Focus on "training"

The hairdressing industry is currently unregulated and there is no obligation for stylists to undergo any form of training. Nevertheless, hairdressing is complex and demanding and some form of training is essential for those who wish to offer a complete and professional service. Moreover, fashions in hair styling change constantly and even the most experienced stylist will need to acquire new skills from time to time. Salon owners and managers might require tuition in other related areas, such as book keeping. A number of formal hairdressing qualifications are available to both new students and advanced operatives. These include;

• NVQ/SVQ (levels 1-4) (level 4 is pitched at management level)
• SCOTVEC National Certificate and Higher National Certificate
• Modern Apprenticeships
• TDLB D32/D33 (a teaching qualification)

NVQs and SVQs replaced the City & Guilds scheme, which was phased out in 1993. According to the Hairdressing And Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA), the National Training Organisation for the hairdressing and beauty industries, NVQ/SVQ level 2 is the minimum requirement to be a competent hairdresser but level 3 is the industry standard for senior stylists. Experienced stylists who do not already hold this qualification can gain it through a system of Accreditation of Prior Learning.

A number of other awards and qualifications are also available, including NVQ in beauty therapy, vocational awards and diplomas from private institutions. Some of these diplomas are highly acclaimed (but often expensive) and are offered by product manufacturers and training salons (for example Vidal Sassoon). Some courses offer specialist tuition in particular areas, such as tinting or barbering.

Training at all levels is provided by further education colleges, private institutes, manufacturers and by salons themselves. The Modern Apprenticeship scheme is a recent initiative aimed at encouraging employers to recruit and train new operatives. In addition, some franchise schemes provide induction and professional training.

In-salon training is often combined with a college course on a day-release or work placement basis. Manufacturers and specialist firms may offer training packages to salons which include in-house demonstrations, practical seminars and workshops, advisory services and short refresher courses. A wide range of specialist training and information material is also available from various sources, including videos, reference texts, audio cassettes, leaflets and telephone helplines.

Unqualified and semi-qualified employees are normally paid a reduced wage. Trainee stylists are typically paid only around 45% or so of the average wage paid to qualified operatives. Semi-qualified and newly-qualified junior stylists typically receive around 80% of the average wage paid to qualified stylists. In-salon training often includes special training nights, when juniors perform cuts and styles at heavily discounted rates.