Hairdresser

Career description

As a hairdresser, you create various hairstyles, from cutting and coloring to styling, and advise clients on hair care. You work in a salon, where manual dexterity, creativity, and good communication skills are essential to satisfy clients and create a pleasant atmosphere.

Salary range

Salaried: €2,300 - €3,400 (Netherlands) gross per month (varies by industry, region, and experience).

Compare salaries across careers.

Education and preparation

Education level for Hairdresser: MBO.

Focus on practical experience, internships, and specializations that fit this field.

RIASEC profile for this career

Top profile: Artistic (90%), followed by Enterprising (70%).

Scores: R 20 • I 20 • A 90 • S 50 • E 70 • C 20

About the Hairdresser career

A hairdresser is a skilled professional who specializes in cutting, coloring, styling, and caring for hair. You help clients achieve their desired looks while also offering advice on hair maintenance and health. This role combines creativity with technical skill, making it ideal for those who enjoy working with their hands and expressing artistic flair through hairstyles.

This career suits people who are artistic and social, as it involves both creating unique hair designs and interacting closely with clients. If you enjoy helping others feel confident and take pride in your craftsmanship, being a hairdresser can be a rewarding path. Good communication and a friendly demeanor are just as important as manual dexterity and a keen eye for detail.

A working day as a Hairdresser

A typical day as a hairdresser begins with preparing your workstation and reviewing appointments to understand each client’s needs. You spend most of your day cutting, coloring, and styling hair, adapting your techniques to suit different hair types and client preferences. Between clients, you clean your tools, restock supplies, and sometimes handle administrative tasks like scheduling future appointments.

Throughout the day, you interact closely with clients, listening carefully to their requests and offering professional advice on hair care and suitable styles. You often work alongside other hairdressers and salon staff, collaborating to maintain a welcoming and efficient environment. Building rapport with clients is essential, as many people return regularly for ongoing hair care and styling.

You may also spend time learning about new hair trends, products, and techniques to keep your skills fresh and meet client expectations. Depending on the salon, you might assist with retail sales of hair care products, helping clients choose items that complement their hair type and style. Overall, your work combines creativity, technical skill, and social interaction in a dynamic setting.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Cut hair according to client preferences and current trends.
• Apply hair coloring and treatments safely and effectively.
• Style hair for everyday looks or special occasions.
• Advise clients on hair care routines and product choices.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of tools and work area.
• Manage appointment schedules and client records.
• Stay updated on new hair techniques and fashion trends.

Skills and traits

Creativity

Creativity is vital because you design unique hairstyles that suit individual clients, helping them express their personality. It allows you to experiment with new looks and keep your work fresh and exciting.

Manual Dexterity

Good hand-eye coordination ensures precise cutting and styling, which is essential for achieving professional results. Manual dexterity also helps when handling delicate tools and applying treatments carefully.

Communication Skills

Effective communication helps you understand client needs and explain hair care advice clearly. It also builds trust and rapport, encouraging clients to return regularly.

Attention to Detail

Paying close attention to details ensures that haircuts and styles are symmetrical and polished. This skill helps you notice subtle differences and make adjustments to meet client expectations.

Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service creates a welcoming atmosphere and enhances client satisfaction. It involves being patient, friendly, and responsive to client feedback.

Time Management

Managing your time well allows you to complete appointments efficiently without rushing. It helps maintain a smooth workflow in a busy salon environment.

Which personality fits?

Your RIASEC profile shows a strong Artistic orientation (80%), meaning you thrive in creative and expressive work where you can use your imagination. This suits the hairdressing profession perfectly, as it demands constant innovation and personal style in hairstyling.

The high Social score (70%) indicates you enjoy interacting with people and helping them feel good about themselves, which is key in a client-focused role like hairdressing. Your moderate Enterprising (50%) and Investigative (40%) traits suggest you are comfortable managing some business aspects and staying curious about new techniques, while your lower Realistic (30%) and Conventional (30%) scores imply you prefer creative and social tasks over routine or highly structured work.

Education and route

To become a hairdresser, you typically pursue vocational education focused on hairdressing skills and salon practices. This hands-on training helps you develop the technical abilities needed for cutting, coloring, and styling hair, as well as understanding hygiene and safety standards.

Many programs include practical internships or apprenticeships in salons, giving you real-world experience working with clients under supervision. This on-the-job training is crucial for building confidence and learning how to manage a busy salon environment effectively.

While there are no specific university programs required, completing a vocational diploma or certificate in hairdressing is generally necessary to enter the profession. Continuous learning through workshops and courses helps you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

Pay and career progression

Your pay as a hairdresser depends on factors such as your experience level, the salon or sector you work in, and the region or country where you practice. More experienced hairdressers often earn higher wages and may have opportunities to specialize or take on additional responsibilities.

Career progression can lead you from junior stylist roles to senior hairdresser or salon manager positions. Some hairdressers choose to open their own salons or become educators, trainers, or product specialists within the hair care industry, expanding their career options beyond direct client services.

Where do you work?

Hair Salons

The most common workplace, where you provide hair cutting, coloring, and styling services to a wide range of clients.

Beauty Spas

These establishments often offer hairdressing alongside other beauty treatments, providing a holistic client experience.

Freelance or Mobile Services

Some hairdressers work independently, traveling to clients’ homes or events to provide personalized services.

Theatre and Film Productions

Hairdressers in this setting create specialized looks for actors and performers, often requiring creativity and adaptability.

Retail Hair Care Brands

Working for product companies may involve demonstrating and selling hair care products or training others in their use.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Allows you to express creativity through hairstyling.
• Provides daily social interaction and client relationships.
• Offers hands-on work with visible results.
• Can lead to diverse career paths within the beauty industry.

Cons

• Work can be physically demanding, involving long hours on your feet.
• Client preferences can be challenging to meet consistently.
• Income may vary depending on location and clientele.
• Salon environments can be fast-paced and stressful at times.

The future of this career

The hairdressing profession is evolving with new technologies such as advanced coloring techniques and digital booking systems, making the work more efficient and creative. Social media and online platforms also influence trends and client expectations, encouraging hairdressers to adapt quickly.

Sustainability and natural hair care products are becoming more important, reflecting broader societal shifts towards eco-friendly practices. This trend is influencing the types of services offered and the products used in salons worldwide.

Does Hairdresser suit you?

• Do you enjoy expressing creativity through your work?
• Are you comfortable interacting closely with a variety of people?
• Can you handle working with your hands for extended periods?
• Do you like learning about fashion and beauty trends?
• Are you patient and attentive to client needs and feedback?

Frequently asked questions about Hairdresser

What education do I need to become a hairdresser?

Typically, you need to complete vocational training focused on hairdressing skills. This includes practical experience through internships or apprenticeships in salons to develop hands-on abilities.

Is a license required to work as a hairdresser?

Licensing requirements vary by country and region. In many places, completing accredited vocational education and training is necessary, but specific licenses may not always be mandatory.

How demanding is the workload for hairdressers?

The work can be physically demanding, requiring you to stand for long periods and manage multiple clients each day. Time management and stamina are important to handle a busy salon environment.

Can I change careers and become a hairdresser later in life?

Yes, many people enter hairdressing as a second career. Vocational programs and apprenticeships are often designed to accommodate adult learners and career changers.

What factors influence hairdresser pay?

Pay depends on experience, the type of salon or employer, and the location where you work. Building a loyal client base and gaining advanced skills can also increase earning potential.

Are there opportunities for career growth?

Absolutely, you can progress from junior stylist roles to senior positions or salon management. Some hairdressers open their own salons or move into education and product development within the industry.

Next step

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