Securing a live model for any hair project is challenging — but trying to find one when traveling to an event held in another country can feel impossible.
After my most recent experience with this daunting task while competing at the 2023 Alternative Hair Show International Visionary Awards in London, I decided to compile what I’d learned for the benefit of other hair-show competitors and platform artists who love to travel.
I was thrilled to be chosen as a 2023 Cut and Colour finalist for this amazing event. Of course, the honor came with that nerve-wracking requirement: all finalists must show a completed look on a live model. That meant having to secure a model in a city where I didn’t personally know anyone.
But I was determined to see it through. The Alternative Hair Show is near and dear to my heart. Not only does it showcase wildly creative talent from all over the globe, but it raises money to support leukemia research — a mission this cancer survivor can appreciate from a very intimate perspective! (You too can support the Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation by donating here.)
After putting the following tips and tricks into play, I ended up with an amazing model and a phenomenal experience overall:
Steps to Finding a Model in Another Country
1. Leverage Social Media.
- Ensure Your Social Media Accounts are Professional. Potential models and agencies will be looking at your profile first, to get a feel of who you are. Make sure your posts reflect your high standards as an artist and a professional, and delete any that are inconsistent with that image.
- Post a Clear Call for Models. Create a post explaining exactly what you need, with the relevant details: is it a paid gig? trade? product compensation? Use relevant hashtags for the location where the event is being held. (I used #LondonModels and #UKModels).
- Engage With Modeling Communities on Social Platforms. Join and post in modeling Facebook groups and engage with Instagram communities of models specific to the relevant location.
- Be Active on Instagram and TikTok. Seek out the accounts of potential models. Comment on their posts or send them direct messages.
2. Tap into Your Professional Network.
- Reach Out to the Hairdressing Community. Inform your friends and colleagues in the industry about your needs and ask if anyone has personal referrals for you.
- Contact Professional Associations. What are your favorite industry associations? Reach out to them for recommendations.
- Use Modeling Agencies. Do a little research to find reputable modeling agencies in the location where you’ll be, and contact them directly. Explain your project and ask about their rates and model availability.
- Consider Freelance Models. Not all models are represented by agencies! Freelance models often have their own websites or portfolios on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
3. Utilize Specialized Job Posting Websites.
- Assisting Work. Post your requirements on their website, following their guidelines to ensure your post is shared with other creatives.
- StarNow. This is another useful website where you can post casting calls to find talent.
4. Demonstrate Clear, Professional Communication & Standards.
- Be Thorough. Clearly outline expectations, compensation, and any other relevant details of the project.
- Set Up Meetings. Arrange Zoom or FaceTime calls to discuss the project and ensure mutual understanding.
- Follow Through. Thank each potential model for their interest and keep them updated on the selection process. Once you have decided, thank them again for their time and request to add their information to your model bank for future consideration.
- Get a Backup Model. I highly recommend hiring a backup model on retainer — just in case. It's important to compensate the backup model with a smaller retainer fee for their time.
5. Use Local Resources in The Target Location.
- Hair Salons and Beauty Schools. High-end salons and cosmetology programs in the relevant location are great sources for contacts or model referrals.
- Casting Calls. Be on the lookout for local casting calls — or create your own.
Once you’ve secured your model and a backup, don’t forget this crucial step for success at the show:
Be Prepared to Work Abroad!
Whatever you do, don’t sleep on this tip: Bring the necessary electrical converters and backups!
Nobody wants to scramble for converters at the last minute so they can use their preferred tools, or be forced to use unfamiliar tools if converters aren’t available. (I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't use my trusty Sam Villa Electrics.)
Now, in my fifth year of this competition, I have learned a lot and met so many incredible people. I love connecting with others, participating, and sharing what I know to help other stylists.
All challenges have a solution, and we are lucky to have an international community of hairdressers and professionals who are willing to help us. Each year, I’m grateful for the experience, inspired by others and learn something new to bring into the next year. And I continue to build my network of international contacts each and every time!
Credits
- Photographer: Alex Barron-Hough
- Hair and Makeup: Teresa Romero
- Assistant: Aisha Al-hasan
- Model: Lauren Rowley
- Blue Cape Designer: SKYE|AIRE
Teresa Romero is the Creative Director for Sam Villa and Artistic/Education Director for Jose Luis Salon. Find out where she will be teaching and book an in-salon class here.
