Works at TONI&GUY

“I qualified in 2019, but I had already been working in the industry for about five years before that, mainly on Saturdays and during school holidays at my local salon. At first, I didn’t see hairdressing as a career. However, after finishing my A levels, I realised that the salon was a place where I felt genuinely happy, surrounded by amazing people. That was when I knew this was something I could do full time and feel both happy and fulfilled.

“I went on to train in London at the TONI&GUY Academy, where I completed my NVQ Levels 2, 3 and 4. Afterwards, I returned to my hometown of Salisbury and started exploring my creativity through photoshoots. This gave me the opportunity to think outside the box and build imagery I could use to enter competitions, such as TrendVision by Wella Professionals and Creative HEAD’s It List Rising Star award. I was fortunate enough to win both titles in 2020.

“These competitions opened doors for me within the industry, giving me the chance to network and gain more session work experience. I assisted on shoots for brands such as Vogue and Charlotte Tilbury, which was incredibly inspiring.

“During the first five years of my career, I tried a bit of everything to discover where I wanted to focus my energy. At first, I thought session work would be my main path, but I soon realised I preferred doing session work just a few times a year during fashion week, while my real passion lay elsewhere. I found that working in education gave me far greater day-to-day fulfilment, while I also loved being in the salon and building relationships with my clients.

“Today, I balance both: I work two days a week as an Educator at the TONI&GUY Academy and three days a week in the Covent Garden salon. The Academy is more than just a teaching space –it’s a creative and inspiring hub where there is always something exciting happening and opportunities to get involved.”

Why hairdressing?

“Hairdressing gives you a chance to connect with so many people from so many walks of life and you get to chat to and make these people feel like the best versions of themselves, giving you day-to-day fulfilment. It’s also a career that offers so many various paths once you’re qualified so there are always options within this industry.”

Salon owner and session stylist

“I dropped out of school at 13 and was going down the wrong path, but getting into hairdressing changed that. It was something I actually saw a future in and gave me a focus. When I was 16, I started my apprenticeship in a salon, while also training at a local college in Manchester.I then went on to do my Level 3 and spent a few years focusing on building my skills and clientele. 

“Thirteen years ago, I opened my own salon, which has gone on to win numerous awards – including for my team and for customer service. It’s taken lots of hard work and dedication, but I always knew I wanted to give back the opportunity my boss had given me and provide careers and support for the next generation of hairdressers. I have a brilliant team of five. They’re creative, hard–working and a credit to the salon. 

“As well as being a salon owner, I work as a session stylist. I’ve always believed it’s important to keep growing and challenging yourself. I work at London, Paris and New York Fashion Week and I’m also on Lisa Farrall’s team, which means I get to travel the world doing shows, shoots, music videos and so much more. Every job is different, and I love it!”

Why hairdressing?

“Hairdressing isn’t just a job, it’s a creative career that can take you anywhere in the world. I see hairdressing as a form of art that lets us make people feel good about themselves every single day. Stay open to learning, put in the work and the opportunities can be endless.”

Barber and owner of Bull & Co Barber Club, Shropshire

Cal started his career in the men’s hair industry at the age of 24 specialising in modern and classic street styles and fashion and male image editorial style work. He made a name for himself with successes in a range of national competitions, including as finalist in GBBB Barber of the Year 2018, finalist in Best Photographic at The Modern Barber Awards, second place in British Barber of The Year 2018 and most recently was ranked #1 in the National Hair & Beauty Federation’s Top 100 Influencers.

Cal is an established educator in men’s hair in the UK and internationally, sharing his knowledge in barbering, social media and business at shows across the world, and he recently featured in an ITV programme about viral TikToks and influencers.

He also has a high-profile clientele that includes Grammy award-winning artist Charlie Puth, TV personality Jake Quickenden and football legend John Terry.

Why hair?

“Pursuing a career in barbering offers the chance to combine creativity with craftsmanship, turning haircuts and grooming into a true art form. It provides stable demand, as people will always need haircuts, while also allowing barbers to build strong client relationships and a loyal community. With opportunities for self-employment and continuous skill growth, barbering gives both financial independence and personal fulfilment.”

Textured hair specialist

“Now I work three days at the salon as a hairstylist, catering to all hair types for cuts, colour or event styling, and I work for pro brand Redken to empower other hairdressers with the tools and skills to work with textured hair professionally. When I’m not working in the salon, you’ll find me conducting masterclasses, workshops, events and other activities to share my discoveries about textured hair with the world!”

Three reasons why hairdressing is such a great career:

Natural skills

For someone who is great with their hands, creative and has the passion to see projects through to the end, paired with natural empathy for humankind, this career can be fulfilling on a daily basis. 

Work life balance 

Once established you can work to your own rules, whether that’s number of days, different times or even different countries.

Job security 

Unless AI fully takes over, you will always have a job. 

Deputy Head of Curriculum for Hair & Beauty, North Kent College

“As Deputy Head of Curriculum for Hair & Beauty, I work closely with teaching teams, employers and awarding bodies to ensure our programmes are current, inclusive and aligned with industry standards.

“We consistently promote the personal wider development of our learners, going beyond the expectations of qualification curriculum to meet the needs and demands of industry standards and employer expectations. These opportunities help students understand the importance of contributing positively to society and allow them to explore and develop their individual talents and interests to a high standard.

“Our curriculum supports learners in building character traits such as resilience, confidence, independence and a growth mindset, while also helping them understand how to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing – skills that are transferable in both personal and professional life.

“Whilst at college, our students are supported in high-quality careers education across our programmes. We provide clear, unbiased information about future pathways, including employment, apprenticeships and further study. Learners have access to up-to-date, locally relevant careers guidance and regular opportunities to engage with employers and the world of work. These experiences help them make informed decisions and prepare for longterm success.

“At North Kent College continual professional development is key to our strength and values. Teaching teams have the tools and confidence to deliver engaging, high-impact lessons that reflect current industry practices. Through mentoring and ongoing training, high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the department are maintained.

“My aim is to ensure that learners leave us not only with the qualifications they need, but also with the skills, mindset and confidence to thrive in a competitive and evolving industry and world.”

Hairdressing is a rewarding career because…

“It’s creative, social, rewarding and always evolving.” The industry open doors to work anywhere in the world, from busy high-end salons to backstage at fashion shoots or teaching the next generation. Every client who sits in your chair is a chance to connect with people, build relationships and demonstrate your hair artistry skills. Transforming someone’s image and confidence with different colour trends or cuts and styles can be life changing. Meanwhile, you are constantly learning and upskilling to stay current within the industry. Hairdressing is a career that never feels like work.”

Salon owner, colourist and educator

“When I was a little emo in school, I was always doing my friends’ hair in my kitchen, cutting their fringes and stuff like that – and I was good at it, so I decided to become a hairdresser. I got my NVQ Level 2 at college in Stafford and while I was there I volunteered in any salon that would have me – I literally worked my way through the Yellow Pages!  

“On leaving college my first job was in a chain salon and while I got lots of extra training there, as a neuro-divergent person who’s quite alternative, I felt the atmosphere wasn’t right for me. I moved to another chain salon… and then another… and the same thing kept happening. I felt a bit stuck.

“In the end, I had what I like to call my ‘Quarter-Life Crisis’ and went to stay with my aunt in Canada. I was thinking of giving up hairdressing but then a few clients got in touch wanting me to do their hair, so I came back to the UK and decided to go freelance, working from home. I had £30 to my name, and spent it on a gown, a bowl, a brush and some tint and developer. I got paid by my first client, went back to the wholesaler to buy more product, and so it went on until eventually I got so busy I outgrew my set-up at home – and now I have my own salon in my home town of Rugeley. I have a team of six stylists working with me and I’ve trained them up so we specialise in colour.

“I started documenting my work on social media several years ago and lots of people started following me because the work I do is all with vivid colours and really different. Now I get paid to do influencer work for a hair brand called Matrix, and I also have my own independent education brand, which takes me all over the world. I’ve performed at big American shows in front of thousands of people and soon I’m off to Japan, which I’m really looking forward to.

“The thing about hairdressing is that if you’re prepared to work hard, and you’re prepared to keep learning, anything is possible. All you have to do is go to college three days a week for two years and the next thing you know, you could be travelling the world. I love it!”

Why choose hairdressing?

“What other career would allow me to be weird, do weird hair – and that gets celebrated? Honestly, every day in my salon I can wear what I want, be with people I like and it’s such a fun environment. I feel like I get to hang out with my friends all day long!”

Independent session stylist

“I started working in a salon at 14 as a Saturday girl (I practically lived in the salon as a kid as my mum was a hairdresser) and once I finished school I went to college full-time while working in the salon on evenings and weekends. I loved college – the creativity, the freedom and the connection – and completed all available modules towards the NVQs and even obtained an award for being the best student they’d had! I then left the salon where I had been the assistant, started on the floor, and began building my clientele at a new local salon.

“After two years I was introduced to the L’Oréal ID Artist programme. It was amazing, the first time I learned about incorporating art, fashion and history into hair. I auditioned for it but didn’t get through. In preparation for my second audition, I moved salons to the salon chain Haringtons and eventually gained a place on the programme. During this time I was retrained by Haringtons, joined their artistic team and spent two years with the ID Artists working backstage at London Fashion Week and onphotoshoots, networking, presenting and assisting at industry hair shows and education.

“Those experiences inspired me to focus on session work. I relocated to London, working part-time at Haringtons Soho to allow myself the freedom to build experience. I assisted backstage at London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks for big-name session stylists including Guido Palau and Anthony Turner. I then became first assistant to Richard Phillipart and worked within the core teams of Sam McKnight, Cyndia Harvey and Virginie Pinto Moreira. Alongside assisting, I began developing my own portfolio through test shoots and editorials.

“I started to rack up credits and connections, so in January 2020 I decided to go fully self-employed to give myself the flexibility to grab opportunities as they came along. Since then, I’ve built a strong client list that includes Bimini and Self Esteem, and my work has been published in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Gay Times. I have also delivered campaigns for brands such as Juicy Couture and Sephora.

“My work is defined by versatility. I’ve developed expertise across wigs, avant-garde, high fashion and commercial styling, while maintaining strong foundations in cutting, colouring, barbering and hair extensions. I pride myself on being adaptable to every brief, always with an emphasis on creativity, professionalism and supporting clients to feel comfortable and confident.”

Why choose hairdressing

‘Hairdressing is one of the few careers where creativity, connection and craft come together every single day. It allows you to express artistry while making people feel confident, seen and transformed in the process. With endless opportunities to grow – from salon work to fashion, film, education, and beyond – it’s a career that evolves with you and always keeps you inspired.’

Textured hair specialist and session stylist

Lisa started her career as a 13-year-old in her local salon. Now she’s working on music videos for Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar and Harry Styles, campaigning for hair equality in salons up and down the UK.

Let’s start with favourite subjects at school

I loved Art, as it gave me a creative outlet to escape and paint, but I loved English too and you’ll often still find me with a book attached. Art enabled me to release my rebel, and English allowed me to explain without being outspoken because words never shout, right? RIGHT?

So how – and why – did you choose hairdressing?

My school delivered a masterclass in how not to teach creatives: you’re stupid, you’re not clever enough, you won’t amount to anything… That’s what made me even more determined to succeed. At age 13, I would knock on the door of my local salon every Friday after school and ask for a job. At the 20th attempt, they gave in. Keep knocking on doors and don’t take no for an answer. What started off as a way of earning pocket money for the park on a Friday night turned into me being good at something and the sparks started to fly.

And the training?

I was already working in a salon before I was at an age to go to college so when the time came it was a no brainer that I would go into hairdressing. Rather than do an apprenticeship, I attended college but also worked full time in the salon because the hours allowed me to do this. Having said that, I believe an apprenticeship is the best route into hairdressing. You learn so much this way – not just the science but the life skills that you can take into any job, like maths and learning how to read people.

Describe those early years learning your craft

Like in the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (although I’m working on the million!), every path you take leads you onto something bigger and better. When my salon was being refurbished I went and worked in a barbershop and this taught me the graft of short hair. When a client with textured hair got turned away from my salon, this inspired me to learn about Afro and textured hair. Everything in life has a purpose but you’ve got to be hungry and you can’t give up. I learned early on that education is power and once you know the correct way, then you can make your own way.

And where has all that taken you?

I work as a session hairdresser with some of the biggest names in music! I’ve been on set with A-List celebrities! I have been onstage educating to thousands and I’ve been on TV in front of millions! My hairdressing world is a living dream filled with blood, sweat, tears and excitement.

What do you love most about hairdressing, and what are the downsides?

I love the weird requests, the not knowing, the rushing and the stillness… I love being in a room with other creative powerhouses, masters of their art, and wanting to be seen the same way… Creating a stunning picture that resonates with people… I love how varied my role is and how it takes me all over the world and allows me to meet new people and see new ways of life. The downside? You give up a lot: missed weddings, birthdays… you name it. But it’s worth it, for that independence, that buzz. And it’s hard to give up.

And what’s been the biggest surprise?

How you can be an independent and succeed. I’m not great at selling myself, I like my work to do the talking, but in hairdressing I can be real and kind and I can be me.

Any advice for someone thinking about becoming a hairdresser?

All of the above, but also: be your own boss, be in control, be creative and write your own rules. There’s only one you, and that’s your brand. Own it. Come join the barbies, the weirdos, the business owners, the freedom fighters, the trend setters, and the game changers. What are you waiting for?

Creative director, Honeycomb Hair, Doncaster

After starting as an apprentice in 2019, Olivia quickly found a flare not only for colouring and styling, but for people, too. Now creative director at Honeycomb Hair in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, she’s passionate about hair, the future of our industry and is a keen advocate for mentorship, which has itself brough her far. Over the last few years, she’s been growing her profile and portfolio by joiningthe Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s ClubStar and Project X schemes, as well as winning a place on Schwarzkopf Professional’s YAT team. This year, Olivia became the first-ever Head of the Fellowship Youth Board, leading a passionate group of hairdressers to empower and inspire other young hairdressers. Curating social content to reach a wider online audience, speaking at colleges throughout the UK and leading sounding boards for the young trailblazers in hairdressing to sound their concerns and improve the industry, the Youth Board’s mission is to strengthen the hairdressing community. 

Hairdressing is a great career because…

“Hairdressing can give you anything you want. From salon commercial all the way up to session at Fashion Week, if you have the dream, this industry has the outlet. It’s taken me to creative places I never thought I could access, and it’s given me an unrivalled and limitless love of the life it’s allowed me to have.”

Co-founder of Westrow salon group and Westrow House Academy

“As co-founder of Westrow, which has nine salons across Yorkshire and a multi-award-winning academy in the heart of Leeds, my aim has always been to ensure the technical expertise and agility of our 200+ staff. The introduction of our Westrow House Academy in 2014 further solidified this, enabling us to educate not only our own students, but also those from over 180 salons across the North of England.

“Over the last 11 years, the Academy has enabled us to become a recruitment centre, aligning our students with the right salon and employer, while keeping them in the industry and ensuring they enjoy their journey along the way. Our academy is results-driven, so classes and teaching techniques differ from those in a college environment, ensuring we achieve the best possible results on EPAs.

“To help prepare students for careers in hairdressing, we instill discipline and the correct attitude and aptitude, allowing students to thrive, which sets them apart from other assistants seeking potential employment from the same salons.

“We teach them how to conduct themselves during interviews, how to approach salon owners for employment, and advise them on etiquette, appearance and overall well-being. Where possible, we also involve their parents for a complete 360-degree approach, allowing them to understand what it takes to become a successful hairdresser.

“The results speak for themselves, with 270 EPAs under our belt, achieving a 100 per cent success rate, and over 50 per cent of those earning a distinction. We don’t only work with school leavers, but also with adult learners seeking a career change or entering the industry at a later stage, preparing them for the workplace in the same way.”

Why hairdressing?

“Hairdressing is an exceptional career that offers longevity and substantial rewards for those seeking to thrive in a creative environment.”