Looking for a Hair and Makeup Artist in Cape Town? What to Know Before You Book
Whether it's your wedding, a matric dance, a photo shoot or another special occasion, choosing the right hair and makeup artist makes the day so much easier.
Here is what I suggest looking for when you're searching for a hair and makeup artist in Cape Town.
Ask how they make your look last
You'll want your hair and makeup to look just as good at the end of the night as it did at the start. A good artist can tell you how they make a look last.
I use a combination of the Smink Setting Spray and the Revlon Setting Spray, to help keep your makeup in place through the photos, the dancing and a long day.
Look at their work
A portfolio shows you more than a description does. Look at photos of real clients, and check whether the style is one you like. Instagram is a good place to see recent work, because it shows what the artist is doing now.
Also look at the variety. Does the artist work with different skin tones, hair types and looks? You want someone who can create a look that suits you, not one standard style for everyone.
Photos can be deceiving
These days, pictures can be edited, filtered or even made with AI, so a beautiful photo doesn't always show the real work. Don't rely on photos alone.
Look further. Watch videos of the artist at work, such as reels, where you can see the hair and makeup being done and how it looks in natural movement. Read reviews from real clients, and ask to see more than one look. I share my most recent work on Instagram, so you can see it for yourself.
Think about where you'll get ready
Some artists work from a studio, and some come to you. Getting ready at home, at a venue or at a hotel means no travelling in your finished look, and no rushing on a busy day.
I come to you, or we can meet at the Milnerton Makeup Studio. If you're not sure which suits you best, ask your artist what they offer.
Ask about a trial
A trial lets you see your hair and makeup before the big day, so there are no surprises. It's also a good way to see whether you and your artist are a good match. Read more in Get Ready for Your Bridal Hair & Makeup Trial.
Book early
Good artists book up, especially for popular dates. As soon as you know your date, get in touch to check availability.
Questions to ask before you book
- Are you available on my date, and at what time?
- Do you come to my venue, and is there a travel cost?
- Can I see photos of looks similar to mine?
- Do you offer a trial?
- Can you do hair and makeup for my bridesmaids or my group?
- How will I get a quote?
For large bridal parties I always bring an assistant artist, so everyone is ready on time and we don't need a 4am start. For more ideas on timing, see Your Wedding Morning Timeline.
About prices
Every client is unique, so I don't have a fixed price list. Tell me about your day, and I'll send you a quote made for you.
Let's chat about your look
If you're looking for hair and makeup in Cape Town, I'd love to hear about it. Get in touch with your date, your venue and what you have in mind, and I'll let you know about availability.
You may also like Matric Dance Hair & Makeup in Cape Town and Wedding Makeup for Photos.