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Hairdresser

Alternative titles for this job include Hair stylist

Hairdressers cut, style and colour clients' hair to create the look they want.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a hairdresser

You could get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could take a course at college that will give you some of the skills and knowledge to do this job.

Courses include:

  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing
  • T Level in Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics

You may be able to combine these courses with other subjects like beauty therapy, make-up and nails.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 2 hair professional
  • Level 3 advanced and creative hair professional

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able start work as a trainee hairdresser in a salon and learn on the job. Your employer would expect you to take qualifications part-time, either at a college or in their own training school.

More Information

Career tips

You may be able to work freelance and rent space in a salon, though you may have to supply your own equipment.

With experience and an interest in business, you could move up to manage or own your own salon. If this is your aim, it may help to gain some business qualifications alongside hairdressing experience.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in hairdressing from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority and National Hair and Beauty Federation.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • active listening skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a junior hairdresser, you'll:

  • welcome customers
  • shampoo and condition hair
  • cut simple styles
  • make sure towels and hair products are well stocked
  • keep the salon clean and tidy
  • make appointments

As a more senior hairdresser, you'll:

  • talk to clients and suggest style ideas
  • cut and style hair
  • give advice on minor hair and scalp problems
  • take payments
  • order stock and promote products to customers
  • keep up to date with new trends, techniques and hair products

Working environment

You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a health spa, at a store, at an adult care home or on a cruise ship.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a senior stylist or salon manager. With further qualifications, you could also move into training or assessing student hairdressers.

You could become self-employed or open your own salon.

You may be able to use your skills as a hair professional in the theatre, film or television industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship Birmingham

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: BIRMINGHAM

Hairdressing Apprentice at Spencer Lynch

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: BENFLEET
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Hairdressing

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Halesworth

Hairdressing

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Waterlooville
Find courses near you

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