Overview 

This standard is about your ability to use facial hair to change performers’ appearance for productions.

It involves applying, fixing and dressing the facial hair to achieve the required design and the desired effect.

It requires selecting the facial hair that you will use having regard for the following:

• performers’ skin type
• need for durability
• potential effects on facial hair caused by conditions during shooting
• dressing techniques required
• effects of styling and finishing products upon facial hair
• look required

It involves ensuring that performers are comfortable and fully informed about the application and fixing of the facial hair. It is about selecting adhesives, which are skin compatible, preparing skin and taking action if there is an adverse reaction.

This standard is applicable to all roles but is most applicable to the role of Assistant.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. inform performers of the process of applying and fixing facial hair and confirm they are positioned comfortably for the process
2. test performers’ skin for potential adverse reactions to adhesives, removers, and facial hair
3. take action if the skin adhesive causes harmful skin reactions
4. take accurate fittings for facial hair and record outcomes
5. the most appropriate facial hair for the performers skin type and needs of the production
6. select the types of adhesives to fix facial hair considering potential adverse skin effects and required mobility and security
7. block and dress facial hair to meet the design requirements and the type of facial hair used
8. prepare the performer for the application of facial hair
9. prepare lace pieces and hair prior to fitting
10. apply facial and loose hair following the design brief
11. confirm with the relevant person(s) that facial and loose hair produces the desired effect
12. remove, store and maintain loose and facial hair
13. maintain facial hair, tools, and equipment by using the specified cleaning methods and materials

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the design requirements as communicated to you by the relevant person(s)
2. the time and budgetconstraints within the production schedule
3. the health and safety legislation, policies and guidelines for facial hair application and removal
4. how to take measurements for a facial fitting and adjust facial hair to the individual performer
5. the importance of sourcing and selecting facial hair for the performers skin type and the production requirements
6. how to prepare hair prior to facial hair
7. how to lay on loose hair
8. how to fit beard extensions
9. how to complete skin tests
10. what action to take in the event of an adverse skin reaction
11. the criteria to consider when selecting facial hair, materials and adhesives and where to source suppliers
12. the design requirements for the production
13. how to maintain facial hair
14. the different dressing techniques required for lace pieces and human hair
15. how to block and dress facial hair to meet the design requirements
16. how to remove facial hair safely
17. where and how to store facial hair
18. how to maintain tools and equipment