Hairdresser

Hairdressers wash, condition, blow-dry, cut, style, perm, straighten and colour hair. They might also advise clients about hair products on sale in the salon, carry out reception duties and deal with payments. Some hairdressers are self-employed.

Also known as:

• Barber

Work activities

Hairdressers first find out from their clients what they’d like to have done to their hair. They also suggest suitable treatments. The work involves shampooing, conditioning, cutting, styling, blow-drying, straightening and setting hair. Hairdressers might also perm, colour and lighten hair, or diagnose problems with the hair and scalp. Men’s hairdressers (known as barbers) also trim beards and moustaches. Some specialist hairdressers fit wigs. Hairdressers advise clients about products on sale in the salon and carry out reception duties, if necessary. They might also serve tea and coffee to their clients. In a small salon, hairdressers might do all the tasks on their own. In larger salons, where there are several members of staff, a trainee might assist the hairdressers, by washing hair, making drinks, sweeping the floor and washing towels. Hairdressers need to be aware of new trends, techniques and treatments in hairdressing. They also need to know the effect that different chemicals can have on the clients’ hair.

Qualified hairdressers are responsible for their own clients. They try to establish a good relationship with clients in order to keep their business. Hairdressers working in television and theatre normally have experience in make-up as well. Some hairdressers specialise in hair of different ethnicities, using techniques including such as pressing, braiding, weaving and attaching hair extensions. Some hairdressers wear a uniform.

Personal qualities and skills

As a hairdresser, you need:

• To be friendly and polite.
• To work quickly and well with your hands, doing detailed work.
• A creative and artistic sense.
• An eye for colour and form.
• To keep up to date with new trends, products, techniques and methods of hairdressing.
• A neat, tidy and well-groomed appearance.
• To be fit and able to stand for a long time.

The use of treatments that contain chemicals might affect you if you have sensitive skin. In some cases, the treatments can cause problems for people with allergies, so you need to be aware of health and safety. A driving licence would be useful if you work as a mobile hairdresser.

Pay and opportunities  

Pay rates for hairdressers vary depending on experience and location – higher earnings are more likely in larger areas. Hairdressers can earn between £19,500 and £30,000.

Hairdressers work up to 37-40 hours per week, which normally includes working on Saturdays. Late finishes on one or two evenings a week might also be required. Opportunities for part-time work are usually available.

Employers are hairdressing salons, which could be one-person businesses or might employ several people. Other employers are department stores, luxury hotels, health hydros, hospitals and cruise ships. Hairdressers could also take on lecturing or tutor roles in, for example, further education (FE) colleges or work-based learning training providers. Opportunities for hairdressers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK. There are also international opportunities for trained hairdressers.

Opportunities occur for experienced hairdressers to become self-employed, either by becoming a freelance hairdresser – visiting clients in their homes, or by renting a chair in a large salon.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers and trade industry magazines, on job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found on the websites of large hairdressing chains, luxury hotels, health spas and cruise ships.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. It can be useful experience to have a Saturday job in a hairdresser’s or you may study a related vocational subject in school. This gives an insight into the work of a hairdresser and should be helpful when applying for training or a college course.

A number of apprenticeships can help you begin a career in this area, with on-the-job training and the opportunity to study towards relevant work-based qualifications. These include:

• Barbering professional (level 2 / intermediate)
• Hairdressing professional (level 2 / intermediate)
• Creative hair professional (level 3 / advanced)

Regardless of whether or not you do an apprenticeship, new entrants normally train in the workplace fulltime and/or with day-release at college. There is a wide range of full- and part-time courses at both further education (FE) and private colleges. Colleges organise work experience placements with local employers, or they might have their own salon on-site. Diplomas in hairdressing are available at levels 2 and 3. Some manufacturers of hair colouring and styling products might also offer short courses to introduce hairdressers to new products and skills.

Foundation degrees and HNDs in hairdressing and salon management are available. These are useful if you are planning on developing your career further within the hairdressing industry. Some hairdressers progress to become senior stylists or salon managers. Hairdressers could also take on lecturing roles in, for example, FE colleges. Some choose to become self-employed, which might involve setting up their own salon, renting a chair in a salon, or visiting clients in their homes. The Freelance Hairdressers’ Association provides information on setting up and managing a hairdressing business, as well as ongoing training.

Qualifications

Often, educational qualifications are not required for entry to colleges and training schemes - enthusiasm and the right personality are considered more important. However, GCSEs in English and maths are useful. Other useful qualifications include an Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First qualification and an Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualification in hairdressing.

If you wish to enter this career through an Apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant college and work-based learning courses are available by part-time evening or weekend study. Colleges and work-based learning providers will usually consider applications from candidates who don’t meet their usual entry requirements. Check the admissions policy of individual colleges. There are refresher courses for those returning to hairdressing work.

Related careers

• Beauty therapist
• Design assistant
• Dog groomer
• Image consultant
• Make-up artist
• Nail technician