Hairdresser

Entry Requirements:

You could get into this job through:

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

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course that will give you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to start in this career.

Courses include:

• hairdressing
• barbering
• women's and men's hairdressing

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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to get into this job, for example:

• Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Barbering Professional Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Creative Hair Professional Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Work

You might be able to start work as a trainee hairdresser or barber and learn on the job.

Your employer would expect you to take a part-time course to get qualifications, either at a college or in their own training school.

You may also be able to work freelance and rent space in a salon or barbershop, though you'll usually have to supply your own equipment.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work on your own
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to sell products and services
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals

What you'll do:

Hairdressers and barbers cut, shave, colour and style customers' hair.

As a hairdresser or barber you could:

• talk to customers and discuss styling ideas
• wash, cut and style hair
• apply colours, tints, braids and hair extensions
• trim and shape beards and moustaches
• finish jobs using hair products
• order stock, take payments and make appointments

Location : You could work in a salon, at a client's home, at a health spa, at an adult care home, on a cruise ship or in a barbershop.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically active.

Salary:

Starter : £19,500
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• become a senior stylist, barber or salon manager
• open your own salon or barbershop
• get qualified to train or assess student hairdressers or barbers
• work freelance and rent space in a salon
• use your skills as a hair professional in the theatre, film or television industry