Industry Working Group Unveils Hair and Makeup Equity Guidelines for On-Set Inclusion
A coalition of broadcasters, streamers, global production companies, agents and Time’s Up UK have come together with Pact and DANDI, to release a set of high-level principles and guidelines aimed at producers to ensure equity in hair and makeup on set.
These guidelines build on the work of the PMA Diverse Squad, a working group of eight Black and Asian female agents championing inclusivity in the UK film and TV industry.
The high-level principles and guidance have been developed across 2024/2025 to equip productions with the knowledge, resources, and practices necessary to meet the requirements of actors, presenters and contributors of all backgrounds.
The guidelines focus on seven key areas:
- Hiring qualified hair and makeup professionals experienced in working with all hair types and skin tones.
- Fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their preferences and concerns regarding their hair and makeup.
- Providing adequate resources, tools, and budget needed to meet the specific requirements of Black, Asian and minority ethnic hair and skin care.
- Being respectful, culturally sensitive and mindful of cultural appropriation in hair and makeup choices.
- Promoting an inclusive culture on-set where diversity and inclusion are valued.
- Maintaining accountability by regularly reviewing the work of the hair and makeup department to ensure it aligns with the production’s goals of authenticity and inclusivity.
- Committing to long-term inclusion by being intentional and championing change, by setting standards and continuing to improve practice.
Anjani Patel (She/Her) - Head of Inclusion and Diversity, Pact. Says: “The release of the guidance and principles is an important step in highlighting the issue and embedding good practice in production. We will continue to work in collaboration with Broadcasters, indies, and campaign groups on this journey to drive change.”
Fraser Ayres - CEO, www. dandi.org.uk says: “We are proud to have contributed our expertise in talent and production to these hair and makeup guidelines. This is an important step in addressing the practical needs of performers and crew members from diverse ethnic backgrounds and by providing clear, actionable recommendations, we hope to eliminate long-standing barriers whilst encouraging ongoing dialogue about inclusive language and practices.”
The PMA Diverse Squad says: "The PMA Diverse Squad’s pioneering 2020 survey revealed that 71% of racially diverse actors had encountered hair and makeup departments unequipped to meet their heritage, hair, or skin tone needs. Championing equal hair and makeup provision—irrespective of ethnic background—has been our driving mission in recent years. We are thrilled that key stakeholders across the screen industry have united behind these new principles, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact this will have on on-screen talent.”
Jessica Schibli, Head of Creative Diversity, BBC says: “Embedding an inclusive environment on all BBC productions is fundamental to our values. We’re proud to bring together industry partners for this important work, aligning with the BBC Inclusive Production Principles to drive meaningful and tangible change. Hair and makeup equity on every set is vital and ensures authenticity, respect and confidence for every individual to do their best work.”
Miranda Wayland, CEO, Creative Diversity Network says: “This initiative began with a simple but urgent question: how do we ensure every individual, regardless of their heritage, feels respected and represented in every aspect of production? Our Diamond data has consistently highlighted disparities faced by Black creative talent, particularly around hair and makeup provision, fewer than 5% of roles in Costume and Wardrobe, Hair and Make-Up, and Set Design are filled by individuals from Black, Asian Minority Ethic groups. Together, Iyare Igiehon – Creative Diversity Partner, BBC and I brought industry leaders to the table to address these concerns, and collectively these principles were developed, providing practical solutions to long-standing issues in hair and makeup equity. We’re incredibly proud to see the industry unite behind this vision and are excited about the lasting change it will bring.”
Annika Allen, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, All3Media says: “At All3Media we recognise the vital role that hair and makeup designers play in bringing stories to life, shaping audience perceptions, and authentically representing diverse cultures and identities on screen. These principles for working with textured hair and darker skin tones empower every individual to deliver their best work both in front of and behind the camera.”
Dame Heather Rabbatts, Time’s Up UK says: “Time’s Up UK, which has been focused on advocating for equity and change and making environments safer on set since 2018, is delighted to support the development of these new principles and guidance to ensure our Black and global majority actors always have hair and makeup professionals who have the necessary skills and experience to look after their needs”.
Ade Rawcliffe, Head of People, ITV says: “ITV is committed to ensuring a fair and equitable experience for all actors on set and have actively encouraged productions to ensure that Black and People of Colour actors have experienced Hair/Make Up designers on set through the ITV Production Principles. We are proud to support this industry wide initiative to ensure that we as an industry are aligned in supporting People Of Colour actors on all of our productions to have an equitable experience on set.”
Naomi Sesay, Head of Creative Equity at Channel 4, comments: “The principles released by the Hair and Makeup Equality Working Group are a crucial intervention and will support progress towards a more equitable experience on set for diverse talent, and we’re delighted to have contributed to this alongside our friends across the industry. We’re keen to ensure these improvements are put into practice, which is why we’re also supporting Film London’s recently announced Hair and Makeup Aesthetics Academy; an industry first programme designed to drive change and help provide the skills and support to hair and make-up artists to represent a wide range of skin tones and hair textures.”
These principles and accompanying guidelines come in response to long-documented challenges and calls to action from actors, agents, and industry bodies. Recent reports such as the Race Between The Lines study have brought attention to the impact of hair and makeup inequities on the mental wellbeing and professional experience of Black, Asian and minority ethnic talent. Through collaboration with creatives, campaigners, and production experts, the working group has developed a resource to help producers and programme makers address this discrimination.
The principles and guidelines for producers are available here.