UK Career Advice

Hair Stylist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Hair Stylist?

As a Hair Stylist, your role entails cutting, styling, and colouring hair according to customers' preferences and current fashion trends. You'd also offer advice on hair care products, styles that suit each client's face structure or aesthetic tastes and potentially provide other services like hair treatment and extensions.

How do I become a Hair Stylist?

As a Hair Stylist, your role entails cutting, styling, and colouring hair according to customers' preferences and current fashion trends. You'd also offer advice on hair care products, styles that suit each client's face structure or aesthetic tastes and potentially provide other services like hair treatment and extensions.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Hair Stylist?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Hair Stylist

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Hair cutting and styling techniques
  • Knowledge of various hair products and their uses
  • Ability to understand and interpret client requests
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Creativity and ability to stay updated with current hair trends
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Attention to detail and precision in hair styling
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations in the beauty industry
  • Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with other beauty professionals
  • Flexibility and adaptability to different client preferences and hair types

Qualifications & Education

  • No minimum academic requirements for entry
  • Some colleges may require GCSEs/S grades
  • NVQs/SVQs in Beauty Therapy available at Levels 1, 2, and 3
  • Professional qualifications also available

Career Path

Hair Stylist
Salon Manager
Salon Owner
Hairdressing Educator
Freelance Hair Stylist
Celebrity Hair Stylist
Red Carpet Stylist
Editorial Stylist
Barber
Barber Shop Owner
Barbering Instructor
Wedding Hair Stylist
Bridal Consultant
Color Specialist
Color Educator
Extensions Specialist
Extensions Educator

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the career opportunities in hairdressing?

The career opportunities in hairdressing in the UK include becoming a senior stylist, salon manager, trainer or assessor for student hairdressers, self-employment, or opening your own salon.

What GCSEs do I need to be a hairdresser?

To become a hairdresser in the UK, you typically need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a Level 2 course or between 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) for a Level 3 Diploma.

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