What Are the Main Types of Hairdressers?

To become a hairdresser, you need to be a trained professional who cut, colour, style, and treat hair to help clients achieve their desired look. Depending on their area of expertise, hairdressers may specialise in different types of hair services. Here are the main types of hairdressers:

• Cutting Specialist: Hairdressers who are trained in cutting and shaping hair. They are qualified in all aspects of hair cutting, including layering, texturizing, precision cutting, and trimming. They customise hairstyles to the client’s wishes and the characteristics of the client’s hair.
• Colour Specialist: The colour specialist’s job is quite different. They apply hair dye, highlights, lowlights, and other colours to enhance or change a client’s hair colour. They know colour theory and how to mix it to apply it to hair.
• Stylist: Hair stylists create a variety of hairstyles for special occasions such as weddings, parties, or photo shoots. They use styling tools like curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers to create different looks, such as updos, waves, and sleek styles.
• Barber: Barbers prepare hair on the head and face. They’re adept at making classic men’s cuts, fades, and short styles. They trim beards and shave hair off the face.
• Texture Specialist: Experts specialise in working with curly, wavy, and coiled hair textures. Texture specialists alter or enhance the texture of hair using techniques such as perming, relaxing, and texturizing.
• Hair Extension Specialist: Applies hair extensions to clients’ hair to lengthen and add volume. Trained in various extension methods, including clip-ins, tape-ins, and sew-ins.
• Chemical Treatment Specialist: These hairdressers are highly trained in looking after chemical treatments on hair: perming, relaxing (straightening), and keratin smoothing treatments. They know in great detail how chemical treatments affect the hair structure and the correct method for applying treatments to the hair safely and effectively.
• Bridal and Event Stylist: If you take great care and precision when styling your hair to look beautiful, you might be interested in becoming a bridal or event hairdresser. These professionals create chic, long-lasting hairstyles for weddings, prom nights, and red-carpet events.

What Does a Hairdresser Do?

Hairdressers are skilled professionals who transform the appearance of their clients through cutting, colouring, and styling their hair. Not only does a hairdresser provide haircuts, but also treatments that improve the quality and texture of the hair. The following is a breakdown of what a hairdresser generally does.

• Consult with clients: hairdressers ask questions to understand what their client wants, what type of hair they have, how they look after it, and what they want the result to look like. They suggest what is appropriate for their client’s face shape, skin tone, and personality.
• Cut and Style Hair: Hairdressers cut and style hair using scissors, razors, clippers, and combs. They work with clients to create styles based on their preferences, including layered bobs and pixie cuts.
• Colour Hair: Hairdressers use various dyes and colouring techniques, such as highlights, balayage, and ombre, in addition to simply colouring the hair. They also use knowledge of colour theory and the chemical composition of dyes to mix dyes and apply them to the hair to achieve natural-looking or dramatic colour transformations.
• Wash and Treat Hair: A hairdresser washes and conditions the hair to remove excess dirt and oil before cutting or styling. Secondly, they apply different types of treatments to the hair, such as deep conditioning, keratin smoothing, or scalp treatments, to improve the hair’s health.
• Special-occasion style: For weddings, parties, or other special occasions, a hairdresser creates a special hairstyle, perhaps an updo, a braid, or curls, using products and tools so that the style holds until the end of the event.
• Apply Hair Treatments: Hairdressers apply hair treatments, such as a perm, relaxer, or keratin, to change the hair’s texture or improve the hair condition. They use chemicals on the hair and check that the treatment suits the hair type.
• Hair Care Products: Hairdressers recommend hair care products manufactured by hairdressing companies such as John Frieda, Tresemme, and AveDA. These products may include shampoos, conditioners, and styling products tailored to the client’s hair type and needs. They also advise how to maintain the hair’s health between salon visits.
• Maintain a Clean and Safe Working Environment: Hairdressers must ensure that all their tools remain clean, wipe work areas between clients, and follow all safety procedures when using chemicals.

Average Hairdresser Salary

A hairdresser in the United Kingdom earns based on their experience, where they work, and whether their work is freelance. Freelancers earn differently from those who work full-time in salons. Here’s a summary of how much hairdressers in the UK usually earn.

• Entry-Level Hairdresser: Entry-level hairdressers typically earn between £16,000 and £20,000 per year. These hairdressers are usually newly qualified and gaining experience in a salon under the supervision of more experienced professionals.
• Mid-Level Hairdresser: Hairdressers with several years’ experience can earn between £20,000 and £30,000 a year. They’re likely to have devoted regular clients and may offer more bespoke services—colouring, for example, or bridal styling.
• Salary: Senior hairdressers with years of experience who run their salon can earn £30,000 to £40,000 and above. You may also train junior stylists and do other work, such as ordering the supplies and managing the staff.
• Self-Employed Hairdresser: Freelance or self-employed hairdressers can set their rates and work a similar schedule to an employee. They can make between £150 and £300 per day, depending on how many clients they do and what services they offer. Those specialising in doing bridal hair or working at events can charge more for special occasions.

Hairdresser Skills

To become a hairdresser, you must be highly skilled and creative and have excellent customer service skills. To be successful, you need to keep up to date with the latest trends while providing a high standard of service to meet your customer’s expectations. The key skills of a hairdresser are as follows:

• Cutting and Styling Skills: hairdressers must master a comprehensive list of cutting and styling techniques, such as using scissors to cut hair to different lengths and using hot tools like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers to create styles.
• Colouring Skills: As a hairdresser, you must have a good knowledge of colour theory and be able to perform all the colouring techniques, from hair dye to highlights and everything in between.
• Customer service skills: Hairdressers must be friendly and have good customer relationships. This involves listening to the client and giving them the kind of service they want. Great customer service leads to repeat business and recommendations from clients.
• Creativity: Being a hairdresser is creative because people can experiment with different styles, colours, and techniques. A hairdresser should be innovative because they have to keep up with the trends, and they might need to come up with new ideas and present those to their clients as an option.
• Time Management: Hairdressers often have to manage multiple clients in a day, especially in busy salons. Being able to work efficiently and keep to a schedule ensures that clients are satisfied and the salon runs smoothly.
• Communication skills: Hairdressers must be able to communicate with clients about the style they desire, offer them advice, and explain different approaches and options. Good communication is also important when working with colleagues.
• Attention to Detail: Hairdressers must pay close attention to detail when trimming someone’s hair or colouring it since the slightest mistake will be visible.

Hairdresser Tips

Here are some valuable tips for those aspiring to become hairdressers:

• New trends: Because of its constantly changing nature, hairdressing has new trends appearing all the time in cuts, colours, and techniques. Keep up with these by reading fashion magazines, attending shows, and doing refresher courses.
• Create a Loyal Client Base: Give the best customer service and satisfy your clients. A satisfied client is loyal and gives you more work through word of mouth.
• Specialise: Once you’ve been hairdressing for a few years, you may want to specialise in one area, such as colouring, bridal styling, or hair extensions. Specialising can not only make you stand out from the crowd but boost your hourly rate, too.
• Practice with friends and family: If you feel like you’re a beginner, practice with your friends and family to build confidence and develop your techniques. You can also use this as a portfolio of your work if you want to sell it to clients or potential employers.
• Invest in Quality Tools: Good quality tools such as professional scissors, combs, and hot tools are needed for good service to be provided to the customer. Good-quality tools will serve the client in a good way.

Hairdresser Requirements

Becoming a hairdresser is usually gained through an apprenticeship and the need to develop practical skills alongside the theory and rules of hairdressing. In the United Kingdom, becoming a hairdresser is achieved by first completing an apprenticeship or enrolling in a hairdressing course in college or beauty school. Requirements for becoming a hairdresser include:

• Complete a Hairdressing Course: Most hairdressing hopefuls take a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma at a college or beauty school. The courses teach the basics of cutting, colouring, styling, and hair treatments.
• Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a popular pathway into hairdressing, with on-the-job training from a mentor in a salon alongside studying for a qualification. Apprenticeships range from one to two years, depending on the level.
• Get Work Experience While Studying: Make the most of your time at university and get as much real work experience as possible. Do internships, get a job as a salon assistant, and get freelance work.
• Get certifications: Certifications and designations aren’t always necessary, but they can help you stand out and are appreciated by employers. Suppose you want to branch out into areas like hair colouring, hair extensions, or chemical treatments. In that case, a certification can make you a more attractive candidate. If you have this knowledge and experience, you can command higher rates.
• Join a Professional Body (Optional): While not compulsory, membership with a professional body such as the Hair and Barber Council could boost you over other hairdressers. Registration demonstrates that you have met a certain benchmark of skills and competence.

How to Become a Hairdresser

If you are excited about hair and want to become a hairdresser, follow these steps!

• Qualify: Get a qualification, such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing, which will equip you with the basic knowledge and skills you need to start working as a hairdresser. Alternatively, look for a hairdressing apprenticeship to get on-the-job experience while you complete your qualification.
• Gain Practical Experience: In school or applying, gain as much experience as possible. Work in a salon as an assistant or offer your hairdressing skills to friends and family to enhance your skills and build confidence.
• Build a portfolio: As you get more experience, take photographs of your hairstyles and treatments for your portfolio. This will help you apply for work or build a client base as a freelance hairdresser.
• Start Applying For Salon Jobs Or Start Freelancing: Once you’re suitably qualified through education or apprenticeship, apply for hairdresser jobs in salons, spas, or barber shops. Or, start freelancing or become a mobile hairdresser.
• Keep Yourself Informed About Hairdressing Trends and Techniques: The hairdressing world is dynamic and constantly changing, so staying informed about hairdressing trends and techniques is important to provide your customers with the best service possible. Attend workshops and trade shows, and take courses that will enable you to stay current in this fast-paced profession.
• Consider Specialising: As you move up the career ladder, consider specialising in an area such as colouring, event hairstyling, or hair extensions. Specialising in a niche area may increase your earning potential and attract clients looking for a particular service.

Get Qualified as a Hairdresser 

Diploma in Hairdressing and Barbering, Online Hairdressing and Barbering Mastery, Hairdressing and Barbering Certification, Holistic Afro Hair Care for Children

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Hairdresser?

It’s a good job if you want to work with people and are creative: you get to make people look good, help them feel confident, create beautiful hairstyles that reflect who they are as individuals, and work in a vibrant, ever-changing industry. The job is flexible: you can work in salons, go self-employed, or even move into fashion or film.

Is Being a Hairdresser a Good Career Choice for You?

Hairdressing can be a great career choice if you like working with your hands, enjoy being creative, and get along well with people. The work can be enjoyable and varied, and there is a strong scope for developing new skills and specialising in different areas of hairdressing, such as colour or special event styling.

Hairdresser Salaries

The average hairdresser in the UK can expect to earn between £16,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience, specialisation, and location. Salaries for entry-level hairdressers range between £16,000 and £20,000. In contrast, senior hairdressers and those who run their businesses can earn more than £30,000 to £40,000 annually.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as a Hairdresser?

Entry-level positions require a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing, with more senior roles requesting specialised qualifications, like a Level 2 certificate in hair colouring, cutting, and chemical treatments. There are also industry certifications that can be beneficial.

Do I Need Experience to Get Started as a Hairdresser?

Yes, of course, it is, but being an apprentice and working as an assistant in a salon will provide you with the experience you need to hone your skills and be ready to work independently.

Hairdresser Career Outlook

The potential for skilled hairdressers is huge, thanks to the many opportunities available for employment in the vast salons, spas, barbershops, and freelancing. As hair trends constantly increase, the demand for creative and talented hairdressers will be high. This makes it a steady career with endless possibilities.

Hairdresser Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Hairdressers usually start as junior or assistant hairdressers, and as they gain experience, they progress to more senior roles. Experienced hairdressers may become more specialised, such as colour technicians or bridal stylists, and could even go on to own their salon or become educators.

Hairdresser exit options and opportunities

More experienced hairdressers might move into salon management, product development, or teaching areas. Others choose to take their career in fashion, film, or television, where they often become stylists in photo shoots, catwalks, or film sets.