A Guide to Session Styling

When it comes to working on set, generally you think of massive lights, a camera, someone holding a clapperboard yelling “Action”, and a handful of other key people such as the Director or Executive Producer right? Well there’s a lot more to it!

Each set varies from job-to-job, but on a grander scale, you’ll possibly have the 1st and 2nd, AD’s (Assistant Director), The Photo/Camera department, Art department, Grips, Electric, Sound/Script, to Transportation, to PA’s (Production Assistant) and us, The Glam department! That which includes Hair, Makeup, Styling, and Manicurists. Although Nails might seem like just a slither of the cake, having well-groomed hands is of importance, especially if there are close up shots. Near or distant, they are always indeed the icing on the cake!

Time on set is totally different than your typical setting at a salon. The only similarity is the end goal - the nails get done honey!

To prepare, you want to make sure your kit is stocked above and beyond in case you get thrown a curveball. Items such as your implements, polish remover, cotton pads, nail files, buffers, cuticle remover and oil, hand cream, base & top coats, and quick dry drops are your basic starters, along with a variety of nail lacquer colors.

Nudes, reds, sheer pinks and beige are mostly what’s used, but to have a few dark shades, a black, and white are helpful as well.

I personally keep a bag containing the basics, then I set aside all the colors of a rainbow in the case of any surprises. Gels, foils to remove gels, a nail drill, and nail tips do also come in handy for those “curveballs” mentioned earlier in case the talent comes in with gels or artificial nails or maybe even that their nails could use some lengthening. Because there’s so much to be had, a well organized, premeditated kit will go a long way, and you’ll thank yourself later that you’ve invested that time. After you’ve created your personalized system, you’ll be ready for your first set!

One of the things I really enjoy is that each job takes you somewhere different! Whether it’s somewhere on location, in a trailer, at a studio, or in someone’s backyard, there will be a glam area for where the beauty happens! More often than not, it’s a tag team scenario, working alongside hair and makeup simultaneously. Sometimes you’ll find yourself on the floor, under counters, on a stool (handy to bring), or standing up providing manicures and pedicures. So do add flexibility to your resume! Days could range from one to a few talents or models, sometimes wearing one nail look throughout the day or with multiple nail changes. Usually you’ll get a brief for the direction of the nails, sometimes more specific than not and vice versa.

When the work is completed, you’ll want to keep one ear out and both eyes alert in case of any nail mishaps. Because the set is usually away from the vanity area, carrying around a shoulder strapped set bag with all of your “nail emergencies” is helpful instead of having to haul your whole kit if that time comes.

Be ready for a lot of down time and long hours ranging from 10-14 hour days. I’d like to call it, hurry up and wait. Rightfully so, everything has to be set and reset perfectly for the cameras, the lighting, sound, beauty touch ups, and etc. for each take. For that reason, you won’t regret having a phone charger in your kit. In addition, another smart way to kill your down time is to visit the craft service table, this is where you’ll discover new favorite snacks!

I think it’s safe to say for most that it takes a lot of dedication, persistence, the hustle and bustle, and ton of free work to build up into the industry. I moved to California from Michigan in 2014 and began doing nails at a Hair Salon in Beverly Hills. While there, I discovered and decided I wanted to be with an agency and that’s when it all began. Thereafter, I started doing a lot of test shoots collaborating with photographers, models, hair, and makeup to shoot for photos so that I could build my portfolio that would display my nail work. Meanwhile every now and again i’d get actual editorial gigs, with little to no compensation, which also helped make my portfolio look a bit more polished.

After months of building, I got into an agency, Exclusive Artist, which whom I am still currently with! With them, it has been a gift being able to manicure for Award shows, red carpet premiere or events, campaigns, magazine editorials, and etc. However, having an agency doesn’t mean you stop your own hard work. It takes two to tango, to keep that same energy flowing consistently, you’ll want to always be on the move!

Do what you love, and love what you do! I think it is critical to enjoy what you do. It makes the job easier and keeps you inspired with a fullness inside. For someone who wants to lead a similar career path as I, my advice would be to get really skilled in manicuring (this takes time), take classes, look up videos online, or shadow another skilled Manicurist, and practice, practice, practice! Listen carefully to what the client wants and communicate your understanding of them. Have a nice attitude and show up on time. Be patient. There will be times of up and down moments, embrace them all. I believe there’s a lesson within each rhythm whether you discover it at that moment or months down the line.