Hairdresser

A hairdresser cuts, colors, and styles hair, creating fashionable looks for their clients.

On this profession page, you will learn:

Who is hairdresser

A hairdresser is a professional who works daily to create stylish and beautiful hairstyles. From the early morning, the hairdresser prepares their workspace, carefully organizing the tools needed for the job. Then the hairdresser meets clients, attentively listening to their wishes and offering their ideas.When cutting hair, the hairdresser skillfully uses scissors, razors, and clippers to achieve the desired shape. By employing various techniques, the hairdresser selects a style that takes into account the individual traits of the client. To make the haircut perfect, the hairdresser always monitors the process, adjusting details until the desired result is achieved.In addition to haircuts, the hairdresser specializes in styling. They create hairstyles by combining different styling products that help achieve the required volume and texture. The hairdresser knows how to choose styles suitable for different occasions, from festive outings to everyday looks.Hair coloring is also part of the hairdresser's responsibilities. They mix dyes, select shades and application techniques, considering the hair type and desired color. During the coloring process, the hairdresser cares for the health of the hair by recommending special care products to clients.While serving clients, the hairdresser maintains a pleasant atmosphere by communicating and creating a cozy environment. They often share tips on hair care so that clients can maintain their look until the next visit.After the work is done, the hairdresser cleans up their workspace, carefully sanitizing tools and organizing the area for the next day. Each day, the hairdresser hones their skills, learns new techniques, and keeps up with fashion trends, allowing them to stay updated on the latest innovations in the world of style.

AI impact on hairdresser

Minimal risk

AI replacement risk

10%

A robot can't stand behind your chair and make you feel at ease while it snips around your face, so the actual cutting, coloring, and styling will stay firmly in human hands. You'll still spend most of your day consulting clients, mixing color shades, and shaping hair to suit their features and wishes. The tasks that change first are mostly the paperwork and inventory side, like booking appointments or reordering supplies. Your day-to-day will still be full of scissors, foils, and conversation, with evenings and weddings keeping you busiest.

Tasks at risk of automation

appointment booking
inventory reordering
basic client reminders

Tasks that will remain human

haircutting
color mixing and application
client consultation
scalp care and massage
festive styling
tool cleaning and disinfection

Key skills of hairdresser

dexterity strength and endurance flexibility and coordination visual abilities auditory abilities ability to process information spatial intelligence creative thinking coordination and time management customer service

Work schedule and conditions

A hairdresser typically works 8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Days off usually fall on Sunday and Monday. The job takes place in a salon, hairdressing establishment, or barbershop; remote work is not an option. Working conditions may vary depending on the establishment, but generally include comfortable lighting, comfortable chairs for clients, and the presence of all necessary tools and products for cutting, coloring, and styling hair. An important aspect is also adhering to sanitary and hygiene norms and safety rules.

What a hairdresser does

Haircut according to the client's wishes and modern trends.
Providing consultations to clients on hair care and hairstyle choices.
Hair coloring and toning, creating fashionable color effects.
Cleaning, disinfecting, and preparing tools for hairdressing services.
Scalp care: massage, cleansing, treating issues.
Creating evening, wedding, and other festive hairstyles.
Participation in professional workshops, seminars, and competitions.

Benefits of the hairdresser profession

Creativity

The opportunity to express creativity by creating new images.

Flexible schedule

Work allows for independent planning of working hours and days off.

Social interaction

The opportunity to meet new people, communicate, and assist clients.

Disadvantages of the hairdresser profession

Physical exertion

Physical endurance is required; the job demands a lot of energy.

Health risks

Possible health issues due to chemicals and frequent handwashing.

Emotional burnout

The risk of emotional burnout due to the necessity of constantly communicating with clients.

How to become a hairdresser

You can become a hairdresser in the UK without a degree — what matters is mastering cutting, colouring and styling and building your skill. The fastest route is an NVQ/VRQ Level 2 in hairdressing, usually through a hairdressing apprenticeship or an FE college course that combines training with work on real clients. There is no licence to practise, but salons expect a recognised qualification.

1. Hairdressing apprenticeship

A hairdressing apprenticeship combines a working salon with day-release study towards an NVQ/VRQ Level 2, the recognised qualification to work on paying clients. You earn an apprentice wage from day one and practise on real clients under a senior stylist — often the shortest route from nothing to working independently.

2. FE college course or adult retraining

An NVQ/VRQ Level 2 in hairdressing at an FE college, including fast-track options for career changers, gives the same recognised qualification. Courses combine classroom and salon practice, and funding may be available through adult education or employment support.

3. Level 3 and salon ownership

Building on Level 2, an advanced NVQ/VRQ Level 3 covers advanced colour, cutting and styling, and underpins running your own business or training apprentices. This is the route for those who want to become a senior stylist or open their own salon.

The quickest start is a hairdressing apprenticeship or college course, where you practise on real clients under a senior stylist. Pick a salon that already does the kind of work you want — colour, cutting, barbering, bridal — because you learn the trade by repeating it, not from theory. Build your skill and client base with experience; later you can progress to Level 3, specialise, or open your own salon.