Finding the right H/MUA

If you struggle to find a H/MUA here are a few helpful tips for finding a professional artist.

Tip 1.

The best place to find a professional is either via: Word of Mouth/ Facebook/ Instagram.

Word of Mouth is probably the strongest form of advertising for a H/MUA, but we all know social media is taking over and fast! So most businesses will advertise through Facebook or Instagram. It won't take 5 minutes to find someone, it'll take some time scrolling through pages/profiles, asking questions, looking through their portfolio etc.

Tip 2.

You may be thinking "What questions should I ask?". You may want to ask about their length in the industry, where they studied their certificate/diploma, how busy they get, if their kit can be accustomed to every client. Don't be afraid to ask these sort of questions, it is beneficial for not only you, but them as well. If their answers don't suit what you are looking for, it's time to hop to the next one until you find some suitable! (You may be asking "What if I don't find anyone?" - I'll get to that later!)

Tip 3.

When you find the H/MUA ask whether they will travel for you and if their is an added cost for this, travel charges depend on distance/time/tolls etc. and can range from $5-$150 depending on the H/MUA their schedule and demand.

Tip 4.

The average charge for a MUA is $80-$170 (avg. $125) and for a Hair Stylist $70-$160 (avg. $115). There is always a lower and higher end of the spectrum because there can be factors that come into play for example, a MUA may charge more if you want Airbrush makeup or may charge less if you choose you do not want false eyelashes applied, or a Hair Stylist may charge more depending how complex your hair style is like an intricate braid in a bun with a lot of texture or may charge less if you want a simple blow wave hair style. (Not every professional will charge as stated above, these are mere guidelines)

Tip 5.

Some H/MUA may negotiate their prices, but keep in mind that majority will not and may be offended by you asking. Their prices are a reflection of them, their hard work, the products they use and other factors which are more *personal* like for example, they are self-employed, their course cost was very expensive, they live in an expensive area... you get the drift, for some of you, you may be thinking "That doesn't justify their pricing" or, "It doesn't give them the right to charge so much, they chose the industry!" Though it may be true, most people think H/MUA shouldn't charge so much, but it is the same as labourers/tradespeople, they have some of the highest paying jobs; their courses wouldn't have been cheap!

Sometimes you get what you pay for!

Tip 6.

If you have been searching high & low for a H/MUA and had no luck, it could be a good time to adjust you're criteria, for example:

Most Makeup Artists that charge $60-$70 are either starting in the industry or could be self taught, so would not be able to do an amazing cut crease or smokey eye.

Or a Hair Stylist that charges $80 for an intricate style that would usually cost $130 elsewhere, may not do it to your standard of what you think it should look like.

What I'm trying to say is, if you think you will find a professional that will do hollywood waves or a smokey eye for $50, you may not find someone to help you until you come to realisation that you may have to spend extra for an amazing service!

Tip 7.

Some self taught H/MUA are amazing! Don't get discouraged if you see someone is self-taught, some Makeup Artists I follow are the most amazing self-taught Artists I have ever seen, but that being said, make sure they have their hygiene standards in order, it goes without saying, make sure any professional you hire have hygiene standards in practice.

Tip 8.

Try to have good communications with a H/MUA, it can be frustrating for professionals to constantly chase up with clients and vice versa. Some H/MUA can be very busy and not have much time to discuss things with you, the length of their service could incorporate discussing any details with you. It is very easy to message someone to confirm details or appointments, it takes seconds, again this is for both parties, but it makes the whole process more satisfying and relieving.

And that's a wrap!

Let me know what you think of these tips in the comments below! I know some tips may come across confronting or rude, but I have been on both sides and know how frustrating it can be as a client or as a MUA. It's important we work together, because we require a service they provide but they only have work if we are looking for their service!

xx

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