Deviating from the traditional path
The pandemic was certainly an era of many different things: social distancing, face masks, lockdown… and, of course, the dreaded home haircut. Did people really think cutting and doing hair was as easy as building a dresser from IKEA? Little did they know hairdressing, much like other professions, require years of training and experience to master.
Getting into hairdressing, or barbering, deviates from the traditional paths young people and students are encouraged to pursue from a young age. In order to enter an intermediate apprenticeship for hairdressing in the UK, you need to have a passing grade in GCSE Maths and English. This means attending college is optional – and the same goes for university. Of course, this does not necessarily mean the road to becoming a hair stylist will be a cakewalk. Far from it.
According to the House of Commons Library, the higher education entry rate peaked in 2021 at 38.2% which dropped to 35.8% in 2023.
Keenan Redgrave-Ebdon, 24, is a hairstylist based in South London who found his calling shortly after completing his GCSEs. To Redgrave-Ebdon, the thought of attending higher education institutions did not appeal to him.
He says, “I was not what you would call a ‘model student’. I was never the highest achiever but that didn’t mean I couldn’t chase the career I wanted. Growing up, I fell in love with the world of salons and hairdressing. My mum was a hair stylist, so my fondness for it came naturally.”
Gaining necessary experience
Annabel Dean, 26, a freelance hairstylist from Essex thinks gaining experience from working as an assistant in salons is a must.
She says, “While you may not need to attend university to get into hairstyling, gaining work experience is still necessary. It’s a hard job and you need to develop your techniques as well as work on customer service. Working as an assistant will help develop those skills.”
James Keefe, 23, manager of Live True London in Vauxhall shares the same sentiment as Dean. He emphasises the importance of building a rapport with clients in order to encourage repeat patronage.
He says, “Having great people skills pays off. A client will reciprocate the energy you give them from the moment they’re greeted so you don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. A consistent smile and friendly tone goes a long way.”
A gratifying and fulfilling job
One could say it is also a fairly lucrative career with Indeed reporting an average salary of £25,291. Although, the allure of hairstyling goes beyond financial incentives.
Redgrave-Ebdon takes pleasure in knowing he’s contributed to making a client’s day better: “Some of the women who come to me as regular clients really see having their hair done as the highlight of their day. It’s a chance for them to just sit back and relax.”
“Others come to because they want to make a drastic change to their appearance through a new hair colour or cut. They leave the salon with a newfound confidence, ready to take on life,” he adds.
Before and After magic by Keenan / Images by David Pasia
Dean succinctly says, “Being a stylist isn’t about the money for me. My job makes me feel fulfilled.”
Some beachy waves ready for summer / Video by David Pasia
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