Hairdresser
Cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.
Also known as: hair stylist, barber
About the job
A day in the life – Hairdresser
What it's like
You would cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.
As a junior hairdresser, you would:
Greet customers
Shampoo their hair
Do simple cutting
Make sure towels and supplies are ready for use
Keep the salon clean and tidy
As a senior hairdresser, you would talk to clients about how they want their hair done. You’d tactfully give them advice and suggest style ideas.
You would:
Shampoo and condition customers’ hair
Cut and style customers’ hair
So colouring, perming or straightening
Advise on minor hair and scalp problems
Make appointments and handle payments
Order materials
Make sure that hair products containing chemicals are used and stored correctly
You’d make people feel at ease so they enjoy being in the hair salon. You’d keep up to date with fashion and the latest hairstyles.
You could specialise in working with particular clients or techniques, for example:
Cutting men's hair in a barber shop
Pressing, braiding and plaiting Afro-Caribbean hair
Colouring and dyeing hair
Hours
You would usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am and 6pm. This would usually include Saturdays with a day off in the week. Some salons open late on one or two evenings during the week. Part-time work is often available. You could also work freelance.
Environment
You would work in a salon. You could also work freelance, either renting space within a salon or visiting customers in their own homes.
Travel
You could visit customers in their own homes.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- hairstyling
- upselling
- professional hair care
- setting appointments
- hair coloring
- eyelash extensions
- cosmetics
- visual merchandising
- control of substances hazardous to health (coshh)
- effective communication
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- respecting
- creative
- verbal communication
- building relationships
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Hairdressing
You would need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Hairdressing and Barbering (SVQ Level 3).
You can enter some Hairdressing National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but some courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or relevant NC/NQ/SVQ qualifications.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate a good eye for visual effect, communication and customer care skills, such as Skills for Work Hairdressing (SCQF Level 4/5) or Retailing (SCQF Level 5).
It is helpful to have relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Hairdressing and Barbering (SVQ Level 2/3) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
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