What does a hairdresser do?

How to become a Hairdresser

Where are the best Hairdresser jobs?

As a hairdresser you are skilled in cut, colour, chemical solutions, how to colour straighten and permanently wave hair, permanent wave and style hair and provide clients with hair and scalp treatments.

A hairdresser usually works in a hair salon, beauty salon or in their own home.

In a typical hair salon, a senior hairdresser and the more advanced apprentice hairdressers cut and style hair. The less advanced apprentice hairdressers assist the senior hairdressers with preparing clients, shampooing, applying and removing treatments, and sterilising and maintaining salon equipment. As the less advanced hairdressing apprentices move through their apprenticeship they carry out more complex tasks under the supervision of the senior hairdressers.

As a Hairdresser, Hair Stylist or Barber you provide various services to your clients. You are required to-

• Speak and listen to clients and advise them on hair care
• Cut hair using clippers, scissors or razor
• Be skilful with hairdressing scissors
• Cut colour, style hair, shampoo, condition and rinse hair
• Bleach, apply chemical solutions, colour straighten and permanently wave hair, tint and permanent wave (using chemical solutions) client hair
• Dry and style client hair using brushes, combs, straightening irons and other salon equipment
• Block (shape), clean, colour, adjust, curl and cut wigs and hairpieces
• Shave and trim beards, moustaches and eyebrows
• Keep the salon clean and looking attractive for clients, including work areas and equipment
• Keep skills and product knowledge up to date through further training and seminars
• Sell retail hair care and hairdressing products
• Use the salon cash register and computer
• Maintain and update client records

Hairdressers can work in women’s, men’s or unisex hair salons. Most salon opening hours are set to suit clients needs before and after work, so hairdressers are usually required to work hours to suit their clients.

Much of a hairdresser’s day is spent on their feet. Because they have a high level of client contact they are required to be well presented.

A hairdresser should-

• Enjoy interacting with and helping clients
• Be personable and have good communication skills
• Have some creative flair and attention to detail
• Have good hand-eye coordination
• Be able to use all products without an allergic reaction
• Be able to work under pressure
• Have patience
• Follow instructions from clients and senior salon staff

Are you looking for a job as a Hairdresser or Barber?

Companies are looking for your skills and experience

Help them find you here

Most hairdressing salons and barber shops employ 4 to 6 people. This means most hairdressers and barbers work as part of a small team.  However opportunities exist to work in large department stores, on cruise ships, in holiday resorts or as stylists in television, film, theatre or advertising. Some hairdressers open Sunday.

A hairdresser who shows ability to sell additional treatments and product are particularly in demand by salon owners and may be able to secure a higher salary due to the extra revenue they generate for the salon.

There is also the opportunity for a hairdresser to own their own salon business, enter into a partnership or teach hairdressing. You can also specialise as a kids hairdresser.

To become a hairdresser you are required to complete a certificate 2, certificate 3 or certificate 4 in hairdressing. Most TAFE’s and universities offer these courses. Graduates who have completed a certificate 4 are in most demand.

Here is what you can expect to be paid as a hairdresser or barber. The figures below include the hairdresser award wage. If you are already a hairdresser or barber you can compare what you are receiving to what the industry averages are-

• Average wage (before tax excluding super) – $800 per week
• Average hours worked – 38.4
• Industry gender split – Female 83.9% and Male 16.1%
• Hairdressers can vary in age between 15 years old to over 65 years old

To write a Hairdresser Resume that will get noticed, go here

To write a 4 sentence Hairdresser cover letter that will get you an interview, go here

The interview is where your future employer will form their first impression about you so dress to impress. Dressing comfortably but slightly conservatively in business attire is best. Wearing clothes that are too casual will give the wrong impression. For example, avoid sleeveless tops. Wear a shirt or blouse.

Hair and makeup are obviously important because your future employer will take note of these. If you have long hair, tie it up in a french roll/ bun style with minimum hair accessories. Your make up should be neatly applied.

Conduct yourself in the interview in a professional confident manner. Maintain a good posture, smile hold eye contact with the interviewer and shake hands firmly when you meet them.

Are you looking for a job as a Hairdresser or Barber?

Companies are looking for your skills and experience

Help them find you here

You can also use the Connectzapp App