Hairdresser

Hairdressers cut, colour and style hair to enhance the personal appearance of their clients.

The work can involve:

• discussing ideas for styling with the client and suggesting suitable styles
• shampooing and conditioning hair
• trimming, cutting, layering or thinning hair
• perming, colouring, or bleaching using chemicals
• styling and blow-drying, curling or straightening
• advising on hair care and diagnosing minor hair and scalp problems
• sweeping the floor and preparing towels and other equipment.

Hairdressers generally work 40 hours a week, normally including Saturday, with a day off in the week. Many salons open late one or two evenings a week. Hairdressers can be salon based or might travel to clients' homes. The work involves a lot of standing. Chemicals may affect those with allergies.

Salaries may range from around £7,342 for a trainee, to around £30,000 or more, excluding tips.

Hairdressers should have:

• an easy conversational manner
• the ability to work quickly and accurately with their hands
• an element of creativity and artistic sense
• an eye for colour and form
• stamina, as they are on their feet for most of the day
• an interest in fashion and hair trends.

Employment opportunities exist in urban and rural locations throughout the country, as well as in hotels, hospitals and care homes, cruise liners, health clubs and spas, film and photographic studios, and armed forces' bases.

There are no minimum entry qualifications to begin training, but the Diploma in hair and beauty studies may be relevant. Entry routes include Apprenticeships, working in a salon while attending college on day release, or attending full-time college.

Entrants work towards vocational qualifications, such as NVQs in hairdressing or barbering. Experienced hairdressers, particularly those looking to progress into salon management, may work towards more advanced qualifications.

Within a salon, promotion may be possible to senior stylist or salon manager. Many hairdressers become self-employed. Some study for qualifications in beauty therapy or learn wig making or trichology - the study of hair and scalp disorders. Others move into other roles in the industry, such as sales or teaching.

Further details