Need some convincing reasons to be a hairdresser? Whether you're not sure yourself or you need some good reasons to convince your parents or teachers that it's a winning career, we're here to help.
10 Reasons To Become a Hairdresser...
1. You can see the world
Hairdressing is a truly global job and as long as you've got your scissors and your comb, you can pretty much work anywhere. Check out The Nomad Barber's videos or inspiring humanit-HAIR-rian Mark Bustos' Instagram if you need some convincing of how far this trade can take you. If you want to stay based in the UK, there are still lots of opportunities to travel further afield. Most product manufacturers and hairdressing organisations hold conferences, training and shows internationally and you're encouraged to take part in these events. Not only are they a chance to see the world, but they'll also give you the chance to learn more about how hairdressing works abroad, network with other hairdressers and see what trends and techniques are trending across the globe.
2. You'll always have a job
Even in tough economic times, people need to get their hair cut. In terms of job security, hairdressers and undertakers are pretty much guaranteed a job for life! Keep up your training and education, stay up to speed with trends and grow your network, and you'll never be short of work.
3. You can earn good money
Most people get into hairdressing because they love it, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be earning a good salary at the same time. When you're starting out, it can sometimes seem as though you work very hard - and very long hours - for a relativity small reward. But that's not to say that hairdressing can't be a well-paid career. A salon manager can expect to earn up to £35,000 and top hairdressers in good areas could be seeing double that. And then there are the benefits that come from representing a brand as a spokesperson or guest educator.
4. It's one of the happiest jobs in the world
Hairdressing is routinely voted as one of the happiest jobs in the world, winning votes for job satisfaction, creativity and getting to use your skills every day. Pleasing clients and producing beautiful results can be great for your self-esteem, proving your talent to yourself every day!
5. There are plenty of opportunities to make a name for yourself
There are loads of competitions in the hairdressing industry to help you make a name for yourself. Whether it's on a local or international scale, there's no shortage of opportunities to compete against your contemporaries and show how good you really are. As well as getting known in the press and the industry, winning also comes with big prizes - from money to training to world travel. And once you've won those prizes and people know who you are? Opportunities to do photoshoots and stagework or to be an ambassador or educator for a brand are plentiful and often come with the win.
6. It can be as flexible as you are
Freelancing is growing in popularity amongst hairdressers and there are lots of different roles within the freelance world. You could work as a mobile going to visit people in their homes, in a salon renting a chair or as a session stylist working on shows and shoots. There's no denying it's hard work, but if you want to be your own boss, hairdressing certainly offers a flexible take on the usual 9-5.
7. You meet some amazing people
Whether you're based in the salon or freelancing, hairdressing is one of the most sociable jobs in the world. You'll spend all day meeting people and making them feel amazing and when it comes to socialising within the industry, there's no shortage of events either.
8. Employees are willing to invest in your growth
Education is essential at every stage of your hairdressing career and it's one industry where your employees are willing to invest in your growth. From in-salon sessions and small local training classes to international education events, keeping yourself up to speed with all things new makes you more appealing to clients and therefore a more valuable employee.
9. There's plenty of variety
There's no such thing as a 9-5 in the hairdressing industry and it's safe to say that no day's the same. Each client in the chair presents a new challenge with their own unique requests and results.
10. You'll develop your interpersonal skills
If you think a hairdressing career starts and end with hair, you're in for a surprise. From client psychology and customer service to time management and balancing your finances, working as a hairdresser will teach you all matter of transferable skills to take out into the world. All of which will make you a great hairdresser, but all of which are also great life skills to learn if you do decide to go down another route - not to mention making you a better, more rounded individual. Ask a fellow hairdresser, they'll all tell you the same thing - take the plunge!