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What are the Different Hairdresser Jobs?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Hairdresser jobs will always be in high demand. Whatever the economic situation, location, or population; people will always want to look their best for every occasion. Although there are those professionals who specialize in everything from custom hair colors to finger waves, hairdressing is made up of numerous sub specialties and career paths that stylists can take advantage of.

One of the most popular hairdresser jobs is that of actually cutting the hair. This entails more than just being able to cut straight and without tags or flyways. Barbers must learn a variety of styles and cuts. Most customers have a style in mind when they enter a salon, and the barber must be able to oblige to avoid losing the client. This specialty usually requires some specialized training in cosmetology, with both written and hands on exams to test the stylist’s skills.

Hairdressers should be able to work on all types of hair.
Hairdressers should be able to work on all types of hair.

The shampoo technician is perhaps the least skilled of all hairdressers and stylists. This person’s role involves washing and conditioning a client’s hair before it is cut and styled. She may also be required to comb the hair, answer the phone, and clean up trimmings after a client has been styled. In some cases the shampoo technician is actually a hairdresser in training and may be apprenticing with more experienced stylists until her schooling is complete.

A hairdresser must be able to apply hair extensions.
A hairdresser must be able to apply hair extensions.

Colorist is another one of the many hairdresser jobs that stylists have to choose from. It is the colorist's job to mix custom hair color, apply the color to the client’s hair, apply highlights and lowlights, and rinse the hair. These tasks are usually done before the hair is cut.

Many people who study hairdressing or cosmetology will learn all of these skills, and then practice each of them independently. One person can wash, color, cut, and style the same client. Of all the hairdresser jobs, the one of stylist is often the most challenging and rewarding. For that reason, it also usually requires more schooling than other hairdresser jobs. The stylist may be required to learn various styling techniques, as well as be able to apply weave or hair extensions.

The shampoo technician is perhaps the least skilled of all hairdressers and stylists.
The shampoo technician is perhaps the least skilled of all hairdressers and stylists.

Nearly all hairdresser jobs require that the hairdresser be able to work on various hair types and textures. Those of an African origin or with curly hair may have drier or harder to manage hair than others, and may require more careful and specialized treatment.

Discussion Comments

BrickBack

@Suntan12 -I have to say that I love when I go to a salon and get my hair washed. Usually the shampoo technician massages my scalp and conditions my hair for about ten minutes. It feels wonderful. The only thing that I don’t like is when I get water in my ears. But a good shampoo technician won’t let that happen too often.

suntan12

@Mutsy - I agree and I also think that the hairdresser needs to listen to what the client is looking for and offer them a realistic consultation of what is possible.

I am sure that people come in with all kinds of pictures of what they want to look like and if it is possible the stylist should be able to make it happen.

They should also be able to tell you how to care for your hair and enhance the style and make your hair look great. I was always told that if you shake your hair from side to side and it remains in place then you have the right hair cut.

mutsy

I think that salons are always offering hairdressing jobs because a great hairdresser could bring in a lot of income for a salon. Also a lot of hairdressers also come with their own clientle and have to pay rental fees for their station so the salon owner does not have to pay much money up front.

I think that it is important that the hairstylist know how to work with curly or courser hair because this type of hair has to be cut differently than straight hair. I have curly hair and always have to cut my hair in long layers because when my hair dries it will tend to shrink upward and look shorter.

The best hairstylist that I had was able to layer my hair in such a fashion that the excess weight was completely removed and my hair looked fantastic.

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    • Hairdressers should be able to work on all types of hair.
      By: JackF
      Hairdressers should be able to work on all types of hair.
    • A hairdresser must be able to apply hair extensions.
      By: RTDS
      A hairdresser must be able to apply hair extensions.
    • The shampoo technician is perhaps the least skilled of all hairdressers and stylists.
      By: Max Tactic
      The shampoo technician is perhaps the least skilled of all hairdressers and stylists.
    • Hairdressers can help a bride get ready on her wedding day.
      By: tomas del amo
      Hairdressers can help a bride get ready on her wedding day.
    • Many hairdressers are also skilled at removing unwanted facial hair.
      By: Lsantilli
      Many hairdressers are also skilled at removing unwanted facial hair.
    • A hairdresser may administer highlights and lowlights on a person's hair.
      By: Jenner
      A hairdresser may administer highlights and lowlights on a person's hair.
    • Hairdressers cut, wash, and style hair.
      By: AntonioDiaz
      Hairdressers cut, wash, and style hair.