Hairdressing is a popular career that many people enjoy making a living from. Hairdressers work cutting, dyeing and shampooing people’s hair as well as other services. A career in hairdressing has many different prospects and can also open the door to a busy social life.
If you are interested in finding out what it takes to become a hairdresser the following article has information on what it takes and where it can take you.
Entry Level
As well as having relevant qualifications or experience hairdressers also need the right personal qualities to progress.
Candidates need to be good with their hands and willing to learn new skills. A fair degree of creativity is required as are good customer service skills. These two attributes will often be tested as customers will ask for recommendations for different hairstyles for different purposes. As well as this you need to be enthusiastic about your work and keep abreast of new styles and fashions.
If you are wishing to start work as hairdresser and are aged between sixteen and twenty four you can apply for modern apprenticeship courses. NVQs and other courses are also available at colleges for people of all ages.
Daily Work
Salons are usually open during normal office hours from Monday to Saturday. Most salons stay open late for at least one night each week which will sometimes be on a rota basis.
When hairdressers first start employment they will often be given small jobs to gradually ease them into the work. These include keeping the salon clean, answering the phone, washing hair and maintaining the stockroom.
The majority of hairdressers work in salons but the profession isn’t limited to just salon work. Hair dressers can also find employment working for the armed forces, in hospitals, prisons and other public services.
Career Prospects
Once qualified many hairdressers continue to develop their skills in specialist areas. This can include colouring and dyeing techniques as well as alternative therapies and other salon services.
After working as a stylist in a salon some hairdressers decide to go into business opening their own salons. Alternatively some people start mobile hairdressing businesses helping people in the community who have problems with manoeuvrability or who cannot leave their home for other reasons. If you would like to pursue either of these it is recommended that you study a business management course at NVQ level. A driving licence is also recommended and is essential for hairdressers wishing to start mobile hairdressing business.
After gaining enough experience working as a hairdresser you may also be able to train to further and start working as a lecturer, teaching new students hairdressing techniques. A select few lucky hair dressers and stylists may be able to land themselves positions working for TV studios, film sets and theatres.
