Hairdresser jobs will always be in high demand. Whatever the economic situation, location, or population; people will always want to look their best for every occasion. Although there are those professionals who specialize in everything from custom hair colors to finger waves, hairdressing is made up of numerous sub specialties and career paths that stylists can take advantage of.
One of the most popular hairdresser jobs is that of actually cutting the hair. This entails more than just being able to cut straight and without tags or flyways. Barbers must learn a variety of styles and cuts. Most customers have a style in mind when they enter a salon, and the barber must be able to oblige to avoid losing the client. This specialty usually requires some specialized training in cosmetology, with both written and hands on exams to test the stylist’s skills.
The shampoo technician is perhaps the least skilled of all hairdressers and stylists. This person’s role involves washing and conditioning a client’s hair before it is cut and styled. She may also be required to comb the hair, answer the phone, and clean up trimmings after a client has been styled. In some cases the shampoo technician is actually a hairdresser in training and may be apprenticing with more experienced stylists until her schooling is complete.
Colorist is another one of the many hairdresser jobs that stylists have to choose from. It is the colorist's job to mix custom hair color, apply the color to the client’s hair, apply highlights and lowlights, and rinse the hair. These tasks are usually done before the hair is cut.
Many people who study hairdressing or cosmetology will learn all of these skills, and then practice each of them independently. One person can wash, color, cut, and style the same client. Of all the hairdresser jobs, the one of stylist is often the most challenging and rewarding. For that reason, it also usually requires more schooling than other hairdresser jobs. The stylist may be required to learn various styling techniques, as well as be able to apply weave or hair extensions.
Nearly all hairdresser jobs require that the hairdresser be able to work on various hair types and textures. Those of an African origin or with curly hair may have drier or harder to manage hair than others, and may require more careful and specialized treatment.