How to add new dimensions to your hairdressing career

From working behind the chair in a salon everyday to styling hair for the television or photoshoots, there can be many elements to a career in hairdressing.

As part of the Take Control of your Career special, we look at how you can make the move from the shop floor to other aspects of the hairdressing industry.

How to get into session work

Adam Reed

Session stylist Adam works backstage at London Fashion Week and is in demand internationally.

"The best way to start a session career is by helping out as an assistant. Visit agencies and get your name on their assistants' lists so that you will be called when jobs come up.

"Another way is to find photographers who are looking for stylists for photo shoots. Websites such as www.whoistesting.com are great for this as they list everyone who is planning a session. It's a simple way of getting together a list of contacts at minimal cost.

"I'd always advise any would-be session stylist to learn a skill base. Session stylists have to be able to tackle all hairstyles and techniques, but it always amazes me when assistants are unable to do a lot of styles. The ability to be versatile is essential.

"Good session stylists need plenty of stamina, and if you have an ego, get rid of it - self-importance is not tolerated."

How to get into TV work

Jamie Stevens

Jamie is the resident hairstylist for Gok's Fashion Fix and How to Look Good Naked, and was summer 2010 resident hairdresser on ITV's This Morning.

"To get involved in television work you firstly need to build up your profile in the industry. Enter as many awards as you can as having a few titles will give you greater appeal to the consumer market. Your celebrity clients will also give you a boost, so try and add some celebrities to your column.

"You will be asked to do a screen test before any television work. This involves a showreel, which will show how you come across on camera. Having an agent is advisable as it shows you're professional and they are great for negotiating your contract. However, ultimately, to make it onto television it is about who you know. I was fortunate to meet Gok and we got on really well, but it isn't just who you know; it is also about being great at what you do.

"To appear on television you have to be charismatic on camera. Be confident and enthusiastic about what you are doing. Really perform for the cameras and show your personality - and enjoy it!"

How to join an artistic team

Nick Irwin

Nick is the European creative director of the TIGI international creative team and mentor for the Inspirational Youth programme.

"You need to prove yourself to become a member of a successful art team. The most likely way is to join a team in a junior capacity and work your way up. You need to show that you have creative and technical skills in equal measure and a strong knowledge of fashion and modern culture. It's not enough to be a good hairdresser; you also have to have both direct information and stories to tell, so that the people to whom you are 'performing' can be directed to gain further knowledge and experiences for themselves.

"Presentation skills are very important. Every member of an art team must be able to communicate effectively and to share knowledge and experiences. While all team members are individuals, it is important to have cohesion throughout the team.

"You need to ensure that you know about both young UK fashion designers and also what top designers are showing on the catwalk. Equally, you need to be aware of trends that are emerging from street and youth culture, have a passing interest in celebrity style and a good hook on what's happening in the music scene. You also need to be able to talk confidently on stage and share your ideas in a generous way."

How to create a collection that will get you noticed

Mark Leeson

Mark has been hairdressing for 25 years and has won HJ's Eastern Hairdresser of the Year award three times, earning him a place in the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame.

"A collection is an expression of your skills and creativity, so while you obviously want it to get you noticed, it also has to be a true reflection of your personality and individual hairdressing talents. It's important to be yourself. Don't try to be something you are not. Find your strengths and focus on these - this is always when your best work will shine through.

"When it comes to actually creating your collection, I always advise people to plan ahead. The more planning you can do before the day of the shoot, the better the results will be. Create a mood board - this will not only be the basis for your shoot, but a continual reference for all of the team involved. The best shoots are those where the team members are all working in the same direction.

"Plan a pre-shoot meeting and invite everyone - your stylist, make-up artist and photographer - so that you can share your ideas, discuss all the options and make decisions together on your looks. You need to feel comfortable with everyone involved, as the team relationship is paramount to the success of the shoot. Keep in contact with everyone leading up to the shoot, so that no-one loses the vision of what it is that you are aiming to create."

How to get into magazines

Ruth Hunsley

Ruth is the deputy editor of HJ, which is the leading industry magazine and the only hairdressing weekly.

"If you don't tell the editorial team what you are doing, they won't know about it. Whether it's local, consumer or trade publications, you need to be in regular contact with the editorial team - invite them to events, send in your photographs and tell them what you and your team are up to.

"Even if you don't have a press release, you need to ensure the journalist has the basic information and your contact details. Creating relationships with journalists will ensure you are top of the list when they need quotes or photographs - and it's imperative you never miss a deadline.

"Journalists have pages to fill, so it doesn't matter how small you think your news is, it may still be of interest to readers. Local newspapers are always interested in what local businesses are doing, so let them know. Always supply a photograph as this will give you more chance of getting the story published."

Other Take Control of your Career topics: Skills that benefit your personal and professional life | How to kick-start your career | How to make the most of your hairdressing job

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