As a qualified hairdresser your work would include:

• discussing with the client how they want their hair done, giving advice and suggesting ideas for suitable styles
• shampooing and conditioning
• cutting and styling
• colouring, perming or straightening
• advising on minor hair and scalp problems
• making appointments and handling payments
• ordering materials
• making sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly.
You could specialise in a particular client group or technique, for example, traditional men's barber shop services or Afro-Caribbean techniques such as pressing, braiding and plaiting.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can train as a hairdresser full-time or part-time at a college, or work as a trainee, learning on the job and attending college on day-release. Whichever option you choose, you can complete the following qualifications:
• NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Hairdressing
• NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Barbering.

NVQ Level 1 covers the basic introductory skills needed for working as an assistant hairdresser. NVQ Level 2 includes the essential skills needed as a hairdresser. NVQ Level 3 covers skills needed for more senior roles.
Visit the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) website for information on qualifications and career paths in the hairdressing industry. HABIA does not provide courses and is not able to supply lists of course providers.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/"www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a hairdresser, you would need to keep up to date with new trends, techniques and products. Manufacturers sometimes run short courses to introduce their hair-care products.
As an experienced hairdresser, you can do higher level qualifications, including:
• City & Guilds Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Salon Management
• BTEC HNC/HND and foundation degrees in hairdressing, usually combined with salon management
degrees in beauty therapy and hairdressing.
You can complete training with the Freelance Hair and Beauty Federation (FHBF) on planning, setting up and managing a hairdressing business, as well as ongoing training and Continuing Personal Development (CPD). See the FHBF website for details.

Where can I go for more information?

Freelance Hair and Beauty Federation (FHBF)
http://www.fhbf.org.uk

Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA)
Oxford House
Sixth Avenue
Sky Business Park
Robin Hood Airport
Doncaster
DN9 3GG
http://www.habia.org

What salary and other benefits can I expect?

• Trainee hairdressers earn around the National Minimum Wage which varies depending on age.
• Fully trained stylists are likely to earn between around £10,000 and £16,000
• At the top of the profession, hairdressers can earn £50,000 or more, depending on employer and/or location.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
 
What are the hours and working conditions?

You would usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am and 5pm or 6pm. You are likely to work on Saturdays with a day off in the week. Some salons open late on one or two evenings. Part-time work is often available.
 
What opportunities are there?

You could work as a hairdresser in salons throughout the UK. You could also find opportunities in a number of other places, such as hotels, hospitals and care homes, cruise liners and armed forces bases. Alternatively, you could offer a mobile service, travelling to clients' homes, rather than working in a salon.
Once you are qualified as a hairdresser, you could continue to gain qualifications in the use of more advanced colouring, perming, assessing and remedial techniques. Completing NVQ Level 4 in Salon Management could be useful if you want to progress into management or self-employment.
By taking the appropriate further qualifications, you could move into teaching and/or NVQ assessing. See the Further Education Teacher and NVQ Assessor profiles for more information.
Other options include wig making, training in make-up techniques, and working in the television or film industry.