How To Become A Hairdresser

The desire to become a hairdresser is fairly common especially as it is a career which allows individuals to express their creativity and their artistic talents. Many people are drawn into hairdressing due to it being a highly popular and rewarding profession which is constantly in demand, with the number of hair and beauty salons on the increase. You will need to be attentive, have excellent hand eye coordination, have the ability to work unsupervised and within a team, have impeccable customer service skills and be a perfectionist in regards to the quality of your work.

There are numerous positive aspects in becoming a hairdresser! You will be meeting new people every single day and as no two haircuts will ever be the same, it is almost impossible to  become bored! You will be interacting with people from all different backgrounds and hear many interesting stories from clients  and as it is not technology based, it is perfect for those who are more practical and not too interested in sitting in front of a computer screen all day.

You can showcase your creativity each day and get to use a variety of techniques with your clients such as different styles, cuts and colours.

Fashion and beauty are high on the agenda for many and trends are constantly evolving, therefore you will have unlimited opportunities for continuous learning as you keep up to date with the latest directions within this field of expertise.

Hairdressing can offer great flexibility with options of working environments and hours. In fact, wherever there are people there will be opportunities to cut hair!

As your experience, skills and reputation grow, you can also expect your earnings to increase and it can become a very lucrative business.

There are several ways in which you can become a hairdresser but of course, you must start from the beginning. A hairdressing apprenticeship can give you hands-on practical training under supervision while you get on the job training. You will learn the basic techniques first such as greeting customers, washing and conditioning hair, tidying, health and safety rules and getting equipment ready for each appointment before you start cutting hair but you will be gaining a nationally recognised qualification during the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships usually take one or two years to complete and you may need GCSE’s or their equivalent so do check.

You also have the option of becoming a hairdresser by enrolling in an appropriate course such as a Hairdressing NVQ Course at college. This will give you a nationally recognised qualification that shows you have completed the course and that you have all the necessary skill, knowledge and ability to get started in your chosen career. Entry requirements, as with apprenticeships do vary depending on the course, so it is wise to do your research beforehand. However, it is often possible to enrol on maths and english courses alongside hairdressing if you need additional qualifications.

Some hairdressing salons are willing to employ you as a trainee hairdresser where you may be expected to attend college some of the time to gain qualifications or they may train you in their own training school if they have one.

Once qualified, there are many areas in which you could progress. You may want to become self-employed, have your own salon or become a senior stylist in a well known salon. You can work in film and tv sets around the world, specialise in one area of hairdressing such as bespoke wedding packages or even train people yourself who wish to become hairdressers.

Becoming a hairdresser offers a unique blend of creativity, interpersonal skills and the opportunity to have a positive impact on people's lives - after all, everyone feels better when they have had their hair done! As a hairdresser you have the chance to unleash your artistic flair and craft personalised styles that enhance your clients confidence and self esteem. The profession allows for continuous learning which will keep you at the forefront of the industry trends and techniques. Additionally, flexible schedules and diverse career paths makes choosing a career in hairdressing a very rewarding and fulfilling choice.