Answering a Reader Question #111

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi Dania!
I recently read your post about model makeovers and I had a question about it. About six months ago, I got my hair cut for locks of love. Since then, I have found a couple possible agencies to apply to once I get my bottom braces off (I'm a sophmore). I think I would have a more versatile look if my hair were a bit longer, though. What are the chances that an agency like Ford or Factor Women in Chicago would want to add hair extentions, and would I have to pay for them? Thanks!

Hey, Anonymous! Great questions! Let's see if I can help you out. =)

Since I don't work for an agency, I really can't say for sure whether or not agencies like the ones you mentioned would or would not be open to the idea of having you get extensions. It really all depends on what look is "in" for the Chicago market. I would suggest attending open calls in your area with your hair as is and see what feedback you get from the agencies. If you happen to get an interview with an agency, mention your concern about the length of your hair and see what they say. When it comes to your look, the agency will decide what would be best for the market you'd be working in. In some cases shorter hair is preferred so you never know.

Overall, I would say stick with your current hair length. If you get signed, your agent will begin booking you for work and in the event that a client wants you to have longer hair, then they'll simply add the extensions in on the day of the shoot or fashion show once you've officially been hired for the gig (the upside to this is that you'll get the extensions free of charge). Versatility can be changed up on each modeling assignment you book and does not necessarily mean that you have to get extensions to wear throughout the duration of your modeling career or worry about who will pay for them.

Hope that helps. If you need more clarification or additional info/assistance, please shoot me a personal email!

Comments

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who ...

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It...

Want to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?

(*Due to the number of comments and questions I get from aspiring models about working for VS, please be sure to read my post on this very carefully. If you don't meet all of these requirements then you cannot become a model for VS. If you are not tall enough, if you are not signed to a top agency, your chances are not good. If you don't meet the requirements, please don't be too upset about it. Find another field of modeling you may be good for. There are plenty of other modeling opportunities for models outside of being a VS angel. They may not be as good or as well-known as VS but it's better than nothing.) I know I’d jump at the chance to be offered a gig modeling for Victoria’s Secret (although I think they’d be irritated by Photoshopping my stretch marks HAHA, yeah, I said it, I’ve got stretch marks!). All silliness aside, the gals of Victoria’s Secret are probably the inspiration for a majority of aspiring models out there. Not only do they get to wear the s...

Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Search This Blog