Hairdresser
What is the work like?
Hairdressers cut, colour and shape their clients' hair to create the style they request.
As a trainee hairdresser you would usually begin by carrying out basic tasks such as:
- greeting customers
- shampooing hair
- making sure towels and supplies are ready for use
- keeping the salon clean and tidy.
As a qualified hairdresser your work would include:
- discussing with the client how they want their hair done, giving advice and suggesting ideas for suitable styles
- shampooing and conditioning
- cutting and styling
- colouring, perming or straightening
- advising on minor hair and scalp problems
- making appointments and handling payments
- ordering materials
- making sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly.
You could specialise in a particular client group or technique, for example, traditional men's barber shop services or Afro-Caribbean techniques such as pressing, braiding and plaiting.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can train as a hairdresser full-time or part-time at a college, or work as a trainee, learning on the job and attending college on day-release. Whichever option you choose, you can complete the following qualifications:
- NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Hairdressing
- NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Barbering.
NVQ Level 1 covers the basic introductory skills you would need as an assistant hairdresser. NVQ Level 2 includes the essential skills you would need as a hairdresser. NVQ Level 3 covers skills needed for more senior roles.
Visit the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) website for information on qualifications and career paths in the hairdressing industry. Note: HABIA does not provide courses and is not able to supply lists of course providers.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (link opens new window).
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a hairdresser, you would need to keep up to date with new trends, techniques and products. Manufacturers sometimes run short courses to introduce their hair-care products.
Once you are qualified as a hairdresser, you could continue to gain qualifications in the use of more advanced colouring, perming, assessing and remedial techniques. Completing NVQ Level 4 in Salon Management could be useful if you want to progress into management or self-employment.
As an experienced hairdresser, you could also develop your career by completing higher level qualifications, including:
- City & Guilds Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Salon Management
- BTEC HNC/HND and foundation degrees in hairdressing, usually combined with salon management
- degrees in beauty therapy and hairdressing.
You can complete training with the Freelance Hair and Beauty Federation (FHBF) on planning, setting up and managing a hairdressing business, as well as ongoing training and Continuing Personal Development (CPD). See the FHBF website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Sixth Avenue
Sky Business Park
Robin Hood Airport
Doncaster
DN9 3GG
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Trainee hairdressers can earn around the National Minimum Wage which varies depending on age.
- Fully trained hairdressers are likely to earn between £11,000 and around £16,000 a year.
- At the top of the profession, hairdressers can earn £30,000 or more, depending on employer and/or location.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am and 5pm or 6pm. This would usually include Saturdays with a day off in the week. Some salons open late on one or two evenings. Part-time work is often available.
You could offer a mobile hairdressing service, visiting customers in their homes.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- creativity
- Customer service and 'people' skills
- tact and diplomacy
- fashion-consciousness
- willingness to learn new techniques and methods
- awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
You could work as a haidresser in salons throughout the UK. You could also find opportunities in a number of other places, such as hotels, hospitals and care homes, cruise liners and armed forces bases.
Alternatively, you could offer a mobile service, travelling to clients' homes, rather than working in a salon.
With experience you could progress to jobs with more responsibility such as senior stylist or salon manager
By taking the appropriate further qualifications, you could move into teaching and/or NVQ assessing. See the Further Education Teacher and NVQ Assessor profiles for more information.
Other options include wig making, training in make-up techniques, and working in the television or film industry (see the Make-up Artist profile for details).
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Hairdressers Journal
leisurejobs.co.uk
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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