Hairdresser
A hairdresser's job is to organise hair into a particular style or "look". They can cut hair, add colour to it or texture it. A hairdresser may be female or male. Qualified staff are usually called "stylists", who are supported by assistants. Most hairdressing businesses are unisex, that is, they serve both sexes, and have both sexes on their staff.
Male hairdressers who simply cut men's hair (and do not serve females) are often called barbers.
Qualifications for hairdressing usually mean a college course, or an apprenticeship under a senior stylist. Some aspects of the job are quite technical (such as hair dying) and require careful teaching.
Hairdresser vs. Barber: Key Differences
[change | change source]A distinction is often made between hairdressers and barbers.
| Hairdresser | Barber |
|---|---|
| Works with all genders | Traditionally serves men |
| Provides color services | Typically focuses on cutting |
| Performs chemical treatments | Rarely performs chemical processing |
| Works in salons | Works in barbershops |
In many regions, barbering is licensed separately. Barbers often specialize in:
- Clipper fades
- Beard shaping
- Straight razor shaving
However, modern salons are largely unisex and integrate both disciplines.[1]
- ↑ "Hairdresser: Roles, Skills, Qualifications, and the Modern Salon Industry". Top Priority Salon. Top Priority Salon. 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-02-18.