The Adventure of being a Hair Model

Hair model before and after her hair makeover — Photos: Shutterstock

Have you ever wished you could visit a nice salon multiple times, get the best treatment and great hairstyles at no cost? Have the stylists give their best to make you look amazing in the latest, trendy haircuts and colors for free?

If you have beautiful hair, you have a good chance of becoming a hair model. Most salons are on the lookout for models so that they can practice new looks. Age, height, and size do not matter as long as you have nice hair that they can work with. There are several purposes for hair models. One is for training new stylists. The others are to showcase their skills at competitions or shows, design new styles, and take photos.

I hadn't planned to be a hair model when I entered my favorite salon one day. I didn't even know then that such a thing existed. I sat down in the chair and was still going through a stylebook to pick my new look when t he senior stylist came by and saw my long, honey-blonde hair. He immediately grabbed a brush and started to fluff up my mane and turn the strands this way and then that way.

When he saw my questioning gaze, he told me that they were planning a hairstyle show in a month and were still looking for models. I was, of course, more than flattered and said yes before I even knew what I was getting into. Just the thought of getting pampered a couple of times per week and not having to pay a cent convinced me.

The adventure started right that day. I had a little input about the general nature of the style and did not want to go short. But I was open to experiments and agreed that they could get creative with my hair.

Hair model with long razor-cut blonde hair — Photo: Georgi Nutsov/Getty Images Signature via Canva

Out came the scissors and I sank a bit lower in my seat at the sight of the sharp blades that were approaching my hair. Half an hour later my hair was layered with long strands ending in wispy tips. I liked it and the hairdressers were happy as well. However, this was only the beginning.

On my next visit, the topic was color. They added highlights and shadows, took before and after photos, and I felt pampered for the whole afternoon. "Maybe we can get a bit more creative and courageous next time," the stylist said, and it was not a question. Being a playful individual, I didn't mind, but underestimated what was meant by courageous.

A week later, I surprised my family with punk purple streaks in my hair that matched my nail polish. The stylist then decided that it was too extreme for the show and it all had to be taken out again. That was when I felt a strain on my hair. But it was only a couple of weeks until the show and just one more color session was planned.

I was then given more details about the upcoming show and realized that I actually had to walk down some stairs onto a stage, parade around, and show off my freshly trimmed mane. Since it was not a fashion show, we had to bring our own clothes "the best you have in the closet," as we were instructed.

Hair model and photographer — Photo: Pixelshot/Canva

I decided on a plain black dress, since I didn't want too much attention on myself but only on my hair. Some of the other models, however, got quite creative with their outfits much to the chagrin of the stylists. The big evening arrived and we all survived it. It was a success and a great experience. I then received a gift card for another salon visit and it was all more than worth it.

Not all experiences are that positive. If you decide to be a hair model for a while, make sure you are in good hands with a reputable hair salon. In most cases, you have some input in what they will do to your locks, but make sure that they guarantee to fix whatever might go wrong.

Make sure you are prepared for a potentially drastic makeover, and if that is not something you are comfortable with, then have an in-depth conversation with your stylist about how far you are willing to go. You don't want to have any regrets.

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