I had my headshots taken in November. They look awesome. In January, I had a haircut, and had asked for a few layers on my one-lenth hair (which was about 6 inches past my shoulders.

My stylist cut too many layers into it, and I have had (a new stylist!) punch up the back of my hair every few weeks so that it remains presentable. Two and a half months later, it started looking much like a mullet, despite all the barrettes, ponytails and crazy glue I put in it. So today I had *the cut*. I HAD to get it punched up, and now it is right above my shoulders.

It looks okay, just not like my headshot. Now, in between, when i send my headshots out for jobs, I make a note that my hair is several inches shorter than in my headshot, but I am not sure if they really see that. Regardless, I have 2 auditions coming up, and do NOT have the money to take new shots (and prints) right now. I am taking acting classes, and never anticipated this happening.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I KNOW that casting directors hate when people look nothing like their headshots. But I am really stuck.

First of all, don't panic! Actors continually cut their hair -- for various roles or just for a change.

It sounds as though you haven't changed the overall style and appearance of your hair at all, just the length. You may want to briefly mention that but certainly don't dwell on it, it's simply not that big of a deal. If necessary for the role, adding additional length is a simple matter of hair extensions. You may want to consider going to a hair professional who really knows what they're doing the next time. A truly great cut simply doesn't require the kind of difficult prep and upkeep you described.

And don't stress about this. It'll only ruin your auditions.

www.robertkim.com

I completely understand your concern. It is very important to look like your headshot, but as Robert said, people's hair changes all the time. So the trick to using the same headshot with different hair is to make sure that you are in the same type category as your headshot.

For example, if someone has long, straight hair, and then gets it cut into short, spiky layers, that person may not be considered for the same kinds of roles (same goes for color changes.) But if you look like you can still play the same kinds of roles, it shouldn't be too much of a problem to have your hair a little different.

Another factor in using non-current headshots is how you are using them. If is it an open audition and you are bringing your headshot with you, it is less of a concern because their first impression will be you walking in the door, not your headshot. In that case, your headshot will be used as a reference, and not as the main tool in getting you called in.

If you are submitting for projects using the headshots, and then they call you in to audition- having different hair could be a concern. One way to fix this problem is to take a digital picture of yourself with the new cut, print out a 2x3 or 3x4 copy of the photo, and attach it to your headshot whenever you submit with it. Between that and your cover letter, they should definitely understand the different looks, and they can make an informed decision.

I hope this is useful- good luck with the auditions!

Thank you both for your replies!

Yes, the only difference is length. It's the same color and style - straight with a little layer at the bottom, but it's shorter.

I have found a great stylist, who listened to me and will work with me to grow it out gracefully. I made her promise to not let me "experiment" with it again.

I still have that little shock when I look in the mirror because I was so used to it long. I think part of my issue is confidence. It's like part of me left with the hair that was cut.

Thank you again. I am going to rock my hair now and NOT mess with it again once it's back to where it was.

quote:

Originally posted by glamourpuss:
I still have that little shock when I look in the mirror because I was so used to it long. I think part of my issue is confidence. It's like part of me left with the hair that was cut.

It's funny how a relatively small thing can really throw off your confidence.

I remember I had a big, old Akita dog named "Jack." He had this magnificent full-curl tail that he would proudly wave in the air wherever he went, like a flag of honor. One day, he got in a fight with a pit bull that bit off his tail. He was never, ever the same again. He would slink around with his stump-of-a-tail between his legs, and never walked around proudly like he did before. Funny how that works...

www.robertkim.com

Robert and Eric gave great feedback here. I feel your pain. I recently had a haircut that was supposed to be one thing and turned out quite another--it's frustrating and does wreak havoc on your confidence, especially for a woman with longer hair.
Don't worry about noting your haircut in submissions, and good luck with the grow-out. I'm still searching for a new stylist myself!

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:

quote:

Originally posted by glamourpuss:
I still have that little shock when I look in the mirror because I was so used to it long. I think part of my issue is confidence. It's like part of me left with the hair that was cut.

It's funny how a relatively small thing can really throw off your confidence.

I remember I had a big, old Akita dog named "Jack." He had this magnificent full-curl tail that he would proudly wave in the air wherever he went, like a flag of honor. One day, he got in a fight with a pit bull that bit off his tail. He was never, ever the same again. He would slink around with his stump-of-a-tail between his legs, and never walked around proudly like he did before. Funny how that works...

www.robertkim.com

Oh my GOD that is so sad!!!!! Your poor dog!!!!