Requirements: –

You could get into this job through:

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

College

You can take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing.

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

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate or advanced creative hair professional apprenticeship.

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

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.

You’ll need the following skills:

• 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

Main Responsibilities

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 about what they want
• suggest style ideas
• cut and style hair
• colour, curl or straighten 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

Wages and Conditions

The following salaries are a guide only:

• Starter: £14,000
• Experienced: £30,000

Working Conditions

• 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.