What being a Chi Chi means.
A Chi Chi is what we call anyone in the LOTACHI community looking for a model opportunity — you're a Chi Chi from the moment you join, even before you're matched to anything. Being the model for a specific opportunity means taking part in a practical training session, assessment, demonstration or portfolio shoot run by a training provider — sometimes for free, sometimes at a reduced price. Providers need people like you to make practical learning possible.
Join London Early AccessWhy providers need models
Training providers, academies and practitioners need real people to practise on, assess against or build a portfolio with. That's where you come in — and it's often the reason opportunities are offered free or at a reduced price.
What 'free', 'discounted' and 'model price' mean
These terms are set by each individual provider, not LOTACHI. 'Free' usually means no charge for a training session. 'Discounted' or 'model price' usually means a reduced rate compared to a standard appointment, because the session forms part of someone's training or assessment.
How eligibility works
Each opportunity may come with its own requirements — for example, hair length, skin type or availability. The provider sets and checks these, not LOTACHI. You may be asked for more detail once you express interest in a specific opportunity.
Photos, video and media consent
Agreeing to a treatment or training session is not the same as agreeing to be photographed or filmed. Where a provider wants to take photos or video, a listing will say what for — clinical notes, training records, assessment, portfolio, website, social media or advertising — and whether your face would be identifiable. This is always asked for as its own, separate consent, never assumed from booking.
Cancellations and last-minute opportunities
Cancellation policies are set by each provider. Some opportunities come up at short notice — you can tell us how much notice suits you when you join the waitlist.
Provider responsibility
The provider you attend is responsible for consultation, consent, suitability and delivery of the service. LOTACHI's role is to help you discover and connect with opportunities.
Aftercare and support
Once bookings exist, written aftercare from the provider who delivered your session will be attached to your booking and stay accessible afterwards, along with a clear way to contact that provider if you have a concern. LOTACHI does not write aftercare instructions on a provider's behalf — they always come from the provider.
Safety basics
Always attend appointments in person at a provider's stated location, ask questions if anything is unclear, and raise concerns with the provider directly. If something feels wrong, you're not obliged to go ahead.
FAQ
Questions models ask
Do I get paid?
No. Being a model means receiving a service, often free or discounted, rather than being paid — though this can vary by opportunity, so always check what's on offer.
Are treatments free?
Not always. Some opportunities are free, others are discounted or priced at a 'model rate'. Pricing is set by the individual provider.
Who performs the treatment/service?
This varies by opportunity — it may be a student, a newly qualified professional or an experienced practitioner building a portfolio. The listing should make this clear.
Are trainees supervised?
Supervision arrangements are set and managed by each provider. Ask the provider directly if you'd like to understand their specific arrangements.
How do I know if I am suitable?
The provider assesses suitability for their specific opportunity — LOTACHI does not make this decision. You may be asked follow-up questions once you express interest.
Can I book multiple opportunities?
Once the platform is live, you'll be able to express interest in more than one opportunity, subject to each provider's availability.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation policies are set by each provider — check the details of the specific opportunity, and let the provider know as early as you can.
Can I join if I only want hair appointments?
Yes. You can select just the categories you're interested in, and we'll aim to only send you relevant opportunities where possible.
Will I have to provide photos when I sign up?
Not at this early-access stage. Some individual opportunities may ask for photos later, only where relevant to that specific opportunity.
Will providers take photos or video of me during my appointment?
Only where the listing says so, and only with your separate agreement — that's different from agreeing to the treatment itself. A listing will say what any photos or video are for (for example training records, portfolio or social media) and whether your face would be identifiable.
How do I get aftercare or support after my appointment?
Once bookings exist, the provider's written aftercare instructions will be attached to your booking, along with a clear way to contact them if you have a concern afterwards. This always comes from the provider, not from LOTACHI.
Can providers say what hair or skin type they're looking for?
Yes. A provider may state characteristics they're specifically seeking or equipped to work with — for example a hair type or skin type — so you can see whether an opportunity is a likely fit before you apply.
Do I pay LOTACHI for an opportunity?
No. During the pilot, if an opportunity has a price, you pay the provider directly — LOTACHI doesn't take payment for treatments.
Who do I pay?
The provider, directly, if the opportunity has a price. LOTACHI doesn't take payment for treatments during the pilot.