Hair Qualifications and Experience Needed To Succeed as a Hairdresser in London

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Ever wondered what hair qualifications and experience is needed to succeed as a hairdresser in London?

With its vibrant and dynamic beauty scene, London offers incredible opportunities for talented hair professionals. However, to stand out and thrive in this competitive market, it’s essential to have the right hair qualifications and experience.

In this article, we’ll explore what top London salons look for in a hairdresser and how you can prepare to meet these standards.

Essential Qualifications

  • NVQ/SVQ in Hairdressing The most fundamental qualification for a hairdresser in the UK is an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) in Hairdressing, typically at Level 2 or 3. These qualifications provide comprehensive training in hair cutting, styling, coloring, and basic treatments. Level 2 covers the basics, while Level 3 delves into more advanced techniques and salon management skills.
  • Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience while earning a qualification. Many top London salons offer apprenticeship programs that combine practical work with classroom-based learning. These programs are often highly regarded by employers because they provide real-world experience alongside formal education.
  • Specialised Courses Taking specialised courses can set you apart from other candidates. Courses in advanced colouring techniques, precision cutting, hair extensions, and bridal hairstyling can enhance your skillset and make you more attractive to top-tier salons. Renowned institutions like the London School of Barbering and the Vidal Sassoon Academy offer a variety of advanced training options.
  • Health and Safety Certification Understanding health and safety regulations is crucial in a salon environment. Many employers look for hairdressers who have completed courses in health and safety, ensuring they can maintain a safe and hygienic workspace for clients and colleagues.

Desired Experience

  • Work Experience in Reputable Salons Having experience working in reputable salons can significantly boost your employability. High-end London salons often seek candidates with a proven track record in similar environments. Gaining experience in well-known or high-traffic salons demonstrates that you can handle a demanding clientele and thrive in a fast-paced setting.
  • Customer Service Skills Exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of a successful hairdressing career. London salons value hairdressers who can build strong relationships with clients, understand their needs, and provide personalized service. Previous roles in customer-facing positions, whether within the beauty industry or in other sectors, can highlight your ability to deliver excellent customer experiences.
  • Portfolio of Work A well-curated portfolio showcasing your best work is essential. Include high-quality photos of various hairstyles, cuts, and colors you’ve created. Before-and-after shots are particularly effective in demonstrating your skill and creativity. A digital portfolio, such as a professional Instagram account, can also be a powerful tool to showcase your talent to potential employers.
  • Participation in Competitions and Events Taking part in hairdressing competitions and industry events can set you apart from other candidates. These activities demonstrate your passion for the craft and your commitment to excellence. Many salons appreciate hairdressers who are proactive in honing their skills and staying engaged with the broader hairdressing community.

Additional Skills and Attributes

  • Adaptability and Creativity London’s diverse clientele means you’ll need to adapt to various styles and preferences. Salons look for hairdressers who are creative and can think on their feet, offering clients innovative solutions and keeping up with the latest trends.
  • Strong Communication Skills Effective communication is vital in understanding client desires and explaining styling options and aftercare. Being able to clearly articulate your ideas and listen attentively to your clients ensures satisfaction and builds trust.
  • Team Player Working in a busy salon requires excellent teamwork. Employers value hairdressers who can collaborate well with colleagues, contribute positively to the salon environment, and support one another in delivering top-notch service.
  • Time Management and Efficiency The ability to manage your time effectively and work efficiently under pressure is crucial. London salons often have a high volume of clients, and being able to maintain quality while working swiftly is a highly sought-after skill.

Continuous Professional Development

  • Staying Updated with Trends The hairdressing industry is ever-evolving, with new trends and techniques emerging regularly. Attending workshops, seminars, and industry events helps you stay informed and brings fresh ideas to your clients.
  • Advanced Training and Certifications Pursuing further education and obtaining advanced certifications can boost your credentials. Courses in business management, advanced color correction, or even teaching qualifications can open new career pathways and enhance your professional standing.
  • Building a Professional Network Networking with other professionals in the industry can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and valuable mentorships. Joining professional associations and online forums can help you connect with peers and industry leaders.

Conclusion

To succeed as a hairdresser in London, it’s essential to have a solid foundation of hair qualifications and experience, and a continuous commitment to professional development. London’s top salons seek talented individuals who are not only skilled and creative but also adaptable, communicative, and dedicated to providing exceptional service. By meeting these criteria and continually striving to improve, you can build a rewarding and successful career in one of the world’s most exciting cities. So, polish your skills, update your portfolio, and get ready to make your mark in London’s vibrant hairdressing scene.

Ready to get your hairdresser career moving with your next hair job in London?

Contact: Rose Hadley London: Tel 0207 584 1990 OR apply here:
https://rosehadleylondon.co.uk/job-types/hair

Temp To Permanent Hair Jobs In London

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Temp To Permanent Hair Jobs In London.

Are you looking for a change in your career? Feeling tired of the uncertainty that comes with temporary work? If so, it may be time to consider returning to full-time, permanent work in the hairdressing industry.

Hair salons in London are always on the lookout for talented and dedicated hairdressers to join their teams. With a full-time permanent position, you can enjoy the stability and security that comes with a regular income and benefits. You’ll also have the opportunity to build long-term relationships with your clients and colleagues, and to develop your skills and expertise through ongoing training and development.

In addition, the hairdressing industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, techniques, and products emerging all the time. As a full-time hairdresser, you’ll have the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry, and to continually challenge yourself to grow and improve.

So if you’re ready for a change and want to take your career in hairdressing to the next level, why not consider returning to full-time permanent work in a hair salon in London? It could be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Watch the video for a reminder of how London hair salons are welcoming back experienced hairdressers seeking permanent, full time salon roles and what they will offer you to join.

Ready to make the next career move from temp to permanent hair jobs In London?

We have the perfect hair job role for you. 

Contact Rose Hadley London – Hair recruitment agency London – if you are a temp hairdresser seeking a permanent hair job in London. Tel. 0207 584 1990.

From Temp To Permanent Hairdresser Jobs

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If you are currently a temp hairdresser, looking to go Permanent, this is for you.

There are top Hair salons out there seeking permanent staff. Why not start a new season in your life with a career change in the shape of a permanent hair job?

Why Change From Temp To Permanent Job Status?

In every career there is a time where your life stage and circumstances mean that temporary work, better known as temping to hair temps, suits your lifestyle requirements and time you have available.

This may be because you are a student, studying for a qualification, or because you have children or elderly relatives that you need to look after.

You may also have another passion, such as sports, shopping, therapy or travel that you want to indulge in. Or need some time for yourself.

Then, at other times, the exact opposite occurs, you get more free time as the kids go to school, leave the home to go to College or University and you want to return to a full time Permanent role.

Advantages of Switching From Temp To Permanent Job

You know you are ready for the change to Permanent, but do you know the full set of advantages that you gain from the switch? As human beings it is motivational to understand these to help drive forward into a new permanent job role in hairdressing.

  • Job security
  • Career advancement
  • Company investment in you
  • Personal development
  • Further education sponsored by your company
  • Training courses

More Benefits of Temp To Permanent Jobs

This has the potential to be a phenomenal year for you with opportunities in all sectors of the hair industry, according to recruitment experts Rose Hadley London. Are you ready to strive and thrive as a permanent hairdresser?

Here’s some more advantages for deciding to go Permanent as a Hairdresser :-

  • Paid holidays
  • Sick pay
  • Maternity leave
  • Guaranteed income (although it’s not all about the money for hairdressers and beauty therapists, career development and good working environment are also very important).

Building A Long Term Relationship With Clients

Hairdressers just love their clients.

Permanent work allows you as a hairdresser to build a long term relationship with your clients. What better way than seeing the clients transformed and so appreciative. This is very rewarding.

Being Part of The Team

Hardressers are crucial parts of the salon team. This salon team is more like a “salon family”, with opportunities to make friends.

The salon workplace is your “stage” where you perform your skills and like any good performer, you like a happy and appreciative audience (the clients), as well as being a valued member of the talented salon team.

It is uplifting and rewarding to be part of a professional salon team and a permanent job placement can add to that sense of feeling more part of the salon team.

Another advantage of being permanent is that you will be invited the all the social events if you like to have fun, when work is over for the day.

Getting Company Investment In You

Job satisfaction is high if you are working in the right place and feeling supported by your company through extra learning opportunities and development courses.

Before you rule yourself out, due to lack of experience

Minimum Beauty or Hair Level 3 qualified and 1+ years experience is what many salons expect from their candidates. So getting qualified is the important first step to launch your career. Then gain salon experience from there.

New Decade Means…A New Permanent Hair Job For You

Use the “new decade” as a powerful reason to make your career move and match the it with your new permanent hair job in London.

Do you really want to end this new decade in the same role? Or with the same level of experience?

Sometimes it helps to talk to hair and beauty recruitment experts for some free insider knowledge – Rose Hadley London.

Choose A Trusted Agency To Help You

RHL have over 20 years of experience matching ambitious, newly qualified and experienced candidates with top rated Hair and Beauty salons in London.

We are here to serve you and provide your perfect candidate / salon match for new hairdresser roles.

So let’s dive in.

What are your career aspirations for this new decade?

Thinking of a New Hairdressing Job?

There are some exiting job roles available for Permanent Senior Hairdressers and Permanent Hair Salon Managers if you are ready for a promotion or an opportunity to get new experience.

Moving jobs will normally result in a salary increase for qualified candidates with a solid track record in the hair industry.

After some being under pressure in previous years, many salons are expecting a healthy boost in demand for hairdressers in the future.

So this year could be the best ever to seal your dream move to a permanent hair job.

In Summary

It’s a new season and a good reason to make your career plans a reality with a move to a permanent job role in hair and beauty.

If you are ready to find out more about the permanent hair career options or beauty career options available to you, call the experts in Hair and Beauty Recruitment – Rose Hadley London.

Local Permanent Hair career opportunities are available now. Tel. 0207 584 1990

Latest Industry Trends In The Hair Temp Jobs Market London

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Industry Background For Hairdressers In London

Hair temping has always been popular for qualified hairdressers in big Cities like London and this has continued for more than 25 years according to leading recruitment industry experts.

Why Are Hair Temps Popular In London

Reason: Temping offers hairdressers the perfect balance between finding regular hairdressing work, doing the thing you love in an exiting location, along with the flexibility to build a work schedule around your desired lifestyle choices.

Qualified staff for Temping is usually required, either to cover busy weekends, sickness, maternity or the busy  holiday season, working for hair salons in London.

Qualifications Required For Hair Temping

The minimum qualification to become a fully qualified hairdresser is a level 2 or level 3 qualification in hairdressing.

You could start as an assistant in a hairdressing salon and study for qualifications on the job, or do a full-time or part-time college course while looking for work.

You could also train with a private hairdressing school.

You will need at least 2 years full-time salon experience to qualify for temp work.

Latest Industry Trends For Hair Temping In London

More temps, please!!

There are some noticeable trends going on in the hair temp industry in London that are worth mentioning as they show a marked change from what was the norm over the last few years.

Let me explain. The latest research shows the following trends:

  • The usual temp season of March 1st to 30th September 2017 for hairdressers started earlier in February and is still not stopped in November.
  • In fact the demand for hair temps is continuing amongst hair salons
  • Overall the number of temp job vacancies has grown significantly over 2017 as well as the temp season appearing not to follow the traditional seasonal trend of previous years
  • There is a skills shortage in London resulting in more demand for hairdressing temps than there are candidates to cover these temp job opportunities

Why Is The Demand So High For Hair Temps In London Right Now?

Rose Hadley London in October 2017 said in a recent interview that “After 25 years of business in the UK, covering London, this year 2017 has been exceptional, defying all the usual seasonal trends and demand is huge for qualified Hair temps in London”.

  • The reason may be explained by the uncertainty caused by Brexit, the vote in favour of the UK leaving the European Union
  • Another reason could be the meteoric rise of the hair industry with many hairdressers upskilling to Level 4
  • In previous years Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans were driving the market too
  • Either way, Temps are in big demand with lots of temp jobs in London available, it is fair to say that Temps are driving the employment market and therefore also driving the recruitment industry growth for hairdressing temps

Conclusions

  • Demand for hair temps in London is up significantly and growing rapidly!
  • There is certainly a demand for permanent hairdressers, companies are however having to embrace hair temps as a vital resource now far more so than in recent years.
  • It appears the impact of Brexit and the uncertainty it brings is impacting on the hair jobs market to push up demand for temps.

*Research is taken from interviews with leading hair recruitment agency owners.

If you require more information about current hairdressing vacancies or are a hair salon looking for new candidates, contact Rose Hadley London. Tel. 0207 584 1990  or  visit our hair jobs page here: Latest Hair Jobs

Top Hairdressers Welcome In London

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Top Hairdressers Welcome In London

Experienced top hairdressers are required immediately in London and also overseas.
Whether it’s hair cutting, colouring or styling, there’s an ever growing demand for top hairdressers with these skills. London hair salons in particular are seeking experienced top hairdressers to join their teams.

What Makes a Top Hairdresser?

…. and how do you ensure both hair and client success?

Here’s eight top tips that help ensure success as a top hairdresser in London.

Consult Like A Top Professional

Whether we like it or not, first impressions count, especially when it comes to impressing hair clients. If we think of hairdressing as a process involving clients, the first stage is the “meet and greet” upon salon arrival. This is generally under the control of the salon receptionist, so hopefully they are well trained to make a good first impression.
A warm welcome upon arrival is important, as it helps win the client over with good customer service prior to the client consultation.
With necessary care and attention, the meet and greet should proceed seamlessly to a positive, inspiring and memorable client consultation. If there is one thing that shows a top hairdresser from their less successful peers, it’s the quality of the hair consultation.

How do the top hair professionals do this?

Here’s What You Need To Know:-
• Make the client feel important
• Check client is comfortable in their chair (or do they want a coffee?)
• Ask quality open ended questions to discover client hair preferences
• Use listening skills to ensure you understand client needs
• Repeat back to client what you heard, so they know you listened
• Good eye contact to show you really care (but not too much!)
• Show enthusiasm for the what needs done
• Know your products (so you can recommend if asked)

The client consultation is a fantastic opportunity to communicate to the client how important they are to us.
Get attuned to your client needs, listen carefully to what they want done to their hair and set the tone for a successful hair management appointment.
During the hair consultation, you are their personal hair advisor, ready to provide solutions. So make the most of it and impress.

The Practical Stuff…

Haircutting Skills

Hairdressers are renowned for their primary skill of haircutting and this comes in many forms from fringe trims to full restyles.
The most successful hairdressers have both practical hair cutting experience, along with advanced people skills.

Hair Washing (Backwash loving!)

Hair wash is part of a good hair service offering, but what is best practice these days?
In top salons, it’s not just a hair wash, it’s a head massage, reiki and hair conditioning all rolled into the one. Take the opportunity to add a top customer service experience for the hair wash.

All clients will then remember the wash for the professionalism and care shown, rather than for water dripping down the back of their necks!

Perming

Perming is not as popular as in the past, but there are still some, mainly an older set of clients who enjoy a regular hair perm. Hair stylists use perming to create hair bounce and curl.

Hair Colouring

Colour technicians are experts in their craft of hair colouring. Knowledge of hair dye products and practical hair colouring experience are invaluable in the process of hair colour management. Clients will usually have some preferences for colour, but many seek advice and rely on hairdressing expertise to make it a reality for them.
Hair colouring is popular and provides regular work for hair salons because it’s difficult for clients to do themselves at home. If they have ever tried it, clients quickly find out it’s messy and inconvenient. Not a good idea and best left to the professional hair stylists.

Blow Drying (With Gusto!)

Blow drying, straightening and curling tongs are used by professional hairdressers to create a masterpiece hairstyling. It’s time to use your experience to make the most of the right heat, choosing the right hairbrushes for client satisfaction.

People Skills

All top hairdressers know this. Clients value hair technicians with good people skills.
Some clients have some things they want to chat about other than their hair. They take the opportunity to “chat” and share their life secrets with hairdressers. It could be holidays or their love life so be prepared. The ability to listen without judgement goes a long way to being a successful hairdresser. Communication during a hairdressing session is a priceless part of what hairstylists offer their clients.

The Feel Good Factor

Modern society can be stressful, so what better way to feel good and de-stress during work breaks and weekends than some hairdressing.
It can be best summed up as hairdressers offering the “feel good factor” to clients.

So if you are a hairdresser, hair stylist or colour technician, you will know your hair skills make a big difference to people, bringing beautifully cut and styled hair, as well as precious moments relaxation and the feel good factor for clients.

In Summary
There’s an all year round demand for experienced hairdressers and hair stylists for both permanent and temporary roles across London.

Contacting an expert recruitment agency specialising in the hairdressing industry, can be a good way to develop your career.

For a new role in the hairdressing industry or career advice, Contact Rose Hadley London. Tel. 0207 584 1990