HAIRSTYLIST

〉〉 MAIN DUTIES Grooming, cutting and styling hair. More advanced services might include braiding and hair colouring, and you might also be required to wash and condition the client’s hair and provide a scalp massage if the salon you work for doesn’t employ assistants.

〉〉 BEST SUITED TO someone who enjoys working with people of all ages, genders and personality types. Creativity, physical stamina and listening skills are also needed.

〉〉 WHAT TO STUDY Most training facilities offer part- or full-time courses, which consist of practical and theoretical elements. Training can take up to three years. Entrance requirements, the duration of the course and the type of qualification depends on the facility. Examples of where hairdressing qualifications can be obtained include The Hair Academy of SA, The Complete School of Hairdressing, as well as the NQF colleges in Gqeberha, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Hairstylists are regulated by the National Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty & Skincare Industry (hcsbc.co.za). It’s important for hairstylists to keep up to date with new trends, techniques and products. Manufacturers sometimes run short courses on their haircare products.

〉〉 EARNING POTENTIAL Hairstylists in SA earn between R1 500 and R25 000 a month, with an average of R5 000 a month for those with up to four years’ experience. Professional hairstylists with five or more years’ experience earn R15 000 a month on average.

PROS It’s fun, you meet new people all the time and there are opportunities to work anywhere. You can also work from home and set your own prices.

CONS Long hours on your feet, difficult customers and the pay isn’t always great.