Becoming a Hairdresser

The work

Hairdressers cut and style clients' hair. Their work can 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.

Trainee hairdressers 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.

Hairdressers need to make sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly.

Some hairdressers specialise in a particular client group or technique, for example, traditional men's barber shop services or Afro-Caribbean techniques such as pressing, braiding, plaiting and attaching hair extensions.

Hours and Environment

As a hairdresser, you will usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am to 5pm or 6pm. You are likely to work on 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 – you will need a driving licence and vehicle for this.

Skills and Interests

To become a hairdresser you should:

• be good at working with your hands
• be artistic and creative
• enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds
• be able to welcome clients and put them at ease
• be tactful and diplomatic
• be fashion conscious
• be prepared to learn new techniques and methods
• be aware of health and safety issues
• have physical stamina to stand for long periods.

Entry

You can either 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 NVQs/SVQs:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Hairdressing
• NVQs/SVQs levels 2 and 3 in Barbering.

NVQ/SVQ Level 1 covers the basic introductory skills needed for working as an assistant hairdresser. NVQ/SVQ Level 2 includes the essential skills needed as a hairdresser. NVQ/SVQ Level 3 covers skills needed for more senior roles.  

Visit the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) website (in Further Information below) for information on qualifications and career paths in the hairdressing industry. HABIA do not provide courses and are not able to supply lists of course providers.

You may be able to get into hairdressing through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

Once you are working as a hairdresser, you will need to keep up to date with new trends, techniques and products. Manufacturers of products sometimes run short courses to introduce their products.

As an experienced hairdresser, you can do higher level qualifications, including:

• City and Guilds Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Salon Management
• SQA Higher National Certificate in Salon Management
• BTEC HNC/HND and foundation degrees in hairdressing, usually combined with salon management
• degrees in beauty therapy and hairdressing.

Opportunities

There are over 36,000 hairdressing salons in the UK, employing more than 180,000 people. Hairdressers also work in a number of other places, like hotels, hospitals and care homes, cruise liners and armed forces bases. Some hairdressers offer a mobile service, travelling to clients' homes, rather than working in a salon.

Once you are qualified as a hairdresser, you could continue to gain qualifications to use more advanced colouring, perming, assessing and remedial techniques. NVQ/SVQ level 4 or SQA HNC in Salon Management can provide the opportunity to progress into management or self-employment.

By taking the appropriate further qualifications, you could move into teaching and/or NVQ/SVQ assessing. See the Further Education Teacher and NVQ/SVQ Assessor/Verifer 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), and training as a trichologist, advising on scalp problems.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee hairdressers earn around the national minimum wage, depending on age.
Fully trained stylists are likely to earn between £10,000 and £16,000.
At the top of the profession, hairdressers can earn £30,000 or more, depending on employer and/or location.

Further information