6 tips to becoming a hairdresser

There are almost 50,000 hair and beauty businesses in the UK—a number that continues to grow even after the pandemic. Thousands of people enter the industry every year and start their training to work in a hair salon. 

If you’ve ever thought of becoming a hairdresser, stylist or colour specialist but never explored the steps to get there—or you need a refresh—then here’s everything you need to know about how to become a hairdresser in the UK.

What does a hairdresser do?

When most people think of a hairdresser, they probably think of washing, cutting and colouring hair in a salon. While that’s certainly the case for many hairdressers, it doesn’t just stop there. Some hairdressers will specialise in certain types of hair, treatments, services or styles. They may specialise in hair cutting or colour, hair extensions or curly hair.

Where a hairdresser works can vary too. While many work in a salon, some will work on location (such as shoots or with celebrities) whereas others will work from their clients’ homes as a mobile stylist.

The main responsibilities of a hairdresser can include the following, depending on where they work, their level of experience and the type of hairdressing that the focus on:

• shampooing and conditioning clients hair
• mixing and applying hair colour
• colour corrections
• replenishing and ordering supplies 
• cleaning the salon and keeping it tidy
• customer service
• making appointments
• chemical treatments like perms and straightening
• hair health and scalp advice
• handling chemicals appropriately
• mentoring and training others

There are also other opportunities, skills and tasks that you can undertake as a hairdresser depending on the career path you take. There are also additional industry-related tasks that you can take on like competitions, editorial work and education.

What does a hairdresser earn?

It’s estimated that after training, a hairdresser earns around £25,000 on average—though experienced stylists, specialists or salon owners can make considerably more, depending on where they work. You can take on additional responsibilities—such as salon management and mentorship—or undertake further training to increase your level of expertise.

At entry level, and while you’re training, it’s more common to earn £9,000 to £16,0000, depending on the route you take. An apprenticeship means that you earn a wage while you train, though this is usually lower than an employed salary until you complete your training.

What skills do you need to become a hairdresser?

While everyone has different strengths and skills—and some hairdressing careers will need different skills to others—there are some general skills that will really work for you in your role as a hairdresser. 

Even before you do any training or qualifications in hairdressing, these are the skills that can help you get into the industry:

• passion and awareness of the hairdressing industry
• people and communication skills
• customer service
• creativity
• practical skills and co-ordination
• awareness of fashion, trends and techniques
• understanding of health and safety
• a willingness to learn
• maths and English skills can help you significantly too
• professionalism and good presentation

These are the skills that employers and trainers will be looking for you to demonstrate at an interview or application—before and after your training. With hairdressing your learning, development and skills building never really ends.

What qualifications do you need to become a hairdresser? 

To become a hairdresser, you’ll need to have practical skills, knowledge and experience which is usually gained as part of a training course or programme. You’ll also usually need to be able to show proof of your qualifications to gain specialist hairdressers insurance for your work as a hairdresser.

Here’s a brief overview of the routes you can take into hairdressing—usually a trainer, educator or employer will be able to advise you on which is the best option for you to undertake.

The most common routes into hairdressing are starting out as an apprentice or doing a NVQ qualification. Some people are trained directly by a hair styling brand or salon, but usually you would also do a professional qualification.

Hairdressing apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines learning on the job with studying to gain the theory, knowledge and qualifications to get a combined set of skills and expertise.

Apprenticeships are aimed at those over 16 and can be done at any age. They usually mean working in a salon every day with the occasional day in college building up your skills.

To be an apprentice you’ll need both an employer and a college or educator. Your college can usually help you to find an employer but you can always approach employers yourself as well—there will be a cost to the business usually, so it’s important to be clear that they understand this. You can also call The National Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150600 or visit the apprenticeships search service.

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

A National Vocational Qualification (or in Scotland SVQs), is a work-based qualification which is achieved by learning on the job. You’re assessed as you work on practical skills. There are different levels of NVQ, each of which cover more advanced skills. You’ll need a minimum of NVQ Level 2 (or be undertaking it) to work in a junior position as a salon. 

NVQ 3 will give you more advanced skills to work as a hairdresser. NVQ Level 4 enables you to effectively become your own boss and means your skills are even more advanced and you can progress even further.

T levels

Technical Levels (known as T Levels) are new technical qualifications for those aged 16-18. They will become one of three major options for students to study at Level 3, alongside apprenticeships and A Levels.

For hair, beauty and aesthetics technical route the T Level course will include core theory, specialist skills, work placements and qualifications in English, maths and digital skills. It’ll also include transferable skills for use in the workplace.

Foundation degree

A foundation degree in hairdressing is another option. This provides theory and practical skills—developed with industry experts—to help you gain the knowledge to enter the industry.

You can study for a foundation degree either full-time or part-time, but the option you take on will affect how long your training goes on for. You may need to fund this training yourself, unless your employer is willing to pay, or you’re entitled to a scholarship or funding to support you.

Learning on the job

If you have contacts in the industry or just want to enter it as quickly as possible, learning on the job might be a good idea. It allows you to gain the full support of your employer and get started in your career, starting out with the basics so you can get an idea of how the industry works from top to bottom. You’ll usually also need to gain qualifications somewhere too.

Tips for becoming a hairdresser

Now that you have an understanding of the background of hairdressing and starting out in the hair and beauty industry, here are some tips for becoming a hairdresser to help you get started and to build the industry career you’re looking for.

1. Choose the right training

Don’t underestimate the difference that good training can make to your career. It provides the foundations for the rest of your career—from what you learn through to where you work and the services that you offer. Make sure you weigh up your options carefully and understand the differences and benefits of each option. 

As it’s a practical, hands-on industry you need to make sure that you’re picking up the right skills and getting the experience you need to be able to carry out treatments on your future clients. You also need to know the theory behind the services you offer, so it’s important that the knowledge you gain is up to speed too.

Take the time to read reviews, look at results and visit some places in person to get a feel for the facilities, teaching options and routes into your training. You want to make sure that your educators are experienced and just as passionate about the industry as you are.

2. Decide if being a specialist is for you

You don’t have to decide right away, but working out if there’s an area that you’re particularly interested in can be helpful. It means you can check it out from all angles and plan out your career path to help you reach those goals. If you change your mind at a later date, that’s absolutely fine, but think about your strengths, skills and areas of interest. You can even have this in mind when you decide where to 

Hairdressing offers lots of different options and specialisms, which can have a serious impact on your earning potential. Generalist hairdressers who do cuts, colours and styling are completely in demand, so if you decide that you enjoy the different elements of hairdressing then you should stick with that. Speak to experienced hairdressers to find out their ideas, advice and recommendations on where your skills might take you in the industry.

3. Be ready to learn

Hairdressing is a trends-led industry with new techniques, treatments, products and tools being developed all of the time. There’s always something new to learn and always something to engage with. You never truly know everything there is to know about hairdressing as it changes all the time.

Be prepared to enter the industry and never stop learning. Being open minded and ready to pick up new skills will mean that you keep up with the latest developments right from the start of your journey into hairdressing.

4. Invest in yourself

As with any career, investing in yourself can seriously pay off. From your education through to your tools and the opportunities you take on, it’s important to invest in yourself and your future as a hairdresser. This can be the difference between a fulfilling career in hairdressing vs a job that you do because it pays the bills.

By focusing on your own development and being the best that you can be in the industry, you’ll find that your career and client base grows with you. Sometimes you need to make that investment in yourself to flourish.

5. Think about where you’re going to work

Again, you don’t need to have a totally clear plan from the outset, but planning how and where you’re going to work can be useful to think about so you can get prepared. Around 63% of people in the hair and beauty industry are self-employed, which is higher than many other industries. 

Your taxes, earnings and the way you do business will all vary depending on whether you’re employed or self-employed. So, it’s worth understanding the differences, your potential responsibilities and which one is going to be the best option for you.

6. Consider investing in insurance

Whether you own a salon, you’re self-employed or you just work with members of the public, you can be open to risk as a hairdresser. It’s important to consider investing in insurance.

If you are going to invest, then it's even more important to ensure that you have the right hair and beauty insurance in place to protect you and your business from any liability claims—where a customer or third party claims that you’ve caused damage or distress—and any associated costs involved.

This can help protect you and your business financially and legally, as well as help to safeguard your reputation as a hairdressing professional. If you’re employed or working as a trainee, it’s essential to check out that you’re covered under your salon’s insurance. Don’t assume—always ask the question and make sure you understand the implications before it’s too late.

Specialist hairdresser insurance through Ripe

If you're considering embarking into a hairdresser career, then you may also want to consider specialist insurance. 

Through Ripe, you can get specialist hairdresser insurance to protect your new business against claims from clients. It also provides financial protection if anything happens to your equipment or business premises.

To find out more, you can get a quick online quote today.