Working in hair and beauty: an insider’s perspective

The NHBF is a trade association that supports people who work in the hair and beauty sector to run their businesses successfully. In this guide, they bust some common myths about jobs in hair and beauty, tell us about the big changes happening in the sector right now, and give their top tips on how to apply.

What’s the top thing students should know about careers in hair and beauty?

There’s a huge range of jobs available in the hair and beauty sector. You can become a hairdresser, beauty therapist, barber, make-up artist, aesthetics practitioner – the options are endless! 

In terms of different settings, you could work from behind the chair in a salon, at a spa, onboard cruise ships, or even at international events like Fashion Week. There are lots of opportunities for progression, too – you could become a business owner, a consultant, an educator, or a platform artist who performs on stage to promote styling techniques, tools, and products. 

Careers in hair and beauty are so rewarding – you get to be creative and meet new people every day, and you can have the most amazing conversations. The more effort you put in, the more you get out of it. And the impact our industry has on the world is a powerful one – we help people to feel great about themselves. 

What’s a common myth about the hair and beauty sector? 

Some people think you only work in hair and beauty if you’re not very clever or academic.

This is nonsense – they’re skilled jobs that require expertise, creativity, and resilience. You’ll also need to stay on top of new techniques, and understand the knowledge that underpins them.  

There’s a myth that jobs in hair and beauty don’t have opportunities to progress your career. But with experience, you can progress to managing a salon, teaching, or even running your own business. And although your earnings will be lower while you’re still training, once you’re qualified, you’ll have great earning potential. In the UK, for instance, hairdresser entry-level positions start at around £23,000, while experienced workers can make up to £50,000 a year.  

What’s a big thing facing the sector right now that students should know about?

Right now, one big challenge is the uncertainty around the cost of living. This affects small businesses like salons and barber shops, but it’s also an opportunity for the industry to come together and show how resilient we are. 

Climate change is another big issue, as salons are trying to adopt greener practices like reducing waste and using eco-friendly products. Clients are becoming more eco-conscious and demanding cruelty-free, sustainable, and natural products. This shift can be costly and difficult, especially for smaller businesses.

Finally, technology and AI are having a huge impact. Things like SMART mirrors, where clients can see their image in the mirror with a new look or hairstyle, will soon be the norm. So people in our industry will need to embrace these changes to stay competitive. 

What skill shortages are there, and how can students start building those skills?

Employers in hair and beauty are especially keen to hire people with skills in numeracy, communication, and resilience: 

• Numeracy. Maths is used in our industry more than people realise, from understanding angles in haircuts to mixing ratios for colour. And if you become self-employed and own your own business, you’ll need numeracy to analyse your business figures.  
• Communication. This is a very sociable industry, where you’ll need to speak with a wide range of people and understand their needs, so you’ll need strong speaking and listening skills. 
• Resilience. This will help you to overcome the challenges you might face at the start of your career, like working long hours and building up a client base.

What would make a student an ideal candidate for your sector?

To stand out, present yourself well. Think about the salon or clinic you’d like to work in, research their branding, and dress in a way that matches their style. This will show that you’re making an effort to fit in.

Be ready to explain why you’re passionate about the industry and where you see yourself in five years’ time. Getting some hands-on experience, like a Saturday job or work placement, or volunteering for a trial period, will show an employer how hard you’re willing to work to pursue your dream job. 

You’ll need a positive attitude, a friendly smile, and an approachable personality to build trust with clients. Employers also look for people who are eager to learn, able to adapt to new trends, and genuinely passionate about their craft. So by showing your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new things, you’ll make a strong impression. 

Interested in learning more about jobs in this sector? Take a look at these profiles: 

• Nail technician
• Makeup artist 
• Special effects (SFX) makeup artist 
• Hairdresser 
• Beauty therapist

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