A recent survey by VTCT Skills sheds light on the ambitions, challenges, and career outlook of the latest generation of newly qualified hairdressers. The report, based on feedback from over 260 stylists who completed hairdressing qualifications (up to and including Level 3) within the last three years, offers valuable insights into how emerging talent views their future in the hair industry. The findings reflect an evolving hairdressing landscape – one that must continue to adapt and support new professionals in building rewarding and sustainable salon careers.
Key Insights:
- Diverse Entry Points into the Industry – The survey revealed that hair professionals qualify at all ages. Nearly a quarter (23%) qualified between the ages of 16 -18, with an almost equal spread across 19-25 (24%), 26-35 (25%), and 36-50 (23%), while 5% pursued hairdressing later in life.
- Strong Employment Prospects – The industry offers multiple career pathways:
- 34% of respondents are successfully self-employed
- 26% are employed in salons and businesses, enjoying stable careers and ongoing development.
- 17% are pursuing further study, demonstrating a commitment to skill enhancement and career progression.
Challenges Turned into Opportunities
- Building Confidence & Securing Clients – 30% mentioned the challenge of finding work and clients, while 17% emphasised the importance of confidence-building. This underscores the need for ongoing mentorship and real-world experience.
- Expanding Technical Skills – Many
professionals wished for additional training in advanced techniques,
including:
- Colouring expertise (mentioned 27 times)
- Extensions (13 mentions)
- Afro, textured, and curly hair techniques (15 mentions)
- Perming (15 mentions)
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The survey revealed that 46% of professionals have actively pursued further training post-qualification, with courses in advanced cutting, barbering, business management, and client acquisition proving popular. This trend highlights a strong dedication newly qualified stylists have to continuous learning and improvement.
Future Aspirations: A Vision of Personal Growth
This new generation of stylists are ambitious with a strong desire to give back.
- Owning a salon – 32% dream of running their own business and shaping the next generation of stylists.
- Becoming educators – 5% expressed a desire to mentor and train the future workforce.
- Working in a salon – 27% of the respondents wanted to be working in a salon, many of whom are facing challenges
- Freelance/self-employed – 13% referenced wanting to be freelance, self-employed or offering mobile hair services
Industry Support for Future Success
VTCT Skills is committed to empowering hair professionals through its plan to launch a membership platform. As an awarding body, VTCT Skills is exceptionally placed to support newly qualified stylists as they begin their careers. The new membership platform will give access to a range of bitesize training, discounts on insurance, individual portfolio pages so employers can recruit, and much more.
With a unique, global perspective on what it takes to make the next generation of stylists expect to find:
· Confidence-Building Initiatives: Offer mentorship arrangements to support newer professionals in building confidence.
· Marketing and Client Acquisition Training: workshops focused on marketing and business development.
· Accessible Training Options: flexible and affordable training programmes to reduce barriers.
· Support for Aspiring Salon Owners: resources and guidance for those aiming to establish their own businesses.
The countdown to this new launch has begun and you can join the wait list to be the first to know when it goes live! www.vtctskills.org.uk/membership
With a strong foundation, continuous learning opportunities, and a bright outlook, the hairdressing industry remains one of the most exciting and rewarding career choices today.