Professional hair stylist

The hairstyling industry is significantly all about making people look and feel great. Good hair stylists understand their client’s needs and have the right technical prowess and unrivalled knowledge of products, the latest tools of the industry and most importantly current trends.

What’s this career about?

Hair stylists are beauty service professionals who specialize in the fashioning and treatment of hair. Their responsibilities include cleaning and cutting hair, offering hair care and hair styling consultations and recommending hair styling products, among other duties.

As a junior hairdresser, you may greet customers, shampoo and condition hair and do simple cutting. Other duties may include making sure towels and supplies are ready for use and keeping the salon clean and tidy.

After a few years’ experience, you may be asked to do colouring, perming or straightening apart from cutting and styling. You may even advise on minor hair and scalp problems. You may also be involved in keeping client records, making appointments and taking payments, ordering materials and promoting sales to customers.

A true hair stylist is equal parts artiste and psychologist. You should have a creative mindset and a good eye for design, as clients may ask about style ideas and may want to know what suits their face.

PLUS!

• How do I get there?
• Key skills
• Institutes
• Employment prospects
• Pay packages

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