With entries for the British Hairdressing Awards sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional now open, you might be scrambling to cast your models and get your images shot and edited for a chance to take home the silver lady. Fighting it out for the small pool of hair models out there doesn't have to be the way to go – in fact street-casting models from city hot spots might be an idea to give you're collection an edge.
Take it from Danny Malone who used street casting to find models for his winning Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year Collection at the 2023 British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. Explaining why he opted to use street casting to find models, he says: “I wanted to celebrate real beauty in everyday people and, while it took some time, I believe I found the perfect models who embodied the essence of my vision.”
Danny also shared the pros and cons of finding a model through street casting, adding: “Your pool of diverse and authentic models widens, however it can be challenging to find the right fit, especially if you already have a clear vision.”
Danny’s Advice for Street Casting
- Keep an open mind
- Approach people respectfully
- Be patient
Caspar Finch is another hairdresser who has used street casting to find models on multiple occasions, both for shooting collections and leading education courses. When asked why he decided to try street casting, he shares: “Street casting was actually part of my training in London when I was 17, so I’ve always been familiar with the concept. It’s an excellent way to meet potential models and understand their aesthetic as a whole, and you can see things like facial features, hair type and height more clearly, which can be difficult over social media.”
Discussing the pros and cons of street casting, Caspar also explains: “Street casting has been the fastest way to elevate my career. I used a street-cast model when leading an academy cutting course recently, which worked out really well as she was a fresh face. However, it can definitely be time consuming, just like any new skill.”
Caspar’s Advice for Street Casting
- Be prepared to be ignored
- Make sure to highlight your experience level
- Think about what you’re going to say in advance
- Always remember to smile!
Image credit: Danny Malone
