Raiding your closet for a look is all well and good, but there are other ways to create a character without anything but the raw materials you have to work with.
Hair and makeup have incredible shapeshifting properties with just a few simple tricks, regardless of gender. Here are some pointers to help suggest a character or type with just the eight-by-ten.
What You’ll Find in This Article
- Shave vs. Stubble
- Know Your Hair Range
- How to Style Your Look for Period Pieces
- Best Practices for Applying Makeup for Acting Roles
Shave vs. Stubble
Facial hair is a great way to alter your look drastically. While you may not be able to grow a full beard in time for a self tape due tomorrow, the difference between stubble and a clean-shaven face can be huge.
If you know you have a specific type of facial hair that you’re often called in for, keeping it in a place that can enhance and support it is a smart move.
Know Your Hair Range
Unless you’re rocking a bald or shaven head, most people have at least a small range of different looks they can manage with their hair.
Straight versus curly hair can dramatically change the vibe. Combed back, pinned up, or otherwise more conservative hairstyles can top off a professional look or hint at a character that is more contained. Slick it back and you’re in villain or vamp territory. Mussed-up, lank or greasy hair can suggest depression, neglect or exposure to the elements.
Knowing what looks best with your actor type, and being able to execute it, can save a lot of time and bring together a cohesive look even if you don’t have a strong wardrobe option.
How to Style Your Look for Period Pieces
If you’re called in for a period piece and don’t have enough hair or know-how to style appropriately, never fear.
Remember, for auditions, you’re suggesting a time period, not replicating it. Some big curled bangs can become victory rolls. Carefully brushed forward hair can simulate sideburns. A top knot and some teasing can go a long way towards a Gibson Girl look.
Apply the same logic as clipping back clothes for a better fit — as long as it looks good from the front, that’s all that matters.
Best Practices for Applying Makeup for Acting Roles
A little makeup goes a long way, especially on film. Beyond the base, there are a few things you can do.
For almost anyone, artfully smudged eyeliner can elevate a look. A hint of purple or red beneath the eyes can make you look tired or sick. Lipstick and a gentle, smoky eye can give you a glamorous, seductive look.
If you’re skilled with makeup, the shape of lipstick can alter not only the time period but the age and personality of the character as well.
For time periods, start to know your cheat codes: the 1940s overline the top lip in a specific shape, the 20s favor a bee-stung look, the 80s are bright and bold, etc. For a youthful or innocent appearance, a hint of white in the inner corners or even the lower waterline can create a wide-eyed look.
You don’t have to be a salon graduate to use hair and makeup to your advantage. Just like with clothes, start to get to know how your general acting types express best. The better you know yourself, the better you’ll be able to manipulate your look with simple alterations.
Final Takeaways
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to rely on clothes to define a character, but hair and makeup can be just as powerful. Even simple changes can suggest a whole new personality or time period without much effort. Here are some easy ways new actors can use what they already have to create a standout look.
- Keep your facial hair neat or clean-shaven to quickly change your character’s vibe.
- Experiment with different natural hairstyles to hint at moods or roles, like slicked-back for villains or messy for troubled characters.
- Use basic makeup tricks like smudged eyeliner or subtle lipstick shapes to suggest age, emotion or era.
- Don’t stress about perfect period styling. Suggest the look with simple hair tweaks that read well on camera.
- Learn how small changes in your appearance can save time and boost your confidence during auditions.
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