Studying Hairdresser: program, admission, and career options

About Hairdresser

The Hairdresser program at the MBO level is a vocational course designed to equip you with the practical skills and creative techniques needed to become a professional hairdresser. This program focuses on teaching you how to cut, style, color, and care for hair, while also developing your ability to advise clients on suitable hairstyles and hair care routines. Whether you aim to work in a busy salon, become an independent entrepreneur, or specialize in hairstyling trends, this program provides the foundation to build your career in the beauty industry.

This program is well suited for individuals who enjoy working with people, have an artistic flair, and possess an enterprising spirit. If you like helping others feel confident and beautiful, enjoy hands-on creative work, and are interested in the business side of hairdressing, this program will match your interests and skills. It offers a blend of practical training, client communication, and entrepreneurial knowledge that prepares you for various roles in the hair and beauty sector.

What you learn

During the Hairdresser program, you will learn a wide range of technical skills essential for professional hairstyling. This includes mastering cutting and snipping techniques to create different hairstyles, learning advanced coloring methods to achieve vibrant and natural-looking hair colors, and practicing styling and blow-drying skills to finish looks that suit individual clients. These practical skills form the core of your training and ensure you can confidently handle diverse hair types and styles.

In addition to technical expertise, you will gain knowledge about hair and scalp care, which is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and advising clients on the best treatments and products. Understanding the biology of hair and scalp health allows you to recommend personalized care routines that enhance your clients’ hair condition and appearance. This knowledge also helps you identify potential scalp problems and refer clients to specialists when necessary.

The program also emphasizes client communication and entrepreneurship. You will learn how to provide professional advice tailored to each client’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, you will acquire foundational skills in running a salon or your own hairdressing business, including hygiene and safety regulations, workplace health and safety (Arbo), and basic business management. These skills prepare you for the realities of working in the industry, whether employed or self-employed.

Subjects and themes

Knip- en snijtechnieken

You will study various cutting and snipping techniques to create precise and stylish haircuts that meet client expectations. This subject focuses on mastering the tools and methods for different hair lengths and textures.

Kleurtechnieken

This course covers hair coloring methods, including applying dyes, highlights, and color corrections. You learn how to select colors that complement clients’ skin tones and personal styles.

Styling en föhnen

You practice styling hair using blow-drying and other finishing techniques to achieve professional and lasting looks. This subject teaches you how to create volume, texture, and shape according to current trends.

Haar- en hoofdhuidverzorging

You learn about hair and scalp health, including how to assess and care for different hair types and conditions. This knowledge supports advising clients on suitable treatments and products.

Klantenadvies en communicatie

This subject focuses on developing your ability to communicate effectively with clients, understand their wishes, and provide personalized advice. Good communication skills are essential for building trust and repeat business.

Ondernemerschap, Arbo en hygiëne

You gain insights into running a hairdressing business, including hygiene standards, workplace safety, and basic entrepreneurial skills. This prepares you to manage a salon or work independently while complying with regulations.

How the program is structured

The Hairdresser program is typically structured over two to three years at the MBO vocational level, combining classroom instruction with extensive practical training. The curriculum is designed to gradually build your skills, starting with foundational techniques and progressing to more complex styling and coloring methods. Early on, you will focus on learning the basics of hair cutting and care, while later stages emphasize client interaction and business knowledge.

Practical work is a significant component of the program. You will spend many hours in simulated salon environments and real salons, applying your skills on live clients under supervision. This hands-on experience is vital for developing confidence, speed, and the ability to handle different hair types and client requests. Internships or work placements are often included, giving you exposure to actual salon operations and customer service.

Towards the end of the program, you will complete a final project or practical exam where you demonstrate your comprehensive hairdressing abilities. This may involve creating a portfolio of hairstyles, performing a full client consultation and treatment, or showcasing your entrepreneurial skills. Successfully completing this project confirms your readiness to enter the professional world as a qualified hairdresser.

Admission

Admission to the Hairdresser program generally requires a basic secondary education certificate or an equivalent qualification, depending on the country and institution. Some programs may ask for a practical aptitude test or an interview to assess your motivation and suitability for the profession.

Requirements can vary widely between countries and schools, so it is important to check the specific criteria of the institution you are interested in. In some cases, prior experience or a preparatory course in beauty or hair care may be recommended but is not always mandatory.

Which student thrives here?

Students who thrive in the Hairdresser program typically have a strong Social, Artistic, and Enterprising profile. This means you enjoy interacting with people, have a creative mindset, and are motivated to take initiative in your work environment. You will enjoy the mix of hands-on technical work and client-facing responsibilities.

If you like expressing yourself through creative styling, enjoy making others feel good about their appearance, and are comfortable working in a dynamic, service-oriented setting, you will find this program rewarding. Being enterprising helps if you want to eventually manage your own salon or freelance as a hairdresser.

Does this program suit you?

• Do you enjoy working closely with clients and building personal relationships?
• Are you interested in creative activities such as designing hairstyles and experimenting with colors?
• Do you like working with your hands and mastering practical skills?
• Are you comfortable communicating clearly and giving advice to others?
• Do you have an interest in business and entrepreneurship within the beauty industry?

Careers after this program

Completing the Hairdresser program prepares you for a variety of careers in the beauty and personal care sector. The most direct path is becoming a Hairdresser, Barber, or Hairstylist, where you work in salons or as a self-employed professional creating and maintaining stylish haircuts and colors for clients.

You can also specialize as a Cosmetologist, expanding your skills to include broader beauty treatments alongside hairdressing. Some graduates choose to work as Manicurists or Pedicurists within salons, offering nail care services that complement hair and beauty treatments.

The skills and knowledge gained in this program open doors to entrepreneurial opportunities, such as opening your own salon or working as a freelance stylist. Your training in client communication and business practices supports success in these ventures, allowing you to build a loyal customer base and manage your professional career effectively.

Pros and cons

Pros

• The program offers extensive hands-on training, ensuring practical skill development.
• It combines creative artistry with social interaction, making the work engaging.
• You gain entrepreneurial knowledge useful for running your own business.
• The curriculum covers up-to-date trends and techniques in hairdressing.

Cons

• Admission requirements and program details vary by country and institution.
• Work can be physically demanding and requires stamina.
• Success depends on building and maintaining a client base, which can be challenging.
• The job market is competitive, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

Tips for choosing

• Attend open days or virtual tours to get a feel for the program and facilities.
• Participate in trial lectures or workshops to experience the teaching style and content.
• Talk to current students and alumni about their experiences and outcomes.
• Compare curricula across institutions to find programs that emphasize your areas of interest.
• Check admission requirements carefully to ensure you meet the criteria and prepare accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about Hairdresser

Is previous experience in hairdressing required to enroll?

No, previous experience is generally not required, but having some familiarity with hair care can be helpful. The program is designed to teach you from the basics to advanced skills.

How long does the Hairdresser program typically take?

The program usually lasts two to three years at the MBO level, depending on the country and institution. This includes both classroom learning and practical training.

Will I get practical experience working with real clients?

Yes, practical experience is a key part of the program. You will work in simulated salons and often complete internships or placements in real salons.

Can I start my own salon after completing the program?

The program includes entrepreneurship training to help you manage or start a salon. However, success depends on your business skills and local regulations.

What career options are available after graduation?

You can work as a hairdresser, barber, hairstylist, cosmetologist, manicurist, or pedicurist. Many graduates also pursue self-employment or open their own salons.

Are there any health or safety requirements in this profession?

Yes, the program teaches hygiene and workplace safety (Arbo) standards that you must follow to protect yourself and your clients.