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Hairdressing careers and the career ladder

Many people often wonder what jobs are available in a hair salon and what progression routes hairdressing careers can take. We've all seen top session stylists on television, working with A list celebrities and models but is this a realistic goal and how long does it take to land a career like this? As well as giving you convenient access to the latest hairdressing jobs, we've also created an article giving you an idea of the different positions available throughout a hairdressing career. This includes information on the different paths that are possible and an idea as to what is required to be successful at each level.

Entry level hairdressing careers - hairdressing trainees, apprentices and front of house jobs.

Unsurprisingly, the first rung of the hairdressing careers ladder would be that of the junior hairdressing jobs or apprentice although there are alternative careers which we'll discuss later. There are different options available to trainees and much will depend on your personal circumstances. Have you have found a salon to work in or do you plan to attend college on a full time basis. Commonly, trainee hairdressers will attend college on a day release basis for two years whilst spending the majority of their week hands on in the salon learning the necessary skills to become a great hair stylist. Trainees should be self motivated, able to work under their own initiative and have a genuine interest in the hair industry. A salon trainee will have many important responsibilities that will ensure senior hair stylists and the salon continues to operate efficiently. You can find further details on the trainee hairdresser job description here.

There is an alternative entry route and career path within the hair salon. Becoming increasingly more common are front of house opportunities including receptionists or front of house hosts. Although given different titles, the job description of a traditional salon trainee will often include many elements of a hair salon front of house or salon receptionist jobs role. Whilst much will vary from salon to salon, the basis of the job role of any front of house staff will revolve around the management of a customer visit from bookings to payments and other general administrative tasks. Some salons may expect front of house staff to be more involved in salon administration, including recruitment, advertising and marketing. In larger, busier salons whole teams can operate the front of house department, meaning there are progression routes to be found in that area alone including reception managers. Get an in depth look at a front of house job role here.

Low experience level salon & hairdressing careers - young hair stylists, barbers

Once you have gained your qualification you will have a good understanding of different hairdressing techniques and an idea or some experience on how to put them to use. However, don't expect to be left to your own devices just yet. Young stylists are often given the title of first year improvers early in their careers in hairdressing and barber jobs. Although you have learnt many of the required core skills, there is still much to be learnt about how these skills must be adapted to suit different styles and individual clients. These skills can only be developed over time as you encounter more and more unique situations where you perhaps require a little further guidance within your hair stylist jobs.

Mid experience level hairdressing careers - Hair stylists, advanced barbers

As you enter your third year in the salon you should now have gained important additional knowledge from your peers and personal in salon experiences. You can now expect to be taking on the role of a hair stylist responsible for carrying out many hairdressing tasks personally. You will be responsible for running your own column, managing your time and promoting and selling products whilst providing exceptional hairdressing services to every client.

Higher experience level hairdressing careers - Senior stylist, Creative Director, Colour Specialists

After five years in the salon you will be considered an established, senior member of the hairdressing team. At this stage hair stylists should have a strong following of clients and your job may also have evolved to include additional duties such as training or leading photo shoots. At this stage of your career you can expect to have many more opportunities available to you. Stylists reaching this stage of their career may also have moved into a more specialist position within the salon such as becoming a colour specialist.

Further detailed information can be found on alternative hairdressing careers pages regarding the hairdressers job description and the job description of a barber.

Further hair salon career progression opportunities - Salon Manager, Sales, Teaching, Freelance.

Hair stylists with several years of salon experience often naturally gain experience in areas such as salon management or sales. This opens doors to other opportunities found in and out of the salon. Progression into an assistant manager or salon or spa manager jobs is a realistic possibility but much will depend upon the size of the salon as to the availability of such positions. This type of position will involve duties including advertising strategy, recruitment, staff management and other legal requirements. You can also expect to be responsible for these tasks whilst still managing a full column and hairdressing 30+ hours per week! Please read further details regarding a Salon Manager job descripion.

For individuals that have an outstanding ability to up sell hair products there are jobs available in salon related sales. Many leading hair and beauty brands and product suppliers have opportunities for sales representatives and educators. You will require exceptional communication skills and drive. Find further information and details read our Hair & Beauty rep job description.

As an experienced hairdresser or barber with additional management or training experience there are alternative hairdressing careers to be found outside of the salon. For individuals interested in sharing their passion with others colleges and academies offer the opportunity for individuals to take on hairdressing assessor jobs teaching and assessing others. Hairdressers would be expected to have gained additional teaching qualifications such as an assessors V1 certificate and to have extensive salon management or training experience. View detailed information about the job role of a hair and beauty tutor here.

An alternative opportunity that can arise for hairdressers is the opportunity to become a self employed or freelance hair stylist. Many salons provide an opportunity for hairdressers to rent a room or chair giving stylists the opportunity to work more on their own terms. This kind of opportunity, although appearing attractive, should be given a great deal of thought. Becoming self employed can offer many rewards but there are many additional responsibilities that accompany it, from legal requirements to marketing strategies, make sure you have done your research. View our great article regarding the requirements of becoming a self employed or freelance hairdresser.

The hair and beauty industry continues to grow and provide many opportunities to individuals at all stages of their hairdressing career. From salon trainee jobs to salon managers and lecturers, find your dream hair & beauty jobs at SalonJobSeeker.

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