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Hairdresser

Cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.

Also known as: hair stylist, barber

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£365

Entry level

£577

Experienced

Monthly

£1,583

Entry level

£2,500

Experienced

Yearly

£19,000

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

You would usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am and 6pm. This would usually include Saturdays with a day off in the week. Some salons open late on one or two evenings during the week. Part-time work is often available. You could also work freelance.

Environment

You would work in a salon. You could also work freelance, either renting space within a salon or visiting customers in their own homes.

Travel

You could visit customers in their own homes.

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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.

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Getting in

Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.

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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