Employment Opportunities for Hairdressers in Australia: Occupation 391111

Are you passionate about hair styling, hair care treatments, and creativity in hairdressing? Then, no one can stop you from become a skilled and sought-after hairdresser in Australia.

 

Australia offers diverse job opportunities for hair stylists or hairdressers across urban centers and regional areas. The hairdressing industry is not only vibrant but also recognized as one of the most in-demand occupations due to the country’s occupation shortage, which is why hairdressing has become an attractive career option for both local and international job seekers. 

 

So, let’s dive in and explore employment opportunities for hairdressers in Australia. 

 

Further, I will also discuss the responsibilities and types of hairdressing and how to become a hairdresser in Australia. But first, lets have a look at the reason that make hairdressers in-demand occupation in Australia

 

Why are Hairdressers In-Demand in Australia?

Hairdresser occupation (ANZSCO code 391111) in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) list is one of the in-demand occupations in Australia. This inclusion on the occupation shortages list 2024 highlights the importance of qualified, skilled hairdressers in Australia’s job market, which indicates that Australia is experiencing a significant need for hairdresser professionals.

 

This designation highlights the high demand for qualified hairdressers nationwide, making it an attractive career choice for local and international professionals. With a growing population and an increasing emphasis on personal grooming, the need for skilled hairdressers continues to rise globally.

 

“According to a survey, the hairdressing industry is experiencing robust growth, with an estimated 31,000 new job openings expected between November 2021 and November 2026. During this period, the workforce will expand approximately with a ratio of 9.6%, increasing from 63,500 workers in 2021 to 69,600 by 2026 in Australia.” – Statista

 

Who is a Hairdresser?

Hairdressers are specialized professionals who handle the services of making people look and feel beautiful. They are highly skilled professionals who specialize in cutting, curling, and styling their clients’ hair. Whether you want a classic haircut or something more creative, they will be your hairstyle partners.

 

Hairdressers can enhance individuals’ looks through their creativity and attitude. They utilize their hair care skills and hair maintenance techniques with the help of modern tools and products. It is truly incredible how these talented professionals enhance the clients’ hair looks in just a few snips.

 

Types of Hairdressers

There are various types of hairdressers, each specializing in different aspects of hair services such as:

 

Hair Stylist

Hair stylists offer their clients a diverse range of services, like haircuts, styling, and basic coloring. They work closely with the client to create styles that may suit their preferences and lifestyles.

 

Colorist

Colorists specialize in hair coloring techniques like highlights, lowlights, balayage, and full-color treatments. They possess skills and expertise in selecting suitable colors and applying them to achieve the best results that may complement the client’s skin tone and style. 

 

Barber

Barbers specialize in cutting and styling men’s hair and focus on their grooming needs, such as bear trimming and shaving. They are skilled in classic haircuts, modern men’s hairstyles, and other facial hair-related services. 

 

Hair Extension Specialist

Hair extension specialists specialize in applying hair extensions and waves to increase the volume or length of the client’s hair. They are knowledgeable about different types of extensions and techniques, such as tape-in, clip-in, sew-in, fusion extensions, and more.

 

Bridal and Event Stylists

They specialize in bridal and unique occasion styling, focusing on hairstyles for weddings, proms, and other special events. These stylists often work on location and with braids, updos, and other complex styles.

 

Trichologists

Trichologists are specialists in scalp and hair health. They diagnose and treat conditions like hair loss, dandruff, and scalp infections and often work closely with dermatologists. 

 

Salon Owner/Manager

The manager or owner oversees the day-to-day operations of hair salon to ensure smooth operation. They offer flexibility and convenience by offering services to clients who prefer personalized on-site services.

 

Role and Responsibilities of Hairdressers

A professional hairdresser in Australia performs a wide range of duties and responsibilities beyond just cutting and styling clients’ hair. Here are some of the critical duties of hairdressers, which may include: 

Client Consultation

Hairdressers understand their clients’ requirements and preferences. After analyzing their hair types and conditions, they give them the right suggestions and advice ass well as recommend suitable hair treatments.

 

Hair Cutting, Coloring and Styling

Hairdressers are technically skilled and proficient in creating the perfect looks for their clients. They master various tasks like cutting, coloring, blow drying, straightening, and styling techniques. They use tools like scissors, razors, brushes, and clippers to create the desired looks for their clients.

 

Hair Treatments

A hairdresser provides many hair treatments, such as washing, conditioning, protein treatments, and treating hair and scalp conditions. Further, they apply chemical treatments such as coloring and straightening and ensure they follow safety protocols and achieve the desired results.

 

Customer Service

Apart from hair treatments, hairdressers build relationships with customers.  They must have excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication to make their clients feel comfortable and satisfied with their health-related services. 

 

What Skills and Qualifications Are Required to Become a Hairdresser in Australia?

To become a hairdresser in Australia, you need to complete formal qualifications, proper training, technical skills, and personal attributes to master the skills of hair cutting, styling, designs, hair coloring, and more.

 

Here are the essential skills and  qualification requirements:

 

Technical Skills

 

Hair Cutting: You must be proficient in various cutting and styling techniques to create multiple clients’ looks.

 

Coloring Techniques: You must know about coloring methods, including highlights, lowlights, balayage, and full-color treatments.

 

Chemical Treatments: You must be able to safely and effectively perform different chemical treatments, such as perming, straightening, and relaxing hair.

 

Hair and Scalp Treatments: You must have skills in offering hair and scalp health-related treatments like conditioning and scalp massages.

 

Formal Qualifications

Here are some formal qualifications and certificationsthat are required to be a hairdresser in Australia.

 

Certificate I in Hairdressing

This certificate is considered an entry-level qualification for hairdressing in Australia. With this certificate, you can work semi-independently and obtain practical experience by performing some tasks in the workplace, such as: 

• Hairdressing, styling, and cutting
• Coordinating with  salon teams
• selling hairdressing products as well as services
• Maintaining and cleaning the workplace
• Scale and Hair Treatments
• Handling client schedules and making appointments

 

Certificate II in Hair Dressing

This certificate involves learning practical skills that are required to be a proficient hairdresser in Australia. In this qualification, you learn about practical skills such as:

• Origination of Tools
• Selling Products
• Hair Styling
• Scalp Messaging
• Stock Handling
• Fixing Chemically damaged locks 

 

Certificate III in Hairdressing

This certificate is for those who want professional-level hairdressing knowledge and techniques. With Certificate III, you will obtain technical and supervisory techniques to become a professional hairdresser. To speed up the learning process, you can enroll in Certificate III in Hairdressing at TAFE institutes in Australia. This certificate is crucial for being a salon manager and obtaining hands-on experience, either through training or workshops. 

 

Note: You must complete Certificate III to become a hairdresser in South Australia or New South Wales.

 

Certificate IV or Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing

When you become a salon manager or want to run a salon, you must complete advanced certification IV in hairdressing. This certificate helps you build advance skills and practical knowledge from your previous certificates. You must have previous credentials to complete this advanced Certificate IV. 

 

Note: Once you complete this certification, you can handle leadership programs and other salon-related operations with your junior hairdressers. Moreover, you can get more employment opportunities in Australia with a higher salary.

 

Diploma in Hairdressing

Once you have completed the Advanced Certificate in Hairdressing or Certificate IV, you can further pursue the Diploma in Hairdressing, which will help you to improve your professional hairdressing and hair styling skills. Many Australian vocational institutions offer these courses. 

 

Apprenticeship in Hairdressing

You can start a hairdressing apprenticeship if you work at a hairdressing salon as an apprentice while simultaneously pursuing a Certificate III qualification. This combination will give you on-site dressing training and classroom study to excel in your hairdressing skills. 

 

Note: If you want to work as a hairdresser in South Australia or New South Wales, you must undertake an apprenticeship. 

 

Apart from the hard skills, you must master soft skills or independent skills, which are mandatory for hairdressers to offer excellent client-centric service.

 

What is the Average Salary of a Hairdresser in Australia?

The average salary of a hairdresser in Australia is approximately $70,000 per year and $35.90 per hour. However, for an entry-level position, the average salary starts at $60,000 per year, and for the most experienced hairdresser workers, the average salary is up to $77,500 per year. 

 

What are the benefits of working as a hairdresser in Australia?

Creative Expression

If you work as a hairdresser in Australia, you will have the opportunity to express your creativity through hair-cutting, coloring, and styling techniques in international settings. 

 

Social interaction 

You will be able to meet and interact with people from diverse cultures. This will help you build strong relationships with clients, which may lead to loyal customers. 

 

Job Security

As hairdressers are listed on the skilled occupation shortage list of Australia 2024, there is a higher demand for qualified overseas hairdresser professionals. This guarantees that there is a wide range of employment opportunities for hairdressers in Australia. 

 

Continuous Learning 

Hairdressing is an ever-evolving profession with new trends and techniques. This provides an ongoing learning opportunity that will allow you to stay updated and enhance your skills.

 

Travel Opportunity

Further, Australian hairdressers are sought after internationally. This allows you to travel abroad, as Australian passport holders can travel to many other visa-free countries and broaden their professional horizons. 

 

Pursue a Hairdressing Career in Australia Now!

Hairdressing is a sought-after service by people of all ages, which makes it an in-demand and dependent profession. In Australia, the hairdressing industry is growing daily and offers many exciting employment opportunities. If you are creative and stay updated with the hairdressing and styling trends, there is much to provide.  With competitive hairdressing salaries, a flexible working environment, and various employment settings, Australia always remains an attractive destination for hairdressers seeking opportunities to advance their careers.

 

If you are a skilled hairdresser and wish to take advantage of the booming demand in Australia, now is the perfect time to explore your employment opportunities there. There are numerous pathways that you can opt for to secure your future. 

 

Consult with Skilled Visa Experts & Get Started Today!

Consult with our migration agent and skills visa consultants to understand suitable visa options for you. They will give personalized advice on the best pathway for you. You can also apply for hairdressing one of the priority occupation in State Nomination Program 2024-25, which offers additional points and many benefits for skilled workers.

 

So, to learn about the latest updates regarding these nominations across Australian states and eligibility criterias as well. Consult with our skilled visa consultants at the Migration and visit our website for more news updates. With the proper guidance and support, you can go through a smooth visa application and start your journey towards a rewarding hairdressing career in Australia.

 

Book your consultation now!