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Hairdresser
& Stylist Tips
from UKHairdressers.com
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Hairdressing
is a form of art; many of the industries big names once considered becoming
artists or sculptors. It's a fascinating vocation, involving all aspects
of colour, light reflection and shape. Hairdressing is a creative field,
that can range from putting a smile on the face of a newly styled client
to standing on a stage accepting an award for hair design. In a salon,
there's nothing quite like the buzz of a team that works well together
or the satisfaction of owning one yourself.
If you're considering becoming a Hairdresser/ Stylist or have already
started along that career path and are looking for inspiration and a few
helpful pointers, here are some ideas and tips from the professionals.
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Above & below:
Frédéric Fekkai puts the finishing touches to models for photo shoots.
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Work
out your career goals as early as possible, so you can start putting the
necessary training and plans into place. Eg: do you want to be a stylist
in a local salon, or a mobile hairdresser, or work towards managing a
shop or owning one yourself? Do you want to pursue styling for magazines,
TV or fashion shoots? If you're interested in entering colour or styling
competitions, make sure you apply for positions at salons that actively
take part in these events.
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2)
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Gain
as much practical experience as you can - ideally through a good salon
working 1 day a week while you study or through the holidays. There's
no substitute for learning on the job from a qualified stylist. You can
add to this if any of your friends or other students don't mind you practising
on their hair, but it's sometimes difficult not to pick up bad habits
if there isn't a trained stylist to check your technique and results.
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Unless
you have a strong desire to specialise in a particular field of hairdressing,
consider learning as much as you can about all aspects of the business
- cutting, colouring, and styling women's and men's hair.
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| 4)
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Invest
in the best set of hairdressing tools you scissors, they will become an
extension of your - they need to be "fit for purpose" and feel comfortable.
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can afford,
especially
hands
and creativity
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5) |
If
you're serious about becoming a hairdresser you will need to gain the
right level of NVQ (National Vocational Qualification or SVQ in Scotland).
These are work-based qualifications covering all aspects of hairdressing
with your progress and competence measured and assessed throughout. These
range from NVQ Level 1 through to 5. NVQ Level 1 is aimed at young
people at school, an induction to the industry. Covering a range of routine
activities including shampooing and assisting the technicians in the salon.
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NVQ
Level 2
would promote you to a junior position and is the minimum level that you
need to work effectively within a salon.
NVQ Level 3 is the most desired level, enabling you to perform
technical skills such as fashion cutting and expands greatly on the previous
levels. You need to gain this level if you are considering managing a
salon or having one of your own.
NVQ Level 4 effectively gives you the knowledge to become your
own boss. This level requires a substantial amount of personal responsibility
and involves applying your gained knowledge and experience to a large
range of technical, complex and professional activities You can call the
National Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150600 for further advice.
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| 6) |
Foundation
Degrees
are Higher Education qualifications that are designed in partnership with
employers to make sure that students gain all the relevant knowledge and
skills to enter into the industry of hairdressing. A foundation degree
can be taken as a full time course or part-time to enable you to continue
to work and fit in your studies around your job and you gain the ability
to work from a distance and even online.
Full Time: This option is usually take by people going straight
from doing their A-Levels into college. Taking a foundation degree full
time takes about 2 years to complete. The benefit of taking a full-time
degree is that the student is then ready to enter the industry fully prepared
with the knowledge required to be successful.
Part Time: If you have other commitments, for example, you work
full-time, then taking the foundation degree on a part-time basis may
be more suitable to your needs. This usually takes about 3 or 4 years
to complete if you do it in this way.
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Trends are
frequently started by celebrities like Victoria Beckham. Chanelle from Big
Brother is a 'Posh' devotee.
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7)
8) |
Keep
up with the current trends - so you can deliver when someone asks for
a certain style like a particular celebrity or magazine image.
Try to consider your client's face shape and their overall style when
creating a new look for them. It's amazing how quickly you can build up
a regular client base by fine tuning your ability to improve someone's
appearance.
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9)
10)
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Don't
be afraid to spend a few moments getting the feel and texture of a client's
hair, to see how it falls, how thick or thin it is, what condition it
is in. When Frédéric Fekkai styles a client's hair, he asks them to stand
for a portion of the haircut to ensure it is proportionate to the individual's
overall appearance. Good advice - discussing and understanding your client's
requirements willl help you give them the style they want or advise them
what would suit their type of hair better.
Follow hair events and what the experts have to say - learning from their
years of experience and advice can give you the edge when faced with a
difficult client or make you stand out from the crowd at the interview
for your dream job!
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Andrew
styling actress Nikki Sanderson's hair (starred as Candice in Coronation
Street) |
Here are
a few Extra Tips from the Professionals
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"Learn
from the best and when they say it's not good enough just take it on the
chin. Do it again and again until it is good enough. The word 'okay' doesn't
exist in my vocabulary and I've been surrounded by mentors throughout
my career who have instilled this into me. If a client says its okay,
IT ISN'T!"
Andrew Barton, Hairdresser of the Year 2006,
International Creative Director, Saks Hair & Beauty
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"Go
to a salon that looks good and whose image suits your personality. Hairdressing
is a craft that you must be prepared to learn through observation; practice
and inspiration from your peers. It is a career that offers myriad opportunities
from cutting, colouring, session work, photographic styling, show work,
seminars. Literally, once you are trained, the world is your oyster."
Trevor Sorbie MBE, Celebrity Stylist
(4 times Hairdresser of the Year)
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"Find
the best school you can, pay attention, listen and ask questions. Hairdressing
is a continual learning medium, there are always new styles, hair products,
cutting methods, hair colouring, etc." Mary Ann Valdes, Celebrity Stylist
for Film & Television USA
(Inc Ugly Betty)
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"When
I run my hands through a woman's hair, I feel who she can be." so says
the master Hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai. "Take risks and challenges and
think outside the box. Learn from other businesses and focus on how to
build a culture. It is always important to show customers and co-workers
that you care about their happiness and success. This not only helps to
guide others but contributes to building a great energy and a happy salon
environment."
Frédéric Fekkai, Celebrity Stylist and International Salon Owner
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Article by Heather Bell.
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