Vocational.uk The route, drawn out

Hair, Beauty & Wellbeing

Hairdresser

Cut, colour and style hair — and build a client book that belongs to you.

Strong demand Can go self-employed Level 2 apprenticeship
Typical pay once qualified
£22,000 – £40,000
Training length
2 years
Apprenticeship standard
Hairdressing professional
Where to train
174 providers listed

The route, drawn out

DWG A7A2 · 5 stops · 2 years to qualify
  1. Day one Start as an apprentice from £15.6k
  2. Year 2 Training continues, pay rises min. £21.2k+
  3. 2 years Fully qualified around £22k
  4. +3–5 years Experienced up to £40k
  5. Then Your own business you set the rate

The first figures are legal minimums: the apprentice rate (£8.00/hr) and the National Minimum Wage for 18–20s and 21+ from April 2026, on a 37.5-hour week. Qualified and experienced pay are indicative UK ranges — most employers pay apprentices above the minimum.

What the job is

Hairdressing is a trade where your income follows your reputation. You start shampooing and observing, move to cutting under supervision, and within two years you are on the floor with your own column of clients.

Most hairdressers eventually rent a chair or open a salon, which turns the job into a business with real earning potential. Column-based earnings mean fast, skilled stylists with loyal clients can earn well above the salon average.

A typical day

  • Consult with clients and agree a realistic result
  • Shampoo, condition and treat hair correctly
  • Cut using scissor, clipper and razor techniques
  • Colour, lighten and correct using chemical services safely
  • Style, finish and advise on home maintenance

How you get in

  • No formal qualifications required for most level 2 apprenticeships
  • You will be on your feet all day — stamina matters
  • A genuine interest in people; the conversation is part of the service
  • Many salons ask for a trade test or trial day

Where it leads

  • Advanced and creative hair professional (level 3)
  • Colour specialist, barbering or extensions specialisms
  • Chair rental or salon ownership
  • Session, editorial or educator work

Where to train for this

174 colleges and training providers on our list cover Hairdresser training. Open your region to see them, then check current intakes with the provider directly.

East Midlands 10
East of England 13
London 21
North East 4
North West 15
South East 23
South West 17
UK-wide 8
West Midlands 15
Yorkshire and the Humber 11
East Scotland 6
North Scotland 3
West Scotland 8
North Wales 2
South Wales 8
West Wales 2
Northern Ireland 5
Channel Islands 2
Isle of Man 1

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