A career in the hairdressing industry

Once you enrol and complete your hairdressing course you should have a clear understanding of the type of career path you want to take. There is a wide variety of both full time and part-time career paths within the hairdressing industry. If you are struggling, consider organising a hairdressing apprenticeship to help you get an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

Some common career paths you can get from completing hairdressing courses online or at TAFE include:

  • Salon Owner/ManagerDuties vary for each salon but common job requirements include interacting with the client base, hairstyling and performing other beauty procedures.
  • Salon Hairdresser/StylistWorking daily in a salon as a hairdresser can range from cutting peoples hair of any age to performing a variety of scalp treatments.
  • Product ConsultantThis career can include working with either specific clients or salons, analysing requirements, delivering product demonstrations, checking training and marketing material as well as ensuring all staff members have a full understanding of each product they are using.
  • Colour SpecialistThis job can be either an extra task of working at a salon or a full-time position; it requires being responsible for developing and producing dyes and pigments.
  • BarberingWhilst the same role as a hairdresser or stylist, being a Barber is purely specialising in men’s cuts and facial hair.
  • Salon AssistantWorking as a Salon Assistant involves parts of all these previously mentioned roles and can also have a more administrative side to the position.

Learn more about how to become a hairdresser.

Hairdressing Courses

Starting your hairdressing course requires little to no entry requirements as it can be common for some people to complete a course for reasons other than being a full-time hairdresser. The study areas of a hairdressing course government funded at TAFE or online include subjects such as classic men’s haircut, safe hygiene, solid haircut, hair designs and other salon services. Ensure you look at the course overview for each course, as each institute will provide different education.

Some hairdressing courses at TAFE that have online options in Australia can be found at these institutions:

  • Chisholm
  • TAFE South Australia
  • Melbourne Polytechnic
  • TAFE Queensland
  • Box Hill Institute
  • Victoria University
  • International Career Institute