What is a Hairdresser?

A hairdresser specializes in cutting, styling, coloring, and treating hair. These professionals work in salons, spas, or freelance settings, catering to clients of various ages, genders, and hair types.

Hairdressers possess expertise in using a wide range of tools and products to achieve desired hairstyles, including scissors, razors, blow dryers, curling irons, and various hair care products. They consult with clients to understand their preferences and recommend suitable hairstyles based on factors such as face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Additionally, hairdressers provide hair care advice and recommend products to maintain the health and appearance of clients' hair between appointments.

What does a Hairdresser do?

A hairdresser smiling and talking with her client.

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a hairdresser encompass a wide range of tasks related to hair care, styling, and customer service. Here are some key responsibilities:

  • Hair Cutting and Styling: Hairdressers are skilled in cutting and styling hair according to clients' preferences and facial features. They use various techniques, tools, and products to achieve desired looks, whether it's a simple trim, a layered cut, or an intricate hairstyle for a special occasion.
  • Hair Coloring and Treatment: Hairdressers perform hair coloring services, including highlights, lowlights, balayage, and full-color treatments. They also provide hair treatments such as deep conditioning, keratin treatments, and scalp massages to improve the health and appearance of clients' hair.
  • Consultation: Before performing any service, hairdressers consult with clients to understand their desired hairstyle, hair type, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. They offer expert advice and recommendations based on their knowledge and expertise.
  • Product Recommendation: Hairdressers recommend hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments, to help clients maintain their hairstyle and keep their hair healthy between salon visits.
  • Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is a crucial aspect of a hairdresser's role. They greet clients warmly, listen attentively to their needs, and ensure they feel comfortable and satisfied throughout their salon experience.
  • Sanitation and Hygiene: Hairdressers maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in the salon by sanitizing tools, equipment, and workstations regularly. They adhere to health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of clients and staff.
  • Continuing Education: To stay current with industry trends and techniques, hairdressers participate in ongoing education and training programs. They attend workshops, seminars, and classes to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge.

Types of Hairdressers
There are several types of hairdressers. Each type of hairdresser requires different skills and expertise, and individuals may choose to specialize in a specific area of hairdressing based on their interests and strengths.

  • Barbers: Barbers specialize in cutting and styling men's hair and facial hair. They typically work in barbershops, where they offer a range of services including haircuts, beard trims, and shaves, while also providing grooming advice to clients.
  • Celebrity Hairdressers: Celebrity hairdressers cater specifically to the hairstyling needs of celebrities, public figures, and high-profile clients. They often travel with their clients to events, photo shoots, and film sets, providing personalized hair care services and helping them achieve their desired looks for various appearances.
  • Hair Colorists: A hair colorist focuses on coloring hair using various techniques and products to achieve desired shades and effects. They assess clients' hair color goals, recommend suitable color options, and apply color treatments with precision and expertise, enhancing clients' overall appearance and confidence.
  • Hairdressing Educators: Hairdressing educators specialize in teaching aspiring hairdressers the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in the industry. They develop curriculum, conduct hands-on training sessions, and provide guidance and mentorship to students, ensuring they receive comprehensive education and preparation for their careers in hairdressing.

Are you suited to be a hairdresser?

Hairdressers have distinct personalities. They tend to be artistic individuals, which means they’re creative, intuitive, sensitive, articulate, and expressive. They are unstructured, original, nonconforming, and innovative. Some of them are also enterprising, meaning they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if hairdresser is one of your top career matches.

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What is the workplace of a Hairdresser like?

The workplace of a hairdresser can vary depending on factors such as the type of salon, clientele, and geographic location. Generally, hairdressers work in well-equipped salons that provide a comfortable and inviting environment for both clients and staff. These salons may range from small, independently owned establishments to large, upscale chains located in urban areas or shopping centers.

Inside the salon, hairdressers typically have their own workstation equipped with essential tools and equipment such as styling chairs, mirrors, sinks, and a variety of hair care products. The atmosphere is often lively and energetic, with music playing in the background and a buzz of conversation as stylists interact with clients and colleagues. Some salons may offer additional amenities such as refreshments, magazines, or complimentary Wi-Fi to enhance the client experience.

The work schedule of a hairdresser can vary, with many working full-time, including evenings and weekends to accommodate clients' busy schedules. Flexibility in scheduling is common, allowing hairdressers to balance work and personal commitments. Additionally, some hairdressers may choose to work as freelancers, renting booth space in a salon or offering mobile services to clients in their homes or other locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hairdressers are also known as:
Hairstylist