Hairdresser
Cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.
Also known as: hair stylist, barber
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£375
Entry level
£577
Experienced
Monthly
£1,625
Entry level
£2,500
Experienced
Yearly
£19,500
Entry level
£30,000
Experienced
9,400
people are currently employed
High growth
400 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life — hairdresser
What it's like
You would cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.
As a junior hairdresser, you would:
Greet customers
Shampoo their hair
Do simple cutting
Make sure towels and supplies are ready for use
Keep the salon clean and tidy
As a senior hairdresser, you would talk to clients about how they want their hair done. You’d tactfully give them advice and suggest style ideas.
You would:
Shampoo and condition customers’ hair
Cut and style customers’ hair
So colouring, perming or straightening
Advise on minor hair and scalp problems
Make appointments and handle payments
Order materials
Make sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly
You’d make people feel at ease so they enjoy being in the hair salon. You’d keep up to date with fashion and the latest hairstyles.
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
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Hairdressing
You would need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Hairdressing and Barbering (SVQ Level 3).
You can enter some Hairdressing National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but some courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or relevant NC/NQ/SVQ qualifications.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate a good eye for visual effect, communication and customer care skills, such as Skills for Work Hairdressing (SCQF Level 4/5) or Retailing (SCQF Level 5).
It is helpful to have relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Hairdressing and Barbering (SVQ Level 2/3) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
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