Period Pieces: Hair, Beards, Tattoos, and Nails

In a period piece, your hair, beard, tattoos, and nails may need to match a time in the past. Casting sends instructions first. Do not cut your hair or shave your beard before the shoot unless casting tells you to, so the hair department can style you for the period.

Know the period

Read the Open Call for the time and place of the story. The period tells you what the production may ask of you. A look that is common today may not belong in an earlier time.

You do not have to guess. Casting sends instructions before the shoot, and those instructions are the rule for that show. If you have a question, email casting.

Examples

These are examples and not a list for every show.

For a 1950s show, expect:

• no visible tattoos
• no highlights in your hair
• no long acrylic nails

For a 1970s show, long beards and shaggy hair can fit the time. Another show may ask for something different, so wait for casting to say.

Do not cut or shave first

Leave your hair and beard alone before the shoot unless casting says to change them. The hair department can style hair and a beard for the period. They cannot add back what you cut.

This can be hard if a haircut is due. Check the booking details first. If you are not sure, email casting and ask.

What casting sends

Casting usually sends instructions before the day. They may tell you what to do with your hair or nails, how to cover a tattoo, or what to leave as it is. Read them as soon as they arrive and follow them. Background Casting: What to Wear and Bring to Set covers the clothes side.

If you cannot meet a request, tell casting right away. Do not wait for set. Another person may fit the role better, and casting needs time to decide.

Costumes and fittings

For a period piece, the production may provide the costume and fit you first. Wardrobe Fittings for Extras: When They Happen and Pay explains when that happens and how it is paid.

Keep your Profile honest

Your Profile helps casting see your look. Use clear, current photos that look like you now. If you have a beard, long hair, or visible tattoos, let your photos show it. Extras Casting: Fill In Your Profile Details and Sizes explains what to add.

Open your Photos page now and check that your photos show how you look today.