Career Options After Finishing a Hairdressing Qualification

A hairdressing career offers many opportunities for a person. They have the potential to start their own business, flex their creative muscles, and allow to be flexible with their working hours. This career path comes with plenty of challenges and rewards. Each hairdresser can decide which route they choose to take within the industry,

Apprenticeship

One of the most traditional routes a newly qualified hairdresser will take is to become a trainee at a well-established salon. This way they can begin to learn what goes into running a hairdressing business and gain insight from senior staff. They can learn which products are best to use and which hair stylers offer the best salon finish. They can build their way up and take on more responsibility as they perfect their craft.

Freelancing

Freelancing within the hairdressing world comes in two forms: renting a chair and a mobile hairdresser. Rent a chair involves paying for a fixed spot in a salon. They can set their own hours and build a reliable client base. It also gives them the experience of beginning to handle the business side of things, as they’re self-employed. They handle bookings, client consultations, and their own expenses. The mobile option offers even more flexibility. They can travel to the client or have them in their home. Either of these options allows the hairdresser to fit their work around their life.

Open Own Salon

After building up their own client base and learning more about the industry, when they feel ready a hairdresser can open their own salon. They needed to create a business plan, and there are plenty of online resources to help with this. Then they will begin to find the right location, and figure out whether it’s within budget and accessible for customers. Once they have found the place, legal work follows. Marketing is a vital element of opening up a new salon, but if the hairdresser already has a solid foundation of reliable clients in place, they can get help with spreading word of mouth. Owning a salon means they are their own boss and in control of everything.

TV and Film

Of course, not every hairdresser has to work in a salon for the entirety of their career. Some choose to explore alternative routes such as the theatre or TV and movie sets. An expert stylist recommended building up your skill before exploring this industry. People skills will also play a huge role, from networking for potential jobs to being respectful of the cast.

From taking on a trainee position to opening their own salon or styling the stars, the career of a hairdresser can be incredibly rewarding. It is flexible, sociable, and an accessible path for people from all walks of life.