Hand Model Agency

HHM has specialised in hand modelling since the agency's founding in 1991 — it is the discipline on which the agency was built and remains its core area of expertise. With more than 35 years of specialist experience, HHM is widely regarded as the UK's leading hand model agency. Every hand model on the roster is selected against specific criteria: skin condition, nail quality, dexterity, steadiness under macro lenses and the ability to deliver precise, consistent movements across a full production day. Clients benefit from a direct, accountable agency relationship — no intermediaries, no account management layers — and a roster that is maintained to a year-round production-ready standard.

For productions based in and around London, HHM can often accommodate last-minute hand model bookings and, in the event of a same-day cancellation, will work immediately to source a suitable replacement from the roster. The depth of HHM's London-based hand model talent pool — built over 35+ years — makes this a realistic option in most circumstances, though it cannot be guaranteed. For productions outside London, same-day replacement is more difficult to arrange. For any production where a specific hand model is critical to the creative, HHM recommends confirming a preferred alternative at the casting stage so an approved replacement is already identified if needed.

Yes — and this is exactly the kind of requirement that must be communicated at the brief stage, not on shoot day. HHM's roster includes hand models with specific demonstrable skills across a range of commercial applications: cooking and food preparation techniques including knife skills and chopping, calligraphy and hand lettering, chopstick use, cocktail preparation, craft and artisan techniques, and more. These skills are not universal across the full hand model roster — they are held by specific individuals — so the brief needs to include any such requirement from the outset so the agency can match the right talent. A hand model who cannot credibly perform the required action under a macro lens will cost a production far more time than getting the casting right at the beginning.

HHM operates five structured options for delivering a nail brief, each with different costs, timelines and liability positions. The agency's recommended option is an on-set manicurist arranged by the client — this ensures the brief is executed to exact specifications, allows for last-minute adjustments and avoids post-production costs, with the model's day rate beginning on arrival on set. Other options include a pre-assignment manicurist arranged by the agency or client, a same-day salon appointment near the shoot location, a third-party salon arranged by the model, or the model attempting the brief themselves. Each option carries different cost and liability implications. Contact HHM for a full explanation of the options relevant to your production brief.

Only standard lacquer varnishes are permitted on HHM hand models' nails. Gels, acrylics, shellac, false nails and extensions are prohibited under the agency's Manicure Policy, as these treatments can damage the natural nail and compromise the model's long-term availability for work. The only exception is reputable peel-off gel bases, which must be approved by the agency in advance. This policy exists to protect both the model and the client — a hand model with damaged nails cannot work, which creates a production risk for every client who books them subsequently. For briefs requiring intricate nail art or unconventional finishes, a professional session manicurist working on set is the required approach.

Hand model fees are structured by usage type — web and social, stills, motion or full all-media buyout — with standardised rates applying across the unrecognisable hand and body parts tier. This is the base tier for specialist hand model bookings where only the hands appear in the final imagery. If a production requires the hand model to appear in a way that goes beyond isolated hand work — full body presence without facial recognition, for example — the booking moves to the unrecognisable commercial tier, which carries a higher rate. If the model's face or identifiable features appear in the final content, recognisable commercial rates apply and usage fees are negotiated separately. These distinctions are grounded in HHM's Terms and Conditions and rate card. All usage terms must be confirmed before the shoot — if the scope changes on the day and the agency has not been notified, HHM reserves the right to invoice at the appropriate rate for the actual usage.

HHM operates five distinct modelling tiers: unrecognisable hands and body parts, unrecognisable commercial, unrecognisable underwear, recognisable commercial, and recognisable underwear. A standard hand model booking sits within the unrecognisable hands and body parts tier — the model's hands appear in isolation, with no full-body presence and no identifiable facial features visible. If the framing widens to include the body without facial features, the booking requires the unrecognisable commercial tier. If any recognisable facial features appear — including the eyes alone, which are treated as partially recognisable regardless of other features — commercial rates and usage fees apply. The practical implication for production teams is that the intended framing should be confirmed with the agency before the shoot, not after. Scope changes discovered at invoicing stage will be charged at the appropriate tier rate.

Yes on both counts — and the dual-specialism angle is worth raising at brief stage for any production where it applies. A significant number of HHM's hand models are also experienced commercial models: actors, dancers and commercial talents whose hands meet the specialist standard for close-up work as well as the full-body requirements of commercial production. Where a brief requires both commercial presence and genuinely camera-ready hands, HHM can often identify a single talent who delivers both within the same booking. These models are contractually obliged to maintain both their full commercial appearance and their hands to a production-ready specialist standard year-round. Where a production requires separate specialist hand talent alongside commercial models or other body parts disciplines, HHM can cast across all required categories through a single agency relationship — one point of contact, consistent contract terms and a single invoice. Contact the agency with the full scope of your brief and HHM will confirm the most efficient casting approach.

Yes — and this is a risk worth addressing at the brief stage, not after the shoot. Tattoos are original artistic works capable of attracting copyright protection, and if a tattoo artist's work appears in commercial imagery without clearance, a production or brand could in principle face an IP claim. This applies even when the model is booked purely for hand work and a tattoo is incidentally visible in the frame. HHM confirms that none of the models on the hand model roster have third-party IP or royalty rights assigned to any tattoo artist over the tattoos on their body. Productions booking hand talent through HHM can proceed with confidence that no undisclosed third-party IP claim attaches to the imagery. Where a model's hands carry visible tattoos that will appear in the shooting area, HHM will flag this at the casting stage so it can be factored into the brief.

Models

Locations

Artists

SESSION ARTISTS

Professional Hand Models for Advertising