Working Life
Hairdressers, also known as stylists, typically work in hair salons, although freelancing and mobile hair salons are becoming increasingly popular.
Hairdressing involves shampooing, conditioning, cutting, styling, blow-drying and setting hair. Hairdressers may also perm, colour and bleach hair, or diagnose problems with the hair and scalp and suggest suitable treatments. A key part of the hair stylist's role is to talk to their client to find out what they would like to have done to their hair.
Men's hairdressers or barbers, also trim beards and moustaches. Some specialist hairdressers fit wigs. Hairdressers also advise customers about styling products and may be required to carry out reception duties in the salon. Hairdressers, especially trainees, are also required to sweep the floor, launder towels and sterilise the styling implements used in the salon. In a small salon, stylists may do all these tasks on their own. In larger salons, where there are several members of staff, a trainee or a junior stylist may assist the more senior hairdressers.
Hairdressers need to be aware of new trends in hairdressing, new styles, techniques and treatments. Qualified hairdressers are responsible for their own clients. Hairdressing is a very sociable job. The stylist aims to establish a good relationship with clients in order to maintain their business and build up a strong client base. They need to be skilled in the various tasks and techniques involved in cutting, perming or colouring a client’s hair. Many products are used in the hairdressing business, some of which contain chemicals. Hairdressers need to understand the effect that these can have on the clients' hair.
Mobile hairdressing businesses and freelancing have become popular in recent years, where the stylist goes to peoples' homes (e.g. for brides on the morning of their wedding), or to hospitals and residential care institutions. In fact, as long as you have your scissors and your comb, and are skilled in using them, you can work pretty much anywhere, from a nursing home, to a cruise liner.
By the end of your training, you will be able to:
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Carry out consultations with clients and demonstrate excellent communication skills
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Demonstrate safe working practices associated with your role
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Cut, colour and lighten hair
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Perm hair
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Blow dry hair in different styles
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Execute delicate and professional up-styles
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Professionally shampoo and condition hair
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Manage salon receptions and provide excellent customer care
Qualities -
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics. Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups. Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Qualities
As a hairdresser, interpersonal skills are vital. You need to be friendly, polite, sociable and able to talk to customers easily.
Practical skills are important too - you should be able to work well with your hands, and undertake detailed, intricate work.
A creative, artistic sense and an eye for colour and form is needed. An interest in fashion and style is important, as is self-presentation. You should be well groomed. As a hairdresser, you need to be fit and able to stand for long periods. The use of treatments that contain chemicals may affect you if you have sensitive skin. In some cases, the treatments can cause problems for people with allergies.
Interests - Hairdressing
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Hairdressing
Pay & Salary - Hairdressing
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
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Labour Market Updates - Hairdressing
Useful Contacts - Hairdressing
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Irish Hairdresser's Federation
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Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC)
- HABIC The Enterprise Centre The Hill Road, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, N41 Y1F6
- 07196 15 200
- [email protected]
- Click Here
