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Hairdresser

I want to be one
Who This Career is For?
Hair stylists and hairdressers must complete many diverse tasks require a range of skills and abilities. Firstly, they need to maintain a friendly and professional attitude with customers at all times. They must possess attributes such as creativity, attention to detail, tolerance and good communication skills. Hair stylists must have an artistic temperament and be excellent team players. They should be open to learning new ideas and techniques, and be innovative and imaginative while offering appropriate suggestions.

Another key skill that hairdressers need to master is hand & finger dexterity in order to be able to use hairdressing tools. Physical fitness, along with personal hygiene and cleanliness should be given extreme importance, and hairdressers must maintain and groom themselves in order to please and make a favorable impression on the client. Additionally, prospective hairdressers must ascertain beforehand if they are allergic to substances like dyes, solutions, bleaching agents and creams. Hairdressers and stylists must also be great listeners, so that they can decipher what the client really wants.
Want to know more about it?
Hairdressers, stylists & cosmetologists are an integral part of the fashion and beauty industry, and are responsible for grooming, cutting, and styling hair. By using a variety of techniques and tools, they provide customers with the desired color, style and shape that they fancy for their hair. They are experts in their ability to handle hair, and have a broad understanding of what products are appropriate for different types of hair. They use various equipment and tools like scissors, curlers, straightening irons, blow-dryers, and hairdryers to give their clients trendy hairstyles and create the effect that they desire. The client's comfort and satisfaction during their haircut is equally as important as the end result. Therefore, hairdressers are also expected to maintain cleanliness and sanitize all their work instruments.

Hairdressing and styling is a field dominated by both, men and women. A few hairdressers and cosmetologists also specialize in areas such as Afro-Caribbean hairstyling or wig fitting. Job duties may also include shampooing, conditioning, combing, perming, shaving and waxing hair, if required. In addition, many cosmetologists offer skin and nail treatments such as scalp treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages to their clients and give them advice on how to care for their hair.

Nowadays, a rising number of hairdressers also sell hair care products and other cosmetic supplies. Those who operate their own salons have managerial responsibilities that may include hiring, supervising workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and managing advertising.

There are no formal minimum requirements for a hairdressers, stylists or cosmetologists. In this industry, there are many opportunities for beginner hairdressers & stylists who have no prior experience or qualifications. For those candidates applying for a position as a hairdresser trainee, it is useful to show some experience in dealing with the people which could include experience as a shop or salon assistant, working in bars and restaurants or applying for apprenticeship programs.

However, to become more skilled in this profession and advance as a hairdresser, one can benefit immensely from taking up training courses in cosmetology in public or vocational schools. The duration of a full-time course is usually from six to twelve months. Courses cover areas like hygiene & bacteriology, cosmetic chemistry, and sales techniques. Some large salons will only accept hair stylists with certain qualifications which is especially true of the commercial chain salons. Some countries even require a hairdresser or cosmetologist to obtain a license to be able to offer public service.

What are Salary Prospects?
In the UK, salaries for beginner and trainee hairdressers and stylists are minimum, increasing to £11,000 - £16,000 per year for fully trained and experienced hair stylists. The most experienced and successful hair stylists can earn up to £30,000 a year.

Salaries for hairdressers in the US average out to be $19,000 per year, ranging from $11,000 to $55,000. The average hourly wage for hairdressers & stylists is approximately $10 and a large portion of their income consists of commissions, tips & gratuities.
How is Life?
Working hours and conditions for hairdressers and stylists vary depending on the salon where they are employed. In elite salons, working hours are typically routine, from 9 to 5. In small salons, on the other hand, a

hairdresser

or cosmetologist may be responsible for everything from shampooing and manicuring to answering telephone calls, sweeping & clearing up. Hairdressers & stylists working full time will generally work up to 40 hours in a week, which will usually include working on Saturdays & Sundays, with one day taken off during the week. Part-time jobs are frequently available as well.

Most hairdressers and stylists are self-employed or independent contractors, and there are several ways getting this arranged. Self-employed hair stylists may opt to work from their own house, or make visits to clients' homes. Additionally, in some salons, it is possible to work independently by ‘renting a chair’. Others work in barbershops, department stores, hotels, resorts, spas, and even hospitals.

Although every salon is has different working conditions, in general hairdressers & stylists have to spend most of their time on their feet, frequently moving around the salon as they tend to the client’s hair. Client satisfaction is the main priority in this job, and hairdressers have to be polite, friendly and enthusiastic towards customers even when the salon is fully active and they are drained. Hairdressers & stylists must work as a team with their colleagues to make sure that all the clients’ needs are being taken care of.
What Perks come along with this career?
Hairdressers and stylists are rated as the happiest at work out of all other occupations, topping many job satisfaction surveys. This is not surprising given that the main focus of their work is clientele and forming and maintaining good relationships with clients. Therefore, the social aspect of the job is beneficial for those who like meeting and interacting with new people on a daily basis.

In addition, this industry is rapidly expanding, and styling hair is an art. Hence, this career is rewarding in a creative sense. Furthermore, it is easy to become self employed in the field, and you have the freedom of being your own boss and setting your own work schedules.
Which Downsides are there in this career?
The job may get physically exhausting, because it is wearing to be on your feet all day- hairdressers and stylists have an above average incidence of varicose veins. It is also very frustrating when clients are not punctual and do not turn up for their appointments. Moreover, this job involves dealing with people in an intimate fashion, which may not be appreciated by many. A hairdresser’s work is also subject to scrutiny, and can therefore be extremely demanding and annoying.

Additionally, there is intense competition in this industry and earnings are limited. There is a lack of job benefits like health coverage and sick pay, because most hair stylists are self employed. The nature of the work necessitates compromising on evenings, weekends and holidays, because that is when most people get their hair cut.
How is Competition?
Employment outlook for hairdressers and stylists is anticipated to grow faster than the average for all jobs. This is primarily due to the growing population and the demand for personal care and grooming services. In spite of the bright job prospects, employment opportunities at high-street salons are anticipated to be quite competitive. It takes a while to build a footing in this career after years of setting up a client base and gaining a strong reputation.

Hairdressers and stylists work nation-wide in salons of varying size ranging from large chains such as Toni & Guy to smaller independent salons. Therefore, it is unlikely that hairdressers will need to relocate frequently. They are heavily involved in the fashion, beauty and entertainment industries and opportunities will be best for those licensed to provide a wide range of services. In addition, hairdressers & stylists may also be employed by colleges & universities as teachers.
Locations where this career is good?
Job opportunities exist in virtually every town and city of most countries. A few locations of note are New York, Los Angeles in USA; London in UK; Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai in India; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

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