Career profile: hairdresser

Hairdressers and barbers cut, colour, and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.

This blog is based on a profile in Unifrog's Careers library, a tool where students can learn about hundreds of careers, and how they fit into the world of work. The above video is sponsored by NHBF. We chatted to Ricardo, Creative Director at Nude Hair Body and Soul, about his role.

What you'll do 

As a barber, you'll typically focus on men's haircuts and styles, and your day-to-day tasks will include:

• greeting customers, booking appointments, taking payments, and keeping client records
• getting supplies and towels ready for use
• shampooing and conditioning hair
• cutting and styling hair, including styles like fades, tapers, and buzz cuts
• shaving, trimming, and grooming beards and moustaches
• ear flaming and wet shaving
• colouring hair
• keeping the barbership clean and tidy
• recommending and selling gels, beard balms, or other cosmetic supplies
• admin tasks like keeping records, paying bills, and hiring people
• keeping to to date with new trends, techniques, and products

As a hairdresser, you'll typically carry out a broader range of hair care services, and your day-to-day tasks will include: 

• greeting customers, booking appointments, taking payments, and keeping client records
• getting supplies and towels ready for use
• shampooing and conditioning hair
• cutting, colouring, and styling a variety of hair lengths and styles
• keeping the salon clean and tidy
• recommending and selling lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies
• admin tasks like keeping records, paying bills, and hiring people 
• keeping to to date with new trends, techniques, and products

You may specialise in working with particular clients or techniques, like grey blending or providing solutions for hair loss. 
 

Working hours and environment

You may work in a large team in a busy city centre hairdressers/barbershop, or in a smaller one serving a local community. You could also work in hotels, spas, health clubs, prisons and care homes, or on cruise ships, film sets or armed forces bases.You'll usually work up to 40 hours a week, between 9am and 6pm. This can include weekends and some evenings.

If you work freelance, then you can choose your own hours. You could either rent space within a salon or visit customers in their homes.

You’ll need a driving licence and vehicle as a mobile hairdresser, or if you work in more remote locations like spas.

Entry requirements 

There are no set requirements. You may be able to start work as a trainee in a salon or barbershop with no formal qualifications and learn on the job. Gaining experience and completing a relevant qualification can be useful. 

You can also train to become a full-time or part-time hairdresser/barber at a college or through an apprenticeship. Courses are usually offered as standalone hairdressing/barbering qualifications, or can be combined with related subjects within the hair and beauty sector. 

If you're based in the UK, the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has more information on industry events, training, and apprenticeships.  
 

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a senior stylist, barber, or salon manager. With suitable further qualifications, you could also move into training or assessing.

You could also open your own salon or barbershop..

Other options include wig making, training in make-up techniques and working in the theatre, film and television industries.

Skills required 

You'll need:

• creativity / innovation
• technical skills
• attention to detail / observation
• communication skills
• organisation / time management skills

Labour Market Information (LMI)

Here’s some data on hairdresser/barber jobs in the UK and USA as of 2025. On the actual Careers library profile there is lots more LMI.