Hairdresser
As a hairdresser you will be attending to people’s hair. This may involve using a variety of tools and materials to style, cut, colour, straighten, curl and treat all different kinds of hair types.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $32,000 up to $50,000+
The good
- Using different tools and equipment
- Working in a social environment
- Meeting new people
- Making clients happy
- Keeping up with fashion trends
- Potential to own your own salon
- Potential to travel for seminars or additional training
The not so good
- Working weekends and evenings
- Standing for long periods of time
- Dealing with difficult clients
As a hairdresser you need to have basic maths and science skills as you will be frequently working with chemicals, managing appointments and working to various time limits.
Your work environment can be busy and noisy at times so you will need good communication skills and patience to deal professionally with your clients and other staff.
As well as washing, cutting, colouring and styling your clients' hair, you might also do special events like weddings and formals. You can also train separately for other courses such as make up to compliment your hairdressing skills and broaden your career opportunities.
If you like working with people and are creative, a hairdresser will be a great career choice.
I love it when my clients come in. They become your friends.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Standard or higher)
- Mathematics (General or higher)
- Visual Art
What can I do after I have finished school?
Courses and qualifications
Courses and qualifications can give you a great start.
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
Suggestions
Check out Vogue for more information
- Ask to volunteer at your local salon after school or on weekend
- Get some part time work to build up your communication and organisation skills
- Keep up with fashion trends by reading magazines or following celebrities on social media
