Job Description

Hairdressers are professionally trained to cut and style people's hair and barbers specialise in male grooming and offer additional services such as shaving and cutting beards and moustaches. Usually working in a salon, they often work on a shift basis that can include weekend and early evening work, reacting to general customer demand or taking specific bookings from regular clients.

Entry Requirements

You could get into this job through:

College

You can take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing/Barbering.

You may be able to combine these courses with other subjects like beauty therapy, make-up and nails.

You'll usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Hairdressing/Barbering:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in hairdressing/barbering, or a creative hair professional advanced apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Career Path and Progression

With experience you could become a senior stylist or salon manager. With further qualifications, you could also move into training or assessing student hairdressers.

You could also open your own salon.

Other options include wig making, training in make-up techniques and working in the theatre, film and television industries.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Nail technician
Beauty therapist
Image consultant
Make-up artist

Required Skills

Customers service and money handling skills
Ability to make clients feel at ease
Passion and interest in the industry
Commitment to honing and continually developing your skills

Salary Range

£14,000 to £30,000

Hair Stylist / Barber (Hairdresser)