An apprentice hairdresser works in a salon to gain experience in hairdressing. Duties change as learning progresses, and apprenticeships can last 1-5 years. Apprenticeships can be obtained through vocational schools or by approaching nearby salons.
An apprentice hairdresser is someone who works in a beauty salon but has not yet completed formal training or is in the process of doing so. Apprentices work in a hairdressing salon to gain experience in the field of hairdressing. Learning is offered through the vocational school or is sought by the student on his own.
Hairdresser apprentice duties change in relation to learning as the student gains experience in the salon and vocational school. In the beginning, apprentice hairdressers book appointments, greet clients and clean the salon. As learning progresses, apprentice hairdressers will be able to observe senior stylists as they cut and style hair and ask questions about styling techniques. The apprentice will also eventually be able to shampoo and prep clients for styling, prepare chemical treatments and assist senior stylists with their work. At the hairdresser apprentices end, as the student completes their professional training, the salon can allow the apprentice to take on their own clients and start building a client base.
All of these roles teach apprentice hairdressers the attributes needed to be a good hairdresser. The apprentice will learn to be patient with customers, develop good communication skills and learn to deal with people. They will also learn the physical needs of the stylist, such as standing for long periods of time, being around chemicals and handling them safely. The student will learn to adapt to the client’s needs, combining techniques and styles to make him happy. Finally, the student will be able to observe firsthand the complicated process of running a business and making it successful.
Hairdressing apprenticeships generally last between one and five years, depending on the amount of time the apprentice can give to the salon. The apprentice hairdresser is usually paid, but often the salary is lower than a normal hairdresser’s assistant, because part of the apprentice’s time is spent learning and observing. Some internships end with the apprentice taking on some of the salon’s clients or being offered a place in the salon. If this is not part of the contract, the apprentice will leave the apprenticeship with valuable experience and often a strong recommendation.
There are several ways to get a hairdressing apprenticeship. Many hairdressing schools offer hairdressing courses and may require an apprenticeship prior to graduation from the program. If so, the school usually has an office or administrator who helps students secure these positions. If this is not an option, the student can approach nearby salons to see if they would take on an apprentice. The student can offer a number of hours of free work, on a trial basis, to develop a relationship with a salon and gain access to an apprenticeship.
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