Don't get a tattoo

Fashion is all about change, tattoos are permanent, having a tattoo can't help you get a mainstream modelling job, it's more likely to stop you getting hired.

Don't get pierced

Pierced ears are ok but piercings in your face will cut down the work you will be offered, maybe to zero. A pierced navel is so 1990s; your belly-button is pretty enough as it is.

Don't smoke

Tobacco is poison, pure and simple, it will kill you in the end, and in the meantime it will ruin your skin and make your breath and clothes smell.

Don't take drugs

Illegal drugs are everywhere and, whatever you think of them, they won't improve your health and they will damage your looks.

Go easy on alcohol

Alcohol is a dangerous drug but at least it's legal, don't drink too much because, again, it's bad for your health and your looks.

Don't get a boob job

Breast implants often just don't look right and the chances of having a successful operation are definitely not 100%. Implants don't last a lifetime so if you have breast enlargement surgery you are committing yourself to unknown expense for years to come.

Don't mess up your eyebrows

Eyebrows are an important facial feature, don't pluck them away to nothing. Decide on a shape (not too thin) that suits your face and then just pluck enough to maintain it. If your eyebrows are already overplucked, let them grow for a while and start again. Here are some eyebrow plucking tips, and a good example: Kate's beautiful eyebrows!

Don't mess up your hair

To do colouring and perming properly requires skill and experience, if you can't afford to get it done professionally don't try and do it yourself, just get a good cut and keep your hair in good condition. Nice, well cared-for hair is something a model must have.

Be prepared to get up in the morning

Many modelling assignments will start early to take advantage of early morning light or to avoid crowds, so don't moan if you are offered a job that means you have to get up early.

Eat good food

Models need to be slim, fit and well-toned but this doesn't mean you have to starve yourself. Eat healthy natural food including plenty of fruit and vegetables. Sweets, chocolate and biscuits are the worst things you can eat so cut down on them as much as you can. Don't bother with gimmicky dieting products.

Take exercise

Models have to be prettier, fitter and healthier than the general population, so you should find a form of exercise that you enjoy but that doesn't damage, strain or bruise your body. Dancing is one of the best forms of exercise there is, so take dance classes if you can, this may also help you get work by helping you move gracefully.

Don't spend hundreds of pounds on photographs

If you have any potential as a model you won't need to spend hundreds of pounds to get some initial portfolio pictures. You should be able to ...