How to Be Hair Cutting Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 6, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When it comes to hair cutting, one of the most important roles is that of a Hair Cutting Technician. The Technicians job is to cut and style hair, creating looks that are both stylish and flattering to the individual. The Technician needs to be knowledgeable in the latest trends and techniques, as well as possessing the skill to bring out the best in a persons hair.

As a result of their expertise, clients can expect a cut that flatters their face shape and brings out their individual style. The Technician will often use tools such as scissors, clippers and razors to achieve the desired look. With proper technique, they can deliver the perfect cut and create the perfect look for their clients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most hair cutting technician positions require a high school diploma or GED. Consider taking classes in cosmetology, art, and fashion to help you stand out when job searching.
Complete a Hair Cutting Technician Program. Many states require hair cutting technicians to complete a program at an accredited beauty school in order to receive their license. Programs usually include courses in color, cutting, and styling techniques.
Get Licensed. After completing a hair cutting technician program and passing the licensing exam, you will be able to work in a salon as a licensed hair cutting technician. Licensing requirements vary by state, so make sure to check with your states board of cosmetology for specific details.
Gain On-the-Job Experience. With your license in hand, its time to gain some on-the-job experience. You may be able to find a position as an assistant in an established salon and work your way up from there.
Consider Becoming Certified. Consider becoming certified by the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA) in order to demonstrate your professional qualifications and commitment to the industry. Certification requires 1,500 hours of experience in the field and passing a written exam.

Having a reliable and efficient hair cutting technician is essential to any salon. This is because having a skilled technician allows the salon to attract more clients, as they know they can expect a high-quality cut. Furthermore, an experienced technician can help save time and money by working quickly and accurately.

a well-trained technician can also provide valuable advice to clients on how to care for their hair and what style would best suit them. a reliable and efficient hair cutting technician is key to the success of any salon.

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Job Description

Greet customers and provide excellent customer service.
Assess customers hair type and desired style and cuts.
Provide shampoo, conditioning and scalp treatments as needed.
Cut and style hair according to customers specifications.
Trim hair ends, shape and thin out hair as needed.
Apply various products, such as dyes, tints, bleaches, toners and permanent solutions.
Analyze facial shapes and suggest styles that suit the individual customer.
Recommend hair care products and styling techniques to customers.
Create various looks with curling or straightening irons, blow dryers and other styling tools.
Clean and sterilize all tools and equipment according to salon standards.
Maintain a clean work area.
Keep up with the latest trends in hair styling and cutting techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hair care products and styling techniques.
Ability to use different types of scissors and clippers.
Ability to consult with clients to determine their hair style preferences.
Ability to create new and innovative hair styles.
Ability to follow instructions for coloring, highlighting, and bleaching hair.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to operate cash registers and other salon equipment.
Excellent organizational skills to keep track of appointments and bookings.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations in the salon environment.
Ability to stay up to date on the latest hair trends and techniques.

Having a good eye for detail and strong technical skills is essential for any Hair Cutting Technician seeking to provide clients with the best results possible. A good eye for detail is necessary for a hair cutting technician to be able to create the desired style, shape and texture. They must be able to pay attention to the small details, such as the hairs natural shape, texture, and direction in order to create an even and balanced look.

Technical skill is needed to use the right tools and techniques to achieve the desired results. Knowledge of the latest products and trends will also help them provide their clients with the best possible cut or style. These skills, when combined with a passion for creating beauty and art, will ensure that all clients leave feeling satisfied with their new look.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in cutting hair?
What techniques do you use when cutting hair?
How do you stay current on the latest trends in hair cutting?
Describe your approach to customer service when cutting hair.
What challenges have you encountered while cutting hair?
How do you make sure each customers hair cut is perfect every time?
What safety precautions do you take while cutting hair?
How do you handle difficult clients?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly on the job while cutting hair.
Can you tell me about a time you had to resolve a conflict with a client?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Cutting Shears. A tool used for cutting hair, used to create layers and shape the hair. (eg. professional hairdressing shears)
Clippers. A handheld tool with an adjustable blade that is used to cut hair. (eg. Wahl Professional Cordless Clipper)
Hair Brushes. Used to style, detangle, and smooth the hair. (eg. Denman Classic Styling Brush)
Combs. Used to section off and comb through the hair for styling and cutting. (eg. Kent Handmade Comb)
Hairdryer. A tool used to dry and style the hair with heat and airflow. (eg. Conair 1875 Watt Ionic Hairdryer)
Hair Straightener. A tool used to straighten and smooth the hair. (eg. CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium Straighter)
Hair Color. A tool used to apply color to the hair and create highlights or lowlights. (eg. Clairol Professional Hair Color)
Curling Iron. A tool used to curl and shape the hair with heat. (eg. Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Cosmetology Schools
Professional Beauty Association
National Cosmetology Association
International Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association
International Nail Technicians Association
American Board of Certified Haircolorists
Society of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
American Academy of Dermatology
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Common Important Terms

Hair Trimming. Using scissors and/or clippers to cut hair to a desired length.
Blunt Cutting. Using scissors to cut hair at an even length with minimal layering.
Layering. Using scissors to create a graduated, layered look.
Texturizing. Using scissors to create a textured, piecey look.
Fading. Cutting the sides and back of the hair to blend different lengths, creating a gradual transition from short to long.
Bangs. Cutting the front of the hair to form a fringe or straight line across the forehead.
Bob Cut. A classic haircut featuring a blunt cut around the head, with the length hitting at the chin or just below.
Shag Cut. A layering technique to create a messy, voluminous look.
Razor Cutting. Using a razor to create texture and movement in the hair.
Shear Cutting. Using shears (specialized scissors) to create texture, movement, and volume in the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What type of training is required to become a Hair Cutting Technician? A1: To become a Hair Cutting Technician, prospective technicians must complete a cosmetology program or apprenticeship, which typically takes between 9-24 months to complete. Q2: How much does a Hair Cutting Technician typically earn? A2: Hair Cutting Technicians typically earn an average wage of $12.81 per hour plus tips. Q3: What skills do Hair Cutting Technicians need? A3: Hair Cutting Technicians need to be knowledgeable in hair cutting techniques, possess excellent customer service skills and be able to provide advice on hair care and styling. Q4: What safety protocols must Hair Cutting Technicians adhere to? A4: Hair Cutting Technicians must follow safety protocols such as using sterilized tools, adhering to sanitization guidelines, wearing protective gloves and masks, and washing hands between clients. Q5: What types of products do Hair Cutting Technicians use? A5: Hair Cutting Technicians use products such as scissors, razors, clippers, styling products, and hair dyes.