Hairdresser
Cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.
Also known as: hair stylist, barber
About the job
A day in the life – Hairdresser
What it's like
Hairdressers use their flair and creativity to make clients look good and feel confident. If you're a creative and friendly person that loves helping others – a career in hairdressing could be perfect for you!
You’ll make people feel at ease so they enjoy being in the hair salon. Hairdressers also stay up to date with fashion and the latest hairstyles so they can replicate these in the salon. You could specialise in working with particular clients or techniques, for example:
cutting men's hair in a barber shop
pressing, braiding and plaiting Afro-Caribbean hair
colouring and dyeing hair
You'll likely start as a junior hairdresser. In this role, you'll greet customers, shampoo their hair and do simple cutting. Junior hairdressers also keep the salon clean and tidy while make sure towels and supplies are ready for use.
As a senior hairdresser, you'll talk to clients about how they want their hair done. You’d tactfully give them advice and suggest style ideas.
As a senior hairdresser, your tasks might include:
shampooing and conditioning customers’ hair
cutting and styling customers’ hair
doing colouring, perming or straightening
advising people on how to treat minor hair and scalp problems
making sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Habia - sets standards in the hair and beauty industries
Freelance Hairdressers Association - membership organisation for individuals working in the industry
The Hair Council - runs the Register of Qualified Hairdressers
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- respecting
- creative
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Skills for Work: Hairdressing
There are a few routes you can take to become a hairdresser.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Hairdressing and Barbering.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Hairdressing
Beauty Therapy
Fashion Make-Up
Make-Up Artistry
Find courses on the My World of Work course search.
Trainee roles
Sometimes, you can become a hairdresser by applying for a paid trainee role, where you learn on the job without needing previous experience. You can use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate a good eye for visual effect, communication and customer care skills, such as Skills for Work Hairdressing or Retailing (SCQF Level 5).
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a hairdresser. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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