Alright, babe, let’s talk teamwork—the kind that makes clients gasp, “Oh my God, this is perfection!” Because let’s be real, as makeup artists, we can’t always do it all. And when it comes to creating that red-carpet-ready, Pinterest-worthy look, teaming up with a kickass hairstylist can be a total game-changer. So, let’s dive into how to build your dream team and slay together!
1. Start with Networking (a.k.a. Friend-Flirting)
You know how you scout for new makeup inspo on Insta? Do the same, but with hairstylists. Search for local stylists who vibe with your style—are they more sleek bridal chic, or do they love bold editorial looks? Slide into their DMs (professionally but friendly) with something like:
“Hey [their name]! I love your work on [specific post]! I’m a makeup artist, and I’d love to collaborate sometime. Let me know if you’d be up for creating magic together!”
Boom. Connection started. No awkwardness. Keep it light, like chatting with someone at a party about your shared love for glitter.
2. Collaboration Coffee Dates
Okay, maybe not actual coffee (unless you want to, of course), but plan a little meet-up. Get to know them. You’ll want to vibe check—is this someone you can laugh with while panicking over a bridal client who’s literally changed her look three times?
Ask questions like:
“What kind of projects do you love working on?”
“Do you have a dream shoot you’d like to do?”
“How do you handle tricky clients?” (Let’s be real, we’ve all had those days.)
Finding someone who matches your energy and goals is key. You’re not just looking for a stylist—you’re looking for a partner-in-glam.
3. Test the Waters with a Styled Shoot
Before jumping into a big event together, start small. A styled shoot is perfect for testing your creative chemistry. It’s also a killer way to beef up both your portfolios.
Pick a theme you’re both jazzed about (vintage Hollywood glam, celestial editorial vibes, whatever speaks to your souls). You’ll see how they work under pressure, and they’ll see your blending magic. Bonus: You’ll get killer photos for your IG grid.
Communicate everything. Hair and makeup should work together, not clash. There’s nothing worse than planning a slick bun while you’ve got a dramatic smoky eye happening. (Been there. Awkward.)
4. Set Clear Expectations
Omg, this one’s HUGE. You’ve got to be on the same page. Talk about:
Timelines: Are they a speed-demon or a perfectionist who takes forever? Can they handle a tight wedding day schedule?
Style Compatibility: Are their hairstyles complementing your makeup looks? Nothing worse than the “beautiful-but-doesn’t-match” vibe.
Pricing: Are they open to package deals for brides? Or do they prefer separate bookings?
Lay it all out upfront, so you’re not scrambling later when you’re both booked for a major event.
5. Communicate Like You’re Married (Because You Kinda Are)
You’ll want to keep the communication flowing—before, during, and after every gig. Before an event, share mood boards, client preferences, and schedules. During, check in: “Are we good on timing?” or “Do you need anything?”
And after? Always, always hype them up. A simple “Couldn’t have done this without you!” on Insta Stories, tagging them in your posts, or just a quick thank-you text goes a LONG way. It shows you value their work and sets the stage for future collabs.
6. Handle Drama Like a Pro
Not every hairstylist you meet will be a dream. Some might ghost you, show up late, or, ugh, have zero client manners. (Yikes.) If that happens? Shake it off, learn from it, and move on. Don’t let one bad experience stop you from finding your perfect match. They’re out there—I promise.
7. Promote Each Other
Word-of-mouth is everything, and your hairstylist buddy can be your biggest cheerleader. Share their work with your clients, and they’ll likely return the favor. Offer package deals or team-up discounts for weddings, proms, or shoots. The more you hype each other up, the more bookings you’ll BOTH get. Win-win, right?
8. Keep Growing Together
Once you’ve found “the one,” don’t get too comfy. Push each other creatively! Maybe tackle a new trend or enter competitions together. The best collabs grow over time, and who knows? You might just become the next iconic MUA-hairstylist duo everyone’s raving about.
Building a fab partnership takes time, patience, and a bit of trial and error. But once you’ve found your go-to hairstylist, it’s like finding that perfect shade of red lipstick—it just clicks.
So, go out there, find your hair soulmate, and start creating some magic. You’ve got this. And hey, don’t forget to take a selfie with your dream team when you’ve nailed that next gig. 💄💇♀️✨
