How Much Do Hairdressers Make?

Find out how much hairdressers earn in the UK, what training is needed, income potential, pros and cons, and the best salons and employers to work for.

How Much Do Hairdressers Make? Salary, Training, and Career Guide

Hairdressers are creative professionals who help people look and feel their best. From everyday trims to high-fashion colour work, it’s a hands-on job that offers variety, social interaction, and long-term income potential—especially for those who build their own client base.

Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a hairdresser in the UK: how much you can earn, what skills and training you need, and the best places to work.

Job Description: What Do Hairdressers Do?

Hairdressers cut, colour, treat and style clients' hair to achieve a desired look. They work in salons, freelance, or mobile setups, and often build long-term relationships with clients.

Typical responsibilities:

  • Consulting with clients about desired styles or treatments

  • Washing, cutting, blow-drying, and styling hair

  • Applying colour, highlights, or specialist treatments

  • Offering hair care advice and product recommendations

  • Keeping tools and workstations clean and hygienic

  • Booking appointments and managing client records

  • Staying up to date with trends and techniques

How Hard Is It to Become a Hairdresser?

It’s not academically demanding, but it takes time, practice, and confidence to build skill and speed. It’s a very hands-on and social job, and you need to be comfortable interacting with clients all day.

Training can take 1–3 years depending on your route, but you can start earning while you learn.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Creativity and attention to detail

  • Good communication and listening skills

  • Confidence with people of all ages and backgrounds

  • Manual dexterity and coordination

  • Good personal presentation

  • Patience and stamina, especially during long shifts

  • Willingness to learn and keep up with trends

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes, most employers and clients expect a qualified hairdresser. You can train via college, apprenticeship, or private academy.

Common qualifications:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing (foundation)

  • Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing (advanced)

  • Hair Professional Apprenticeship (Level 2)

  • Level 3 NVQ in Hairdressing

  • Specialist short courses in barbering, extensions, colouring, etc.

Training usually takes 12–36 months, and you can study while working in a salon or freelancing with supervision.

Levels and Specialisations

Career levels:

  • Junior Stylist / Apprentice

  • Stylist

  • Senior Stylist

  • Colour Technician / Specialist

  • Salon Manager / Director

  • Freelancer / Self-employed

  • Educator / Assessor

  • Session Stylist (for media/fashion)

Specialisations:

  • Cutting / Styling

  • Colouring / Balayage / Foiling

  • Bridal / Occasion Hair

  • Barbering / Fades / Beard Work

  • Hair Extensions

  • Trichology (scalp health)

  • Afro-textured Hair / Curl Specialists

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Work placements during training (salons, barbershops)

  • Apprenticeship experience

  • Assistant work under senior stylists

  • Real clients for your portfolio

  • Ideally, 1–2 years working before going solo or self-employed

Hands-on work is essential—clients want results, not just certificates.

Benefits of Being a Hairdresser

  • Creative and social job—every day is different

  • In-demand skill—people always need haircuts

  • Flexible hours, especially if self-employed

  • Easy to scale into your own business or mobile salon

  • Low barrier to entry, no degree needed

  • Great client relationships

  • Pride in your work—immediate visual results

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Physically tiring—standing all day

  • Back, wrist or arm strain over time

  • Weekend and evening work is common

  • Cancellations and no-shows impact income

  • Income starts low and grows with experience

  • Must continually upskill to stay competitive

  • Self-employed must manage tax and bookings

Hairdresser Salary UK

  • Apprentice / Junior: £10,000 – £14,000

  • Qualified Stylist: £18,000 – £24,000

  • Senior Stylist: £25,000 – £35,000

  • Self-employed: £30,000 – £60,000+

  • Session Stylist / Educator: £45,000 – £100,000+

Tax Example (Self-Employed):

Earning £40,000/year, a self-employed hairdresser would pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£5,432

  • National Insurance (Class 2 + 4): ~£3,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£31,400/year or £600/week

Allowable expenses include: tools, travel, rent (chair or premises), colour stock, uniforms, and insurance.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Location – London, Manchester and affluent towns pay more

  • Experience and specialism – advanced colourists charge premium rates

  • Reputation / Reviews – client trust leads to higher rates

  • Self-employed vs employed – freelancers keep more profit

  • Client base size and loyalty

  • Salon type – boutique salons vs high-street chains

  • Upselling products and treatments

What’s the Future for Hairdressers?

The industry is evolving. Key trends shaping the future:

  • Eco-friendly and sustainable salons

  • Hair loss and scalp health (trichology)

  • Mobile and home-based services growing post-pandemic

  • Social media-driven bookings and marketing

  • Increased focus on texture, curls and inclusive haircare

  • AI-powered salon software for automation and bookings

Stylists who stay current, build personal brands, and offer high-level service will continue to thrive.

Best Companies and Salons to Work For in the UK

  • Toni & Guy: Iconic salon group, global reach

  • Rush Hair: Fast-paced, city-based chain

  • Headmasters: High training standards

  • Daniel Galvin / Trevor Sorbie: Celebrity and TV stylist brands

  • Bleach London: Trend-led, youth market, creative colour

  • Selfridges / Harrods salons: High-end clientele

  • Your own chair or studio: Maximum flexibility and earnings

Freelancers may also thrive via:

  • Fresha / Treatwell / Booksy for bookings

  • Instagram / TikTok for marketing

  • Salon share spaces

Final Thought

Hairdressing is a career of skill, passion, and personality. While it takes time to build a strong client base, it offers long-term earning potential, freedom, and job satisfaction. If you love making people look and feel amazing, this path can lead to a fulfilling and financially solid future—especially if you go freelance or build your own brand.