Hairdressers cut and style peoples hair into various shapes, lengths and fashions. They may colour, straighten and permanently wave hair, and many also provide clients with hair and scalp treatments.

Throughout the course of their day, hairdressers may perform the following tasks:

• consult with clients to discuss their hairstyle requirements
• answer telephone calls and make appointments
• cut hair using clippers, scissors and razors
• shampoo, condition and rinse hair
• bleach, condition, wave, straighten and tint hair
• dry and style hair using brushes, combs, and rollers
• shave and trim beards and moustaches
• clean the salon, work areas and equipment

Many of the more routine chores will be undertaken by apprentice hairdressers. These may include client preparation, shampooing, application and removal of simple hairdressing treatments, and sterilisation and maintenance of equipment. As apprentices gain experience they will carry out more complex tasks under close supervision, such as assisting senior hairdressers with more complex hairdressing operations, and performing simple hair cuts.

Hairdressers spend a lot of their time on their feet, and are often required to work outside of normal business hours to meet their customers own time requirements. Hairdressers have a very high level of public contact, and should have a friendly and outgoing personality, with a touch of creative flair.