How to Be Apprentice Hairdresser - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 6, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A successful career in hairdressing starts with the right education and training. To become an apprentice hairdresser, aspiring students should attend a cosmetology school to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pass their state exam and become a licensed hairdresser. Once they have obtained their license, they can look for apprenticeship opportunities with experienced hairstylists or salons.

Apprentices can expect to be hands-on with clients, working alongside experienced hair professionals, learning the basics of color and cutting techniques, as well as other aspects of hairstyling. With the right training, an apprentice hairdresser can become a successful and established professional in the field. This can lead to job security, financial stability, and even opportunities to build a clientele and start their own business.

Steps How to Become

Get your high school diploma. Most employers in the beauty industry require a high school diploma or GED.
Get certified. You will need to complete a cosmetology program at an accredited school and obtain a valid cosmetology license from your state board.
Find an apprenticeship. Look for apprenticeship programs offered by salons, barbershops, and other beauty establishments. You may also be able to find apprenticeships through job postings or online.
Gain experience. During your apprenticeship, you will learn all aspects of the trade, such as shampooing, cutting and styling hair, coloring, and using chemical treatments. You will also learn how to use the professional tools and equipment used in the salon.
Continue your education. Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you may want to continue your education and obtain additional certifications in order to specialize in certain areas of hairdressing.
Get job experience. Once you have completed your education and obtained any necessary certifications, you may want to start applying for jobs as a hairdresser. Some salons may even offer you an apprenticeship position if you have the qualifications and experience.

Apprentice hairdressers can become successful professionals by learning the fundamentals of ideal and efficient hairdressing. Firstly, they should build a strong foundation in the basics of hair cutting and styling techniques. This will enable them to develop the skills to create a variety of looks that meet their clients needs and expectations.

Secondly, they should become knowledgeable in the use of different tools and products, such as scissors, combs, brushes, and professional hair care products. This will give them the ability to select the perfect products for each styling task and to use each tool with precision and accuracy. Thirdly, they should dedicate time to perfecting their craft by studying hair trends, reading relevant magazines, and practicing their techniques on a regular basis.

Finally, they should build positive relationships with their clients by providing excellent customer service. This will help them to create a loyal base of customers who will keep returning for their services. With dedication and commitment to learning and perfecting their craft, apprentice hairdressers can become successful professionals in the field.

You may want to check Apprenticeship Coordinator, Apprenticeship Consultant, and Apprentice Paralegal for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and listen to their hair needs and concerns.
Shampoo, condition, and rinse hair.
Cut, trim, and shape hair using clippers, combs, blow dryer and scissors.
Suggest hair styling options and products to customers.
Provide scalp massages and treatments.
Blow dry and style hair using curling iron, rollers, and brushes.
Apply color, highlights, bleach, relaxers and other chemical treatments to hair.
Monitor customers reactions to products used during services.
Clean and organize work station before and after each customer.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hygiene and salon safety
Ability to use various hair styling tools, such as scissors, combs, brushes, flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers
Understand basic hair care products and services, such as shampooing and conditioning
Ability to recognize and understand different hair textures and styles
Ability to provide advice on hairstyles according to customers face shape, hair type and lifestyle
Ability to provide scalp treatments and apply color and highlights
Knowledge of chemical processes such as straightening, perming, and coloring
Ability to create updos, braids and other styles
Knowledge of current trends in hair styling and cutting
Understanding of hair loss concerns and treatments

Having the right skills is essential for any hairdresser to become successful. Being creative, having good communication and listening skills, as well as a strong eye for detail are all important for a hairdresser to excel. Creativity helps a hairdresser come up with innovative styles and looks that will keep their clients coming back.

Good communication skills help them to have a better understanding of their clients needs and wants, while listening can help them to provide better customized services. Lastly, a keen eye for detail ensures that their clients hair is always styled to perfection. All of these skills will help a hairdresser stay ahead of the competition and be successful in the long run.

Apprentice Lab Technician, Apprentice Carpenter, and Apprentice Arborist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What drew you to the hairdressing profession?
How would you describe your communication skills?
What experience do you have in customer service?
What challenges have you faced as a hairdresser?
How do you stay up-to-date with current hair trends?
What strategies do you use to build relationships with customers?
How do you handle difficult clients?
What safety procedures do you follow when using hairdressing tools?
Describe your approach to styling hair.
What do you think makes a great hairdresser?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Cutting Shears. These are scissors used to cut hair. (eg: Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip)
Hair Clips. Used to hold sections of hair away from the area being worked on. (eg: Goody Ouchless Metal Hair Clips)
Brushes and Combs. Used to style and detangle hair. (eg: Denman D3 7 Row Styling Brush)
Hair Dryer. Used to blow-dry hair. (eg: Conair Infiniti Pro 1875 Watt Hair Dryer)
Curling Iron/Flat Iron. Used to create curls and waves in the hair. (eg: Hot Tools Professional 1 Inch Curling Iron)
Hair Color/Bleach. Used to lighten, darken, or add color to the hair. (eg: LOréal Paris Feria Permanent Hair Color)
Hair Styling Products. Used to create and maintain styles. (eg: Garnier Fructis Style Flexible Control Hairspray)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Board of Certified Haircolorists
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA)
National Hairdressers and Braiders Association (NHBA)
International Nail Technicians Association (INTA)
International Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (IHCA)
Hairdressers and Beauty Council (HBC)
International Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (IAHC)

We also have Apprentice Site Manager, Apprentice Barista, and Apprentice Medical Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Haircutting. The technique of using scissors, clippers, and other tools to shape and sculpt a person's hair.
Hair Coloring. The process of adding color to hair, usually with chemical dyes or toners.
Hair Styling. The art of manipulating hair into various looks and styles.
Balayage. A French hair coloring technique that creates a sun-kissed look by painting highlights onto the hair in a sweeping motion.
Perming. A chemical treatment used to alter the texture of the hair by breaking the chemical bonds in its structure.
Extensions. Additional hair pieces that are attached to existing hair to add length and/or volume.
Shampooing. The process of washing the hair with shampoo in order to cleanse and remove dirt and oils.
Conditioning. The process of applying conditioner to the hair in order to moisturize and protect it from damage.
Trimming. The process of cutting the split ends off of the hair in order to keep it healthy and looking its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become an Apprentice Hairdresser?

To become an Apprentice Hairdresser, you must have a minimum of Level 2 Hairdressing qualification or equivalent, as well as a valid National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Hairdressing.

How long does an Apprenticeship in Hairdressing typically last?

An Apprenticeship in Hairdressing typically lasts for two years, though this can vary depending on the individual and the employer.

What skills do Apprentice Hairdressers need to be successful?

Apprentice Hairdressers need to have excellent communication skills, good customer service skills, a creative eye for hair design and styling, as well as an understanding of health and safety requirements.

What duties do Apprentice Hairdressers typically perform?

Typical duties for Apprentice Hairdressers include shampooing, cutting and conditioning hair, providing advice to customers about hairstyles, styling hair, and assisting senior hairdressers with colouring and styling techniques.

What type of job opportunities are available for qualified Apprentice Hairdressers?

Qualified Apprentice Hairdressers can find employment in salons, spas, or even in film and television studios. They can also pursue freelance opportunities or open their own salons.