How the Industry is Working Toward Setting New Standards for Hair & Makeup Equity

SAG-AFTRA has brought an enhanced focus to hair and makeup equity in the industry. Among its initiatives have been discussions about hair discrimination issues with members, industry professionals and other organizations; introducing new provisions for hair and makeup in the latest collective bargaining agreements; and endorsing key legislation that directly combats such inequities, including the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN, Act. 

For the second year, SAG-AFTRA participated in the 2022 American Film Market with the Setting New Standards for Hair & Makeup Equity panel. The panel took place on Nov. 5, with SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland as panel moderator. Featured panelists included The Hair Tales docuseries’ creator and executive producer Michaela Angela Davis, Black Beauty Roster co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Maude Okrah and Warner Bros. Discovery North America Vice President, Content, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Yvette Urbina. 

During the panel, the women discussed the importance of industrywide allyship toward on-set hair and makeup equity, as well as ways to promote opportunities for rising hair and makeup artists. 

The recording of this event was streamed by the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement on Dec. 13 with an introduction by SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair. 

To watch other panels on hair and makeup equity, visit sagaftra.org/videos. 

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the individual guests, not of SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for applicable professional advice. You should always use good judgment in these matters.