Industry Sectors

Hairdressing & Beauty

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Industry Summary

The hairdressing and beauty industries are expansive, encompassing more roles than you may expect. Professionals in this industry have such varied roles as special effects makeup artist, barber, tattooist, image consultants to high-end wig makers. What is for certain is that in this industry you’ll need large amounts of creativity and flair, as well as practical abilities and a passion for keeping up-to-date with the latest beauty trends.

A career in the hairdressing and beauty industry could see you work in a variety of settings, including film, live music, TV, theatre and photo shoots. This is a highly rewarding sector, especially if you enjoy interacting with people. You’ll get to see the happy reactions customers have to their new hair colour or latest body art everyday – the possibilities are endless!

So, if you’re a natural talent at a those insta-style winged liner looks, have a passion for getting those beachy waves just right or want to style up-and-coming celebrities, a career in the hairdressing and beauty industry may be the perfect fit for you.

 

What options can I take for a career in hairdressing and beauty?

 

Work Experience

Work experience is a great opportunity to refine your skills and make valuable contacts in the hairdressing and beauty industry. Employers in this industry value work experience – it will help you build confidence when practising your talents and give you a chance to interact with others that is crucial in a customer-facing role. Salons and beauty studios commonly offer placements that last anywhere from a couple of weeks, or as part of a training course, to give you a full insight into the inner workings of the industry. As well as work experience, creating a portfolio of your work (whether online as an Instagram page, or physically in a folder), will stand out to your potential employers as they will easily be able to spot your talents.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship in hairdressing and beauty will have you involved with clients from the beginning. Not only will you be involved with all aspects of the salon or studio, from washing hair to painting nails, but you’ll also be able to work towards earning a qualification whilst you do so. An apprenticeship in the hair and beauty sector means you’ll be earning a salary while getting experience that will make sure you get a head start in your career.

  • Level 2 – Beauty Therapist
  • Level 2 – Beauty and Make-up Consultant
  • Level 2 – Hair Professional
  • Level 2 – Nail Services Technician

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

 

University

Most degrees involved in the hairdressing and beauty industry are at a foundation level (some offered are full honours degrees too). This means instead of the typical three-year course offered at most universities, a foundation degree in a hair and beauty related subject lasts about one or two-years in length and are designed to give a breakdown of the more theoretical elements behind the sector.

These degrees are created with the idea that you learn about the hair and beauty industry in more depth – focussing on the behind-the-scenes factors involved. Subjects taught can range from collaboration with advertisers and designers, how to work with celebrities or performers, and even getting information about the latest beauty related technical innovations. A degree in hairdressing and beauty will advance your skills and expand your horizons of the business as you prepare to enter the industry.

  • TV and Film: Hair, Make Up and Special Effects BA (Hons)
  • Make-up and Hair Design BA (Hons)
  • Hair and Make-up for Fashion BA (Hons)
  • Media Makeup and Hair Artistry BA (Hons)
  • Hairdressing Management BA (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

Once you have obtained your degree, a range of opportunities will be opened to you – from roles in theatre and TV studios styling celebrities, to managing your own salon. In addition, there are opportunities in this industry for graduates of various degree backgrounds as graduate roles in sales, management and administration are crucial to the success of many hair and beauty businesses.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

There are other routes into the hairdressing and beauty industry, for example, creating an online portfolio or your talents on social media will show employers that you are excellent at what you do – after all, that’s how all the big influencers get their start in the industry these days. However, many employers require you to have a specific qualification in order to be work there. If you do not have one of these, it is recommended that you speak to local colleges, training providers or potential employers to see what they can offer you.

The hair and beauty industry is waiting for you – start looking for your role!

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources of hairdressing salons, beauty treatment and similar establishments.

Qualification

No formal qualifications are required for entry although entrants usually possess a BTEC/SQA award, an NVQ/SVQ in Hairdressing at Level 3, an apprenticeship and/or relevant experience.

Job Tasks

determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term needs; controls the allocation, training and remuneration of staff; provides clients with information and advice on styles and treatments, and resolves any complaints or problems; ensures clients’ records are maintained; undertakes and/or directs hair treatments and/or beauty therapy; checks and maintains any equipment, and ensures that all safety requirements are met; demonstrates, advises on and sells hair and/or beauty products; ensures financial accounts for the business are maintained.

Related Jobs

Manager, barber's Manager, hairdresser's Manager, health and fitness Manager, shop Manager, spa Manager Manager Manager Owner, club, health Owner, salon, hairdressing Owner, studio, beauty Owner, studio, health Owner Owner Owner Owner 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Hairdressers and barbers shampoo, cut, colour, style and treat hair.

Qualification

There are no minimum academic requirements for entry, although some colleges require candidates to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is provided off- and on-the-job and lasts up to three years leading to the awarding of NVQs/SVQs at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Apprenticeships leading to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 3 are also available.

Job Tasks

discusses customer requirements, analyses hair condition and other relevant features to define and advise on hair style; washes, conditions, bleaches, tints or dyes hair and provides any necessary basic scalp treatments; cuts and trims hair using scissors, clippers, razor and comb; combs, brushes, blow-dries or sets wet hair in rollers to style or straighten; shaves and trims beards and moustaches; collects payment, arranges appointments and cleans and tidies salon; maintains client records and keeps up-to-date with new products, styles and techniques; ensures hair products are stored and used appropriately and observes relevant health and safety factors; demonstrates, sells and recommends hair care products to clients and advises them on hair care.

Related Jobs

Artist, tonsorial Assistant, general Assistant, hairdresser's Assistant, hairdressing Assistant, salon Barber Colourist Controller, salon Designer, hair Director, art Director, artistic Director, style Dresser, hair Hairdresser Hairstylist Shampooer Shampooist Stylist, hair Stylist, hairdressing Stylist, junior Stylist Technician, colour Technician, hairdressing Technician, hair and beauty 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Beauticians and related workers give facial and body beauty treatments, apply cosmetics and dress wigs.

Qualification

There are no minimum academic requirements for entry, although some colleges require candidates to possess GCSEs/S grades. NVQs/SVQs in Beauty Therapy are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Professional qualifications are also available.

Job Tasks

discusses clients requirements, analyses and advises client on appropriate skin care, and applies treatments to the face or body; massages scalp, face and other parts of the body and carries out spray tanning; uses waxing, threading, sugaring and other epilation techniques to remove any unwanted body hair; cleans, shapes and polishes finger and toe nails, applies nail extensions; applies make-up to hide blemishes or enhance facial features and advises clients on skin care and make-up techniques; performs specialist treatments for conditions such as acne, applies skin rejuvenation therapies; recognises problems and refers clients to medical practitioners if appropriate; advises clients on diet and exercise to assist in weight loss and slimming; maintains client records, sells and advises on cosmetic products and services, and ensures appropriate health and safety issues are addressed.

Related Jobs

Adviser, beauty Aesthetician, medical Analyst, colour Artist, body Artist, make-up Artist, tattoo Beautician Consultant, beauty Consultant, image Consultant, piercing, ear Consultant, slimming Consultant, wig Cosmetologist Counsellor, loss, weight Counsellor Dresser, wig Electrologist Electrolysist Leader Lecturer, watchers, weight Maker, mask Manicurist Pedicurist Piercer, body Practitioner, sugaring Specialist, beauty Tattooist Technician, nail Therapist, beauty Therapist, spa 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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