Becoming a Hairdresser: A Practical Guide

If you love style, enjoy talking to people, and don’t mind a bit of hustle, a career behind the chair might be a perfect fit. You don’t need a university degree, but you do need solid training, a good eye for trends, and some basic maths for pricing. Below you’ll find the steps that get you from zero experience to a paid position in a salon.

Choose the Right Training Path

Most aspiring stylists start with a recognised hairdressing course. In the UK, the most common routes are NVQ Level 2 or 3, SVQ (for Scotland), or a diploma from an accredited college. These programs combine classroom learning with on‑the‑job practice. A typical NVQ Level 2 runs for 6‑12 months and covers basic cutting, colouring, health & safety, and client communication. Level 3 goes deeper into advanced techniques and often includes an apprenticeship, letting you earn while you learn.

Cost varies widely. Full‑time courses at private colleges can be £3,000‑£6,000, while apprenticeships may be free or low‑cost because the employer pays a portion of your fees. Look for funding options like the Apprenticeship Levy, local council grants, or scholarships offered by training providers such as GoSkill Vocational Training.

When picking a school, check that they have industry‑standard equipment, qualified teachers, and strong links to local salons. A good placement partner can smooth the transition to work and often leads to a job offer right after you finish.

What the Job Looks Like Day‑to‑Day

A typical salon day starts with prepping stations, sterilising tools, and reviewing client bookings. You’ll spend most of your time cutting, colouring, and styling hair, but you’ll also handle consultations, recommend products, and manage payments. Even simple maths skills come in handy for calculating colour ratios, adding up service fees, and tracking tips.

Hours can be flexible. Many salons run evenings and weekends to accommodate clients, so you might work evenings a few nights a week. Early‑career stylists often start as assistants, washing hair, maintaining inventory, and learning from senior stylists. This on‑the‑job exposure is priceless and helps you pick up tricks that no textbook can teach.

Salary depends on location, experience, and salon type. Entry‑level assistants earn around £15,000‑£18,000 per year. Once you’re qualified and start taking clients, commissions and tips can push earnings to £22,000‑£30,000. High‑end salons or freelance stylists in big cities can make £35,000‑£45,000 or more, especially if you specialise in colour or extensions.

Beyond money, the job offers creativity, social interaction, and the chance to see immediate results from your work. If you enjoy keeping up with trends, you’ll find continual learning built into the role – new cutting techniques and product launches happen all the time.

To boost your career, consider additional certifications like advanced colour, balayage, or hair extensions. These add-ons make you more marketable and often justify higher prices for your services.

In short, becoming a hairdresser is a mix of formal training, hands‑on practice, and a bit of business sense. Choose a reputable course, get real‑world experience, and keep sharpening your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be confident behind the chair, building a client base, and earning a steady income doing something you love.