Hairdresser / barber

Career description

As a hairdresser/barber, you specialize in cutting, styling, coloring, and caring for hair. You work directly with clients, advise on hairstyles and products, and create a pleasant atmosphere in the salon. Precision, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential, and you often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

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 / barber: MBO.

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

RIASEC profile for this career

Top profile: Realistic (90%), followed by Social (70%).

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

About the Hairdresser / barber career

As a hairdresser or barber, you specialize in cutting, styling, coloring, and caring for hair to help clients look and feel their best. This role combines creativity with technical skill, requiring you to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques while providing personalized advice and services.

This career suits individuals who enjoy working closely with people, have a keen eye for detail, and thrive in a dynamic, customer-focused environment. If you love expressing creativity through hairstyles and building relationships with clients, becoming a hairdresser or barber could be a rewarding path for you.

A working day as a Hairdresser / barber

A typical day as a hairdresser or barber starts with preparing your workstation and welcoming clients into the salon. You spend much of your time cutting, styling, and coloring hair according to each client’s preferences, while also offering expert advice on hair care and suitable products. The work often requires flexibility, as appointments can be scheduled throughout the day, including evenings and weekends.

You collaborate closely with salon colleagues such as other hairdressers, barbers, and reception staff to ensure smooth operations and a positive client experience. Communication is key, as you discuss desired styles and provide recommendations tailored to individual hair types and lifestyles. You might also participate in team meetings or training sessions to keep your skills sharp.

In addition to hands-on styling, you manage tasks like sanitizing tools and work areas, maintaining inventory of hair products, and handling client bookings. Building rapport with regular clients is an important part of your role, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere and encouraging repeat visits.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their hairstyle preferences and hair care needs.
• Cut, style, and color hair using various techniques and tools.
• Advise clients on suitable hair products and maintenance routines.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of tools, equipment, and workstations.
• Manage appointment scheduling and client records efficiently.
• Stay updated on current hair trends and participate in ongoing training.
• Create a relaxing and friendly environment to enhance the client experience.

Skills and traits

Creativity

Creativity is essential for designing unique hairstyles that suit each client’s personality and preferences. It helps you adapt trends and techniques to individual needs, ensuring client satisfaction.

Communication

Strong communication skills allow you to understand client desires clearly and explain styling options effectively. Good communication also builds trust and rapport, which encourages client loyalty.

Attention to Detail

Precision is crucial when cutting and styling hair to achieve the desired look. Attention to detail ensures high-quality results and helps prevent mistakes that could affect client satisfaction.

Manual Dexterity

Excellent hand-eye coordination and steady hands are needed to handle scissors, clippers, and coloring tools skillfully. This skill supports safe and efficient work while maintaining style accuracy.

Customer Service

Providing friendly and personalized service enhances the overall client experience and encourages repeat business. Being approachable and empathetic helps you address client concerns and preferences effectively.

Time Management

Managing appointment schedules and completing services within allocated times keeps the salon running smoothly. Good time management helps balance quality work with client flow and reduces waiting times.

Which personality fits?

Your RIASEC profile shows a strong Artistic orientation at 80%, indicating you thrive in environments where creativity and self-expression are central. This suits the hairdressing and barber profession perfectly, as it allows you to design and craft unique looks that reflect individual styles.

The 70% Social score reflects your enjoyment in working closely with people and providing service that meets their personal needs. Enterprising at 50% suggests you have a fair degree of initiative and confidence, useful for managing client relationships and possibly running your own salon. Lower Conventional, Realistic, and Investigative scores indicate that you prefer creative and interpersonal tasks over routine, mechanical, or analytical work.

Education and route

Typically, becoming a hairdresser or barber involves completing vocational education at the MBO level or equivalent. These programs focus on practical skills such as cutting, coloring, styling, and hygiene, combined with theoretical knowledge about hair care and client communication.

Internships or apprenticeships are an integral part of training, providing hands-on experience in real salon environments. This practical exposure helps you develop your skills, build confidence, and understand the day-to-day workings of the profession.

While specific degree programs are not listed, general vocational courses in hairdressing or barbering cover the essential techniques and knowledge needed. Continuous learning through workshops and advanced courses is common to stay updated with new styles and technologies.

Pay and career progression

Your pay as a hairdresser or barber depends on factors like your level of experience, the sector you work in, and the region or country where you are employed. Working in high-end salons or owning your own business can influence your earnings positively, while entry-level positions or certain locations may offer lower pay.

Career progression often starts with gaining experience as a junior stylist before moving to senior roles or specializing in areas like coloring or hair treatments. Many hairdressers and barbers eventually open their own salons or become educators and trainers within the industry, expanding their professional opportunities.

Where do you work?

Hair Salons

These are the most common workplaces, ranging from small independent shops to larger chains, where you provide styling and grooming services.

Barber Shops

Specialized in men's grooming, barber shops focus on haircuts, shaves, and beard care in a traditionally male-oriented environment.

Spas and Wellness Centers

Some hairdressers work within spas, offering hair care as part of broader beauty and relaxation services.

Freelance or Mobile Services

Working independently or visiting clients at home or events allows flexibility and direct client interaction.

Training Institutions

Experienced hairdressers may work as instructors, teaching new students the skills and knowledge required in the profession.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Creative work that allows personal expression.
• Regular interaction with diverse clients.
• Opportunities for flexible working hours.
• Potential to build a loyal client base and own a business.

Cons

• Work can involve standing for long periods.
• Irregular hours including evenings and weekends.
• Exposure to chemicals in hair products.
• Income may be variable, especially starting out.

The future of this career

Technology is influencing the hairdressing field through new styling tools and digital booking systems, making work more efficient and client-friendly. Innovations in hair care products and coloring techniques also continue to evolve, requiring ongoing learning.

Societal trends toward personalized and sustainable beauty influence the services offered, with increasing demand for natural products and eco-friendly practices. The profession is adapting to these changes by integrating new skills and approaches to meet client expectations.

Does Hairdresser / barber suit you?

• Do you enjoy working creatively with your hands?
• Are you comfortable interacting with a wide variety of people?
• Can you manage your time well to keep appointments on track?
• Do you like staying updated on fashion and beauty trends?
• Are you able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends?

Frequently asked questions about Hairdresser / barber

What education do I need to become a hairdresser or barber?

Typically, vocational education at the MBO level or equivalent is required, focusing on practical hairdressing skills and client care. Internships or apprenticeships are important to gain hands-on experience.

Is a license or registration required to work as a hairdresser?

This varies by country and employer. In many places, completing accredited vocational training and sometimes passing exams or obtaining certification is necessary to work professionally.

What kind of working hours can I expect?

Hairdressers often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate client appointments. This can mean irregular schedules but also opportunities for part-time or varied shifts.

How much can I expect to earn?

Earnings depend on experience, location, and the type of salon or business you work for. Entry-level pay may be modest, but there is potential to increase income through specialization or owning a salon.

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

Yes, many people start hairdressing as a second career. Vocational programs and apprenticeships are designed to accommodate learners of different ages and backgrounds.

Is the workload physically demanding?

Yes, the job involves standing for long periods and using your hands skillfully throughout the day. It also requires managing client expectations and maintaining energy during busy times.

Next step

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