Have you ever left the salon feeling like you're a complete newbie because someone has done magic with scissors and a blow dryer? That someone could be you. If you've always had a passion for styling, colouring or transforming hair, then a career in hairdressing could be for you. But how exactly can you get started in this creative and rewarding field?
Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you start your hairdressing journey with confidence.
Step 1: Discover Your Passion and Purpose
Hairdressing isn't just about cutting hair - it's about making people feel good about themselves. Whether you discovered a passion for hairstyling while doing your friends' hair before college fests or you've always admired celebrity stylists like Jawed Habib or Nicky Clarke, it's the spark that counts.
Real talk: My friend Nisha started by doing her sister's hair for school every morning. Today, she runs her own salon in Delhi and trains budding hairdressers. It all started with a simple love for hairstyling.
Step 2: Choose the Right Hairdressing Course
Education is key. Look for a professional hairdressing course that covers the essentials – hair cutting, colouring, styling, hygiene, client communication and even salon management. A reputable beauty school like the UK International London Beauty School offers practical training with expert mentors, modern equipment and real salon scenarios.
Make sure the course offers both theoretical and practical sessions. This will help you develop both your confidence and technical skills.
Step 3: Practice Makes Perfect
Once you're enrolled, practice as much as you can. Offer free haircuts to family and friends. Take before and after photos of your work. Watch tutorials, learn trends like balayage and keratin smoothing, and stay up to date with fashion.
Pro tip: Start a hair-related Instagram page to document your journey. It can also serve as your portfolio when applying for internships or freelance gigs.
Step 4: Intern or Assist at a Salon
No textbook can teach you what a real salon can. Once you're halfway through your training, start looking for internships or assistant positions. This is where you'll learn how to work with clients, manage time and handle pressure.
One of our past students at UK International interned at a local salon in Ghaziabad. She learned how to take advice from clients, deal with last-minute bridal touch-ups and even how to sell products - all invaluable skills you won't find in books.
Step 5: Get Certified and Build Your Resume
Once you have completed your hairdressing course, make sure you get certified. Most beauty schools including ours offer recognized certification that will increase your credibility and open doors to jobs in top salons or even cruise liners and film sets.
Include all your practice sessions, internships and even social media content on your resume. Employers love to see initiative.
Step 6: Start Small, Dream Big
You might start with basic cuts and blow-dries, but over time, you'll learn advanced colouring techniques, bridal styling and even managing your own salon. Keep learning, attend masterclasses and never stop improving.
Real-life inspiration: A former international student from the UK, Priya started out as a junior stylist in Noida. Within two years, she was styling models for fashion week shoots - and now conducts her own workshops!
Final Thoughts
Starting a career in hairdressing is as exciting as it is fulfilling. From the first cut to the full makeover, every day brings something new. Just remember—start with passion, choose the right hairdressing course, practice constantly, and stay humble as you go. The beauty industry rewards those who are creative, committed, and always willing to learn.
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