Hair and makeup equity on film and television sets has long been called for by actresses, advocacy groups and stylists – however, this month’s event served to spotlight the continued discrimination that people of colour encounter when prepping for big (and small) screens.

The event, which brought together a host of British talent and industry leaders, was the first time UK and US advocates have come together to uncover and discuss the challenges that continue to prevent equity behind and in front of the camera.

It set out to ensure that the makeup experience for actors on set is professional, fair and equal via debates and discussions covering the importance of excellent standards when it comes to hiring hair and makeup artists who work with textured hair and all skin tones; ensuring equal opportunities to all those on set; using and educating people on appropriate language and more.

On the event, Maude Okrah-Hunter, CEO and Founder, Black Beauty Roster said: ‘Black Beauty Roster (BBR) is excited to champion diversity and inclusion in the hair and makeup industry, both in front of and behind the camera, as we expand into the UK market.

‘We have positioned our focus to amplify this work through education, advocacy and opportunity and are very excited to do this with Time’s Up UK. Their mission compliments our voice in raising awareness and building industry allies to continue to drive hair and makeup equity in the UK and beyond.’

Welcoming the British Beauty Council’s DEI Committee Members, and CEO, Millie Kendall OBE, the event spotlighted the importance of driving increased opportunities both above and below the line.

Kendall sat on a panel alongside Ade Rawcliffe (ITV), Surian Fletcher-Jones (Universal International Studios), and Rem Conway (KUDOS KNIGHT) to explore the vital role that policy and decision makers have in increasing equity.

She said: ‘It is time we stand up and fight for equity across all beauty disciplines. The exceptional coming together of leaders in film, TV and beauty at the Hair and Make Up Equity Salon demonstrated the vital need for collective action.’

Untold Stories: Hair on Set is a 2023 documentary that explores the experiences of Black actors and the challenges they face on film sets:

Watch on Youtube

Times Up UK has been pushing for increased representation in film and television since 2018 and has been a facilitator of a number of initiatives to drive equity. Notably, it worked closely with the British Film Institute and Diversity in Cannes to send a delegation of four UK Black female filmmakers to the Cannes Film Festival to connect with their international peers.

Actress Naomie Harris has shared her support for the organisation’s collaboration with BBR, saying: ‘Achieving hair and makeup equity on set is about creating a space where every actor feels seen, respected, and able to give their best. I’m proud to stand with Time’s Up UK and Black Beauty Roster to ensure this vital change gains momentum.’

Kevin Fortune, hair and makeup designer for Master of None – Moments in Love showcased his work at the event to spotlight the training and skill needed to work with Afro and textured hair. Fortune runs his own training academy where he runs intensive courses in skills including braiding, wigs and Afro hair styling.