FILM AND TV HAIR
Department Head Hair Stylists: Control Your Space
As a Department Head Hairstylist, your setup needs to work for you. You already know that bad lighting leads to bad results, whether it’s color matching, lace application, or ventilating wigs. You need light that lets you see everything—from the front, from the back, and at the right Color Temperature.
One of the first things to secure? A trailer outfitted with TML lighting. There are at least five trailer companies that install TML in their makeup and hair trailers Find them here and ask for them by name. Download PDF here.If that’s not an option, work with your UPM or Transportation Coordinator to rent exactly what you need through CVA (Cases for Visual Arts), TML’s sister company.
P.I.C. Trailers
Greenlite Trailers
Big Mack Trailers
But trailers are only part of the equation. The reality is, most trailer lighting is front-facing and blinding to hairstylists that make it impossible to see your work properly. Many stylists open the trailer door for backlight, but then you’re battling wind, rain, heat, or freezing cold. That’s not a solution—it’s a compromise.
Department Head Hairstylist: Let’s Talk about TML Kits you should Own
A Department Head Hairstylist should own at least a TML Master Kit (no stands)—this gives you complete control over your lighting placement. If you’re working your way up or need a more portable option, the Eyelight Pro Kit is an excellent choice, especially for lighting the back of the head when double-teaming with Makeup. You’ll see in the photo below– the hairstylist used 2 Jet Lights.
Why It Matters:
- Wigs & Ventilation – If you can’t see the lace, you can’t blend it. Proper lighting ensures lace melts into the skin.
- Color Matching & Blending – Hairpieces, extensions, and custom colors all depend on accurate lighting. TML lights have a CRI of 97-98, so what you see is what you get—no surprises under different lighting conditions.
Pro Tip: Let Production Pay for It
- Wigs & Ventilation – Ask production to provide multiple Magic Mount Stickies so you can easily adjust your lights.
- Have production rent through CVA if a TML-lit trailer isn’t available.
- Make sure lighting is included in your box rental—it counts as a tool, not a luxury.
When you control your lighting, you control your work. Don’t let bad lighting dictate your results.