Hairdresser

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I am a hairdresser, so I cut, colour and style my customers’ hair.  I also shape eyebrows and do permanent eyelash curling and tinting. I also advise my customers in hair care and in choosing the right care and styling products.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

When I was in secondary school, I completed a two-week introduction to working life period in my hometown’s hair salon. The hairdresser’s work seemed inspiring and interesting. I was also fascinated by the freedom offered by entrepreneurship and the idea of my own salon. In the joint application process, I set hairdressing as my first option, and that is how my career in the beauty sector started.

Describe your typical working day or week.

During the working day, I usually serve 3 to 8 customers. I also try to take breaks. When I do not have a customer, I unload product shipments, order new products and do marketing, such as updating social media. I also clean and do the laundry.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work with four other entrepreneurs at two different locations. A hairdresser is exposed to chemicals in their work environment, so it is important to wear protective gloves whenever possible.

My working hours are focused in the evenings, but I often adjust them according to the customers’ wishes.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

A hairdresser needs excellent social skills, as this is a customer service profession. Good eye-hand coordination, visual perception and creativity are also needed. The work also requires basic understanding of mathematics, chemistry and physics, as well as time management skills and a systematic approach.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part about a hairdresser’s job is to see the customer’s joy when they look in the mirror at the end of the visit. It is nice to make changes that increase their self-esteem.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

The work is physically straining, as hairdressers often have to stand all day. Customer service work can sometimes be stressful, especially when you are having a bad day. In addition, at the end of long working days, the entrepreneurship obligations must be fulfilled, and the salon must be set ready for the next day.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a hairdresser?

In this work, you can challenge yourself when you participate in various hairdressing competitions. I have competed in the final of the Taitaja competition for the Finnish championship of hairdressing students. Competition success can help you stand out and bring more customers.

How do you see the future of your profession?

In my opinion, the hairdressing sector is currently at a turning point, as we are living in challenging times. At the moment, there is a shortage of skilled workers, and too many students drop out of their studies or change fields even before transitioning to working life. Many small entrepreneurs have recently ceased operations, because the profitability of the hairdresser’s work has deteriorated. In addition, hairdressers do not have a collective agreement, and trade unions do not sufficiently promote our matters. I hope that hairdressers will come together to fight for a better future.

However, the sector is developing, new innovations are emerging all the time, and there is plenty of work to be done.