Hairdresser

Hairdressers use their flair and creativity to make clients look good and feel confident. If you're a creative and friendly person that loves helping others – a career in hairdressing could be perfect for you!

You’ll make people feel at ease so they enjoy being in the hair salon. Hairdressers also stay up to date with fashion and the latest hairstyles so they can replicate these in the salon. 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

You'll likely start as a junior hairdresser. In this role, you'll greet customers, shampoo their hair and do simple cutting. Junior hairdressers also keep the salon clean and tidy while make sure towels and supplies are ready for use.

As a senior hairdresser, you'll talk to clients about how they want their hair done. You’d tactfully give them advice and suggest style ideas.

As a senior hairdresser, your tasks might include:

• shampooing and conditioning customers’ hair

• cutting and styling customers’ hair

• doing colouring, perming or straightening

• advising people on how to treat minor hair and scalp problems

• making sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly

• Habia - sets standards in the hair and beauty industries

• Freelance Hairdressers Association - membership organisation for individuals working in the industry

• The Hair Council - runs the Register of Qualified Hairdressers