Hairdressing

Career Focus

Hairdressers cut, style, colour, straighten and blowave hair and provide clients with hair and scalp treatments. In most salons, the senior hairdressers and the more advanced apprentices cut and style hair. Apprentice hairdressers undertake routine tasks in the initial stages of employment, assisting senior hairdressers with preparing clients, shampooing, applying and removing simple hairdressing treatments, and sterilising and maintaining equipment. As apprentices gain experience, they carry out more complex tasks under supervision. 

Hairdressers:

Talk to clients about their requirements

Cut hair using clippers, scissors or razors

Shampoo, condition and rinse hair 

Povide services such as colouring, bleaching, applying treatment, permanent waving (with chemical solutions), straightening and tinting

Dry hair and style it using brushes, combs, straightening irons and other equipment

Shave and trim beards and moustaches

Advise clients on hair care 

Block (shape), clean, colour adjust, curl and cut wigs and hairpieces

Attend hairdressing seminars and training in order to keep up to date with new products and techniques

Operate a cash register and computer

Perform reception duties such as answering telephone calls and making appointments

Sell retain products

Maintain client records

Clean the salon, work areas and equipment.

Hairdressers may be employed in women’s, men’s or unisex salons. They spend most of their day on their feet and are usually required to work staggered shifts to fit in with salon business hours. They have a high level of public contact, so they need to be well presented. 

Personal requirements of a hairdresser:

No allergies to hair products

Pleasant personality

Good communication skills

Able to work under pressure

Good hand-eye coordination

Patient

Have creative flair

Attention to detail

Are able and willing to follow instructions.

To become a hairdresser, you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers usually require completion of Year 10. You can also become a hairdresser by completing a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for more information. 

Most hairdressers are employed in hairdressing salons, usually working with four to six people. Some work in large department stores. Hairdressers may also be employed as stylists for television, film, theatre or advertising agencies. Those with good retail skills (selling products or additional treatments) are particularly in demand. Many hairdressers, after a number of years working in the industry, set up their own businesses, enter into partnerships or teaching hairdressing.

(Sources: Good Universities Guide).