The Dos and Don’ts of Body Modifications for Actors
As odd as it feels, actors’ decisions about how we decorate our real-life avatars often hinge on several career considerations. The way we look heavily influences casting, so there’s an additional complication when deciding whether to make permanent body modifications.
More so for film than live theatre (but sometimes both), the actor must be a blank canvas. Piercings, tattoos, etc., aren’t bad, but they may limit the types of roles you’re considered for. If they fit your type, they might not hold you back at all, and in fact, you’ll probably want to have at least one headshot featuring them.
However, if you want to be considered for commercials, period pieces, or just a broader range of character types, you may want to be strategic about alterations. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind.
Piercings for Actors
The good thing about piercings is they can, for the most part, be taken out. Things like septum piercings are easy to flip up and hide for auditions at a moment’s notice (if they’re small enough). Additional ear piercings are generally hideable (I have both!).
When it comes to more obvious facial piercings, there are a couple of things to consider: If you want to be able to take them out for auditions, are they in a place that could be painful or easily irritated if you’re swapping in and out for multiple auditions a week? Are the gauges so big they might leave a noticeable hole?
Again, it may fit your type. But just be aware that multiple visible piercings could narrow down the types for which you’ll be considered.
Actors and Tattoos
Although we’ve come a long way in our ability to cover tattoos up, if you have tattoos that are often visible, just be prepared for that hassle, both in auditions and in the makeup chair. If you don’t want to deal with it much, the case could be made for getting smaller tattoos in places that aren’t often on camera.
The biggest thing actors have to remember is usage is now more regulated. Many productions will require a legal release from your tattoo artist if their work is going to be seen on camera. This can be tough if your artist moves out of state and you can’t reach them.
If you’re set on getting inked, just make sure you get a release from the artist, and check the wording to make sure it’s released for all future productions. Then make sure to save copies where you’ll always be able to find them.
Does Hair Color Matter?
This one is less permanent! Consider that dying your hair a vibrant color (or even a different color) might change up your type. If you’re going to dye your hair more often than not, the easiest thing to do is commit to a color, lean into that and showcase it. You want to look like your headshot.
You can also be strategic about dye jobs (maybe on vacation when you’re booked out).
The kind of work you do can also go into your body modification decisions. For example, you may be able to get away with a little more if you do a lot of live performances or exclusively work in independent films.
Any body modification is going to change up your look in some way. If you plan, and go into it with a clear idea of how it might influence your type, it doesn’t have to be a setback. Just don’t forget to communicate early and clearly with your agent.
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