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Hairdressing Careers

Building a career in hair — and building the next generation of talent — is a constant industry challenge. This hub covers apprenticeships, qualifications and training routes in the UK, plus the realities of pay, progression and going independent. We follow the colleges, educators and mentorship schemes shaping new talent, and the debates around attracting and retaining apprentices. Whether you are starting out, training others or trying to solve a skills gap in your salon, here is the careers and education conversation for British hairdressing.

69 articles

Four-Time Winner Shares British Hairdressing Awards Impact

Four-Time Winner Shares British Hairdressing Awards Impact

Four-time winner Akin Konizi details how the British Hairdressing Awards transformed his career and HOB Salons, boosting confidence and driving team ambition.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveJun 11, 2026
British Hairdressing Award Wins Boost Careers and Business

British Hairdressing Award Wins Boost Careers and Business

British Hairdressing Award winners report career boosts, team motivation, and increased business after achieving industry recognition.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveJun 11, 2026

Denman Names Collinge & Co Student College Star 2026

Libby Bowden from Collinge & Co Training wins the Denman College Star 2026 competition, showcasing her blow-drying skills and earning £1,000.

2 min read
Salon BusinessJun 5, 2026
Nail Education: Quality Over Convenience Key for New Techs

Nail Education: Quality Over Convenience Key for New Techs

Quality over convenience is key for new nail technicians, says award-winning educator Melanie Lewendon, emphasizing educator support and course accreditation.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineMay 31, 2026

Salon International 2026: Elite Educators Host Masterclasses

Salon International 2026 will host masterclasses with top educators like Kevin Luchmun and James Earnshaw at Excel London.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMay 28, 2026

Hair Movement Adds BHBD Extensions, Names Key Educator

The Hair Movement salon announces a partnership with BHBD hair extensions and names Georgina Greenslade as Key Educator.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMay 21, 2026
Nail Pros Compete for Scratch Stars in Practical Judging

Nail Pros Compete for Scratch Stars in Practical Judging

Nail professionals from UK and Ireland demonstrated their technical and artistic skills at the Scratch Stars Awards practical judging day on 11 May.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineMay 15, 2026
Government Plans Elevate Apprenticeships to Degree Level

Government Plans Elevate Apprenticeships to Degree Level

Government reforms aim to elevate apprenticeships to the same level as university degrees, boosting vocational training and addressing industry skills gaps.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMay 14, 2026
Hair Movement Partners with BHBD, Taps Georgina Greenslade for Educator Role

Hair Movement Partners with BHBD, Taps Georgina Greenslade for Educator Role

The Hair Movement partners with BHBD hair extensions, naming Georgina Greenslade as a Key Educator for the Swedish brand.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMay 14, 2026
HJ's Business Boardroom Returns with Industry Mentorship for 2026

HJ's Business Boardroom Returns with Industry Mentorship for 2026

HJ's Business Boardroom returns for 2026, offering industry veterans mentorship to 8 business owners on financial strategy and growth.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMay 13, 2026

Osmo Ikon Launches Glossing Training Course

Osmo Ikon launches 'The Gloss Edit', a training course focusing on its Glossy Gloss Demi Colour System, for colourists of all levels.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMay 13, 2026
British Hairdressing Awards Offer Business and Career Boosts

British Hairdressing Awards Offer Business and Career Boosts

Winning a British Hairdressing Award can lead to new clients, brand opportunities, and international recognition, as past winners attest.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMay 12, 2026
New Masterclass Aims to Boost Early Career Stylist Finances

New Masterclass Aims to Boost Early Career Stylist Finances

Anna Manukyan launches "Licensed to Thrive," a masterclass for new stylists focusing on financial literacy and career strategy.

2 min read
Modern SalonMay 7, 2026
Fellowship Opens F.A.M.E. Team 2027 Applications

Fellowship Opens F.A.M.E. Team 2027 Applications

Fellowship for British Hairdressing seeks emerging stylists for its 2027 F.A.M.E. Team. Applications close June 29, 2026.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMay 3, 2026
Austin Hosts Beauty Pros for One-Day Business & Career Boot Camp

Austin Hosts Beauty Pros for One-Day Business & Career Boot Camp

MODERN SALON's one-day Boot Camp in Austin, Texas, offers hairstylists and beauty professionals practical business and career development strategies.

2 min read
Modern SalonMay 2, 2026
Sensory-Friendly Barbering: A Niche That Finds Its Own Clients

Sensory-Friendly Barbering: A Niche That Finds Its Own Clients

Dallas barber Henry 'Tribes' Amoloja built a fulfilling career in sensory-friendly grooming, attracting millions of followers online.

2 min read
Modern SalonMay 1, 2026
Award-winning nail educator launches podcast

Award-winning nail educator launches podcast

Melanie Lewendon launches The Nail Tech Society podcast to demystify nail sector topics and answer common industry questions.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineApr 29, 2026
Hairdressing Industry Faces Costs and Skills Crisis

Hairdressing Industry Faces Costs and Skills Crisis

The British Hair Consortium is campaigning against rising costs and a 70% drop in apprenticeships impacting the UK hairdressing sector.

2 min read
Salon BusinessApr 29, 2026
Revlon Professional Visionaries 2026: Mentorship Programme Unveiled

Revlon Professional Visionaries 2026: Mentorship Programme Unveiled

Revlon Professional reveals the four finalists for its Visionaries Remastered Team 2026, offering a year of mentorship and industry experience.

2 min read
Salon BusinessApr 28, 2026
Heffy Wheeler: Passion Over Pressure in Hairdressing

Heffy Wheeler: Passion Over Pressure in Hairdressing

HX Hair founder Heffy Wheeler built her business by overcoming self-doubt and early career discouragement, ultimately finding success with vivid colour techniques.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveApr 27, 2026
Salon Owner: Apprenticeships Build Skill and Fresh Ideas

Salon Owner: Apprenticeships Build Skill and Fresh Ideas

Urban Hair & Beauty owner Marlene Lamont details how apprenticeships bring fresh skills, support senior staff, and foster innovation in salons.

2 min read
Salon BusinessApr 27, 2026
Efi Davies: Mentorship is Crucial for Hairdressing's Future

Efi Davies: Mentorship is Crucial for Hairdressing's Future

Efi Davies, British Hairdresser of the Year, argues that established professionals must mentor emerging talent, instilling core skills and values to elevate the hairdressing craft.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveApr 24, 2026
Tom Connell: From Football Boots to Global Hair Director

Tom Connell: From Football Boots to Global Hair Director

Tom Connell shares his journey from a childhood salon job to global director, emphasizing unique creative processes and career advice.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveApr 21, 2026
Stylist's Paris Fashion Week Success Offers Career Blueprint

Stylist's Paris Fashion Week Success Offers Career Blueprint

Michelle Bowden's 2025 Paris Fashion Week involvement offers a strategic model for stylists seeking career advancement through education and networking.

2 min read
Modern SalonApr 16, 2026
Beginner Nail Techs: Five Crucial Lessons for Sustainable Growth

Beginner Nail Techs: Five Crucial Lessons for Sustainable Growth

New nail techs should prioritise boundaries, essential kit building, prep mastery, accurate pricing, and ideal client selection for sustainable careers.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineApr 9, 2026
K18 Unveils Global Pro Artist Program for Hair Educators

K18 Unveils Global Pro Artist Program for Hair Educators

K18 launched its global Pro Artist Program on April 8th, 2026, to support and elevate hair educators and stylists in the industry.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveApr 8, 2026
Concept Hair Learner Awards Announce Top Talent

Concept Hair Learner Awards Announce Top Talent

Concept Hair Learner of the Year Final sees Freya Hadfield of West Suffolk College win top honours.

2 min read
Salon BusinessApr 7, 2026
NHBF Survey: UK Salons Swamped by Costs, Profitability Suffers

NHBF Survey: UK Salons Swamped by Costs, Profitability Suffers

A new NHBF survey shows 423 UK hair and beauty businesses are busy but profitless due to soaring employment and operating costs.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMar 26, 2026
Glasgow Summit Panel Tackles Team Loyalty Challenges

Glasgow Summit Panel Tackles Team Loyalty Challenges

A Glasgow summit panel on April 27 will share practical strategies for building loyal salon teams, addressing recruitment and retention challenges.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 25, 2026
£900m Youth Plan Could Boost Salon Staffing

£900m Youth Plan Could Boost Salon Staffing

A £900 million government plan aims to boost youth employment and apprenticeships, with potential benefits for UK hair and beauty businesses.

2 min read
Barber EVOMar 23, 2026
Government unveils £1bn drive to boost youth jobs

Government unveils £1bn drive to boost youth jobs

The government launches a £1bn employment drive to create 200,000 jobs for 16-24 year olds amid an 11-year high in youth unemployment.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineMar 23, 2026

Kleek Launches Ambassador Scheme for Hair and Beauty Apprentices

Kleek Apprenticeships has launched a 6-month ambassador programme for up to 12 apprentices, supported by L’Oréal Professional Products.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMar 21, 2026
Government pledges 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships for youth

Government pledges 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships for youth

Government launches £1bn drive to create 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships for young people, with sector-specific support.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 20, 2026
Sheryl Findlay to address Glasgow growth summit

Sheryl Findlay to address Glasgow growth summit

Sheryl Findlay will speak at the Glasgow Regional Growth Summit 2026 on April 27, focusing on business and career acceleration.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 20, 2026
Four Stylists Selected for 2026 Fellowship F.A.M.E. Team

Four Stylists Selected for 2026 Fellowship F.A.M.E. Team

Four up-and-coming hairdressers, Troy Boyd, Olivia-Rose Brady, Samantha Bryne, and Chesley Stone, have been selected for the 2026 Fellowship F.A.M.E. Team.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMar 19, 2026
Labour Costs Squeeze Profits for UK Hair and Beauty Salons

Labour Costs Squeeze Profits for UK Hair and Beauty Salons

Rising labour costs are squeezing profits for UK hair and beauty salons, with many operating on razor-thin margins, according to an NHBF survey.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 18, 2026
Four UK Hairdressers Selected for Prestigious F.A.M.E. Team 2026

Four UK Hairdressers Selected for Prestigious F.A.M.E. Team 2026

Four up-and-coming UK hairdressers have been selected for the Fellowship's prestigious F.A.M.E. Team for 2026, recognised for their talent and career potential.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 11, 2026
Headmasters Honours Founder Christine Sanders on IWD

Headmasters Honours Founder Christine Sanders on IWD

Headmasters celebrated International Women's Day by honouring co-founder Christine Sanders, who built the salon group from a single 1982 location.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMar 8, 2026
Industry Leaders Share Career Wisdom for Women in Hair

Industry Leaders Share Career Wisdom for Women in Hair

Female hairdressers share career lessons and advice for the next generation, focusing on skill, empathy, and mutual support.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 6, 2026
Industry Leaders on Balancing Motherhood and Hairdressing Careers

Industry Leaders on Balancing Motherhood and Hairdressing Careers

Industry leaders share personal experiences on balancing demanding careers with motherhood, highlighting challenges and strategies for success.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 6, 2026
Client Loyalty: Stylists Share 10-13 Year Relationships

Client Loyalty: Stylists Share 10-13 Year Relationships

Two UK stylists reveal how 10-13 year client relationships built on trust and friendship drive their careers.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 6, 2026
L'Oréal Professional Joins HJ for Salon Owner Business Mentorship

L'Oréal Professional Joins HJ for Salon Owner Business Mentorship

L'Oréal Professional and HJ launch a free, year-long business mentorship programme for UK salon owners focused on growth and profitability.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveMar 4, 2026
Youth Unemployment Rise Stifles Hair & Beauty Apprenticeships

Youth Unemployment Rise Stifles Hair & Beauty Apprenticeships

Youth unemployment reaches 16.1%, the highest since 2015, preventing the hair and beauty sector from training new apprentices.

2 min read
Salon BusinessMar 4, 2026
Lisa Farrall Launches Creative Mentorship Programme

Lisa Farrall Launches Creative Mentorship Programme

Lisa Farrall launches 'Mentored by Lisa Farrall', a programme offering creatives ten intensive mentoring days, portfolio development, and industry access.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 27, 2026
Employment Costs Block Hair, Beauty Apprenticeships, NHBF Warns

Employment Costs Block Hair, Beauty Apprenticeships, NHBF Warns

Youth unemployment hits 16.1%, with NHBF stating rising costs prevent hair and beauty businesses from hiring apprentices.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 24, 2026
Apprentices Learn More Than Just Cutting Hair

Apprentices Learn More Than Just Cutting Hair

Apprenticeships offer essential skills beyond technical cutting, including client care, business operations, and professional development.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026
Apprentices Seek Fulfilment, Not Just Paychecks

Apprentices Seek Fulfilment, Not Just Paychecks

UK hairdressing apprentices prioritize job fulfilment and work-life balance, with a call for better school guidance on vocational careers.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026
Cos Sakkas: Industry Must Rethink Apprentice Attraction

Cos Sakkas: Industry Must Rethink Apprentice Attraction

Cos Sakkas argues the hairdressing industry must adapt its apprentice recruitment strategy, addressing outdated perceptions and uncompetitive offers.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026
Salon Owners Must Prioritise Apprentice Mental Health

Salon Owners Must Prioritise Apprentice Mental Health

Salon owners must support apprentice mental wellbeing by providing confidential support and training managers in mental health awareness.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026
Hairdressing Veterans Share Essential Advice for New Talent

Hairdressing Veterans Share Essential Advice for New Talent

Seasoned hairdressers impart vital wisdom for new professionals, focusing on perseverance, continuous learning, and embracing the creative journey.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026

Salon vs. Academy vs. College for Hair Apprentices: Expert Views

Experts debate whether salons, academies, or colleges offer the best training for hairdressing apprentices, highlighting pros and cons of each.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026
Salon Leaders Share Tips for Attracting Top Apprentices

Salon Leaders Share Tips for Attracting Top Apprentices

Salon leaders offer advice on attracting apprentices, focusing on career paths, pay, perks, college links, and social media presence.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 13, 2026
Apprentice Insights Reveal 2026 Hair Trends

Apprentice Insights Reveal 2026 Hair Trends

Hairdressing apprentices in 2026 favour seamless blondes, precise cuts, and immersive backwash experiences, while tackling consultation and specific techniques.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 12, 2026

Salon Owners Recount Apprentice Errors and Key Lessons

UK hairdressers share valuable lessons learned from apprenticeship mistakes, emphasizing patience, resilience, and meticulous attention to detail.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 11, 2026

Hairdressing Career: Qualifications, Training and Earning Potential in UK

Aspiring UK hairdressers need specific GCSEs for NVQ Level 2, with salaries starting at £14,000 and rising with experience.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 10, 2026
Salon Careers: Beyond Stylist Roles

Salon Careers: Beyond Stylist Roles

Hairdressing offers diverse career routes from apprentice to owner, requiring continuous learning and evolving skills beyond styling.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 10, 2026
HJ's Apprentice Week 2026: A Full Schedule of Support

HJ's Apprentice Week 2026: A Full Schedule of Support

HJ's Apprentice Week 2026, from Feb 9-15, provides a detailed schedule of content to support hairdressing apprentices and salon owners.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveFeb 9, 2026
MOOD Lifestyle Seeks New Art Team Members

MOOD Lifestyle Seeks New Art Team Members

MOOD Lifestyle is recruiting for its new Art Team, with applications closing February 9th. Talent will be mentored by Tracey Ann Smith and Marlene Lamont.

2 min read
Salon BusinessFeb 3, 2026
Content Career Blueprint Published for Creative Professionals

Content Career Blueprint Published for Creative Professionals

Daniel Cubillo's new book "The Creative Mastermind Mind" provides a blueprint for building a career in content creation, drawing on his experience with major entertainment brands.

2 min read
Modern SalonJan 31, 2026
VTCT Launches AI English Test for International Beauty Learners

VTCT Launches AI English Test for International Beauty Learners

VTCT launches an AI-powered English language test, VELA, for international beauty learners, assessing skills with industry-specific content.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineJan 30, 2026
Darrel Starkey's 17-Year Hairdressing Journey and Industry Advice

Darrel Starkey's 17-Year Hairdressing Journey and Industry Advice

Darrel Starkey shares his 17-year career journey in hairdressing, from early struggles to industry awards and education.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveJan 19, 2026
Session Stylist Linnéa Nordberg Shares Career Path and Inspirations

Session Stylist Linnéa Nordberg Shares Career Path and Inspirations

Session stylist Linnéa Nordberg details her career trajectory from assisting Ali Pirzadeh and Alex Brownsell to working with celebrity clients.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveJan 14, 2026
Sassoon's LIBERTINE Collection and 2026 Training Courses

Sassoon's LIBERTINE Collection and 2026 Training Courses

Sassoon launches its LIBERTINE collection and 2026 training courses, offering stylists advanced cutting and colouring techniques.

2 min read
Salon BusinessJan 5, 2026
Nail Tech Wellbeing: Lighting, Fumes, and Posture Advice

Nail Tech Wellbeing: Lighting, Fumes, and Posture Advice

Nail technicians must prioritise wellbeing through better lighting, fume protection, and posture adjustments to maintain career longevity and work quality.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineJan 4, 2026
Nail Techs Face Burnout Risk in 2026, Need Mindset Shift

Nail Techs Face Burnout Risk in 2026, Need Mindset Shift

Nail business mentor Hannah Clayton warns that the beauty industry's 'busy is best' mantra is unsustainable for nail techs in 2026.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineDec 31, 2025
Nail Techs Urged to Prioritise Time and Self-Care

Nail Techs Urged to Prioritise Time and Self-Care

Nail technician Marie-Louise Coster advises industry professionals to prioritise time and self-care, urging action over delayed ambitions.

2 min read
Scratch MagazineDec 29, 2025
Hair Pros Set 2026 Goals: Mentorship and Kit Investment

Hair Pros Set 2026 Goals: Mentorship and Kit Investment

Hair industry professionals are setting New Year's resolutions focused on mentorship, skill diversification, and kit investment for 2026.

2 min read
Hairdressers Journal InteractiveDec 17, 2025
Q Hair and Beauty Hosts Popular Festive Client Event

Q Hair and Beauty Hosts Popular Festive Client Event

Q Hair and Beauty's annual Christmas event in Chichester welcomed clients for a festive evening of services, shopping, and team recognition.

2 min read
Salon BusinessDec 11, 2025
Barbering Course Partnership Launched at Glasgow Kelvin College

Barbering Course Partnership Launched at Glasgow Kelvin College

MTA Education and Glasgow Kelvin College launch an 18-week barbering certificate program in January 2026.

2 min read
Barber EVODec 10, 2025