Hayes' film credits include Sparkle (2007), Nowhere Boy (2009), Kicks (2009), playing the lead role of Nicole, and Rowan Joffé's remake of Brighton Rock (2010).
She was selected for the 2009 Trailblazer showcase, an annual initiative at the Edinburgh International Film Festival highlighting new talent, for her performance in Kicks. She has appeared in two series of the Channel 4 period drama The Mill. Her most recent role is as Gwen Pearce in the 2016 BBC TV drama series The Living and the Dead.
