How to become a hairdresser: Jasmine's story

Meet Jasmine, 22, from London, and find out more about life as a hairdressing apprentice. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

If you want to do something, you have to work really hard at it.

What is a typical day in your job?

In my job, I speak to clients, answer the phone, and prepare dye for hair colour and tinting. When a customer comes in, I greet them, take their coat, and make them a drink. I give them a gown and either give them a head massage or a hand massage. I also wash and blow dry their hair.

What skills do you use in your job?

I use time management, IT, and communication skills. As part of my job, I also have to take payments and handle cash so maths also helps because I need to be good with numbers.

When did you know you wanted to be a hairdresser?

I met my boss when I was younger and when she opened up her own salon I knew that I wanted to be a hairdresser. She gave me the chance to do a hairdressing apprenticeship, which is giving me experience of learning and earning money at the same time.

Top tips

• It's fine to not know what you want to do by the time you leave school
• Try new things – it will help you decide the right path for you
• Once you know what you want to do, you have to be dedicated and work hard towards your goals.

What to expect if you want to be a hairdresser

• Hairdresser average salary: £14,000 to £30,000 per year
• Hairdresser typical working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.

What qualifications do you need to be a hairdresser?

You could get into this role via a college course (such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, or a T-level in Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy - England-only, from Sept 2023). You can also do an apprenticeship, or work towards the role such as being a trainee hairdresser in a salon and learning on the job.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, GOV.UK

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).

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