8. People Matter; Choose Wisely

I’m an introvert. I like being around people, but there are some that are more draining than others. When I was starting out, I did some volunteer work with theatres to connect with the community, and I learned that just doing what you love isn’t enough. You need to do it with people who love and respect you. No amount of name recognition is worth degrading your self image.

If you find yourself working somewhere that you can’t wait to escape at the end of the day, you need a change. You’re worth it!

9. You Can Never Have Enough Bobby Pins

I start with 500 bobby pins at the first dress rehearsal. I typically leave with 250 or less. Now it’s not because people are purposefully losing them or anything. That’s just the natural course of dancing around on stage and fast costume changes.

But aside from their intended purpose, I’ve used them to alter costumes that were too big, apply eyeliner, hold a bow tie, secure microphone chords... The possibilities are endless really, so always be prepared and keep some bobby pins in your pocket.

10. People Look at You Funny When You Immediately Start Playing with Their Hair

But tell them you’re a hairstylist, and they are all too happy to let you play with their hair and massage. Tell them you’re a hairstylist, and they’ll start asking you about those little white specks in their hair, (9/10 times it’s common dandruff). Tell them you’re a hairstylist, and they’ll ask you to teach their boyfriend how to do a scalp massage. Tell them you’re a hairstylist, and they will tell you their life’s story as it relates to their hair...and all I do is run my hand up the back of their scalp.

Those are 10 lessons I learned, but this next one is an idea that grew and cultivated and blossomed with the accumulation of my experiences.

Beauty Is a Spectrum

The productions I have been a part of vary greatly in time and setting. The clothes are different, the hair changes, but even as these actors and actresses dress up differently, I can look at them and honestly say that they are beautiful.

For certain, as a professional, I make sure that I choose styles that balance their proportions appropriately, but that looks different from person to person. What I do as a Hairstylist is always to match the character of the person to their hair, and it comes out different every time. Different, yet beautiful.

Beauty is a spectrum. It's curly, it's straight, it's tan with freckles, it's white, it's black, it's blonde, it's brown, it's red and all the shades and types in between!

My God is too big to create only one beauty. God did not make us the same, yet He made us in His image. That is why you are beautiful...remember that and Go Be Gorgeous!