Models are the most visible representatives of fashionable clothing, beauty products, and brands worldwide. However, their career longevity is often limited due to the pressure to maintain youthfulness and attractiveness. This led to a shift towards barely legal models who were typically younger than 18 years old, which created recruitment challenges.
The demand for barely legal models increased because they looked more like real teenagers instead of older models who had developed curves or wrinkles. Barely legal models were also cheaper and easier to work with since they did not require expensive makeup or styling services. The problem was that these models had short careers before aging out or moving on to other genres such as adult entertainment or retirement. This turnover made it difficult for photographers, designers, and advertisers to find reliable talent for long-term projects.
Recruiters faced several difficulties when hiring young models, including ethical concerns about their safety and exploitation. Some parents refused to allow their children to participate in this industry because of its reputation for exploitation. Additionally, models needed parental consent to appear nude or semi-nude in public or private settings. Some agencies even employed undercover agents to ensure no illegal activities occurred during photoshoots.
Despite these challenges, many successful models have managed to extend their careers by staying healthy, fit, and relevant through diet and exercise regimens or cosmetic surgery. They remained active in the industry until they reached middle age by switching roles from modeling to photography or design. Others retired early due to burnout or dissatisfaction with the profession. However, most barely legal models moved onto other genres after a few years due to limited job opportunities in fashion or beauty.
The success rate of barely legal models is still high compared to other professions, but there are ongoing recruitment issues due to the short lifespans of those who enter this field. While it can be an exciting career path, the lack of stability makes it unappealing for some individuals seeking long-term employment. To address this issue, agencies should consider investing more resources into training and mentorship programs that help aspiring models develop the skills necessary for longevity in the business.