Do you have a love for hair and giving clients a lfit through improving their hair appearance? Are you passionate about learning about improving hair quality and applying new techniques. Hairdressing/hairstyling requires you to learn continuously and have a passion for hair. If this sounds like you then we might have the course for you.
What is hairdressing/hairstyling?
Hairdressing is the enhancement of the appearance of hair which includes cutting, styling, adding colour and applying treatments/hair texturing techniques.
What third level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland offer courses in the following courses in this area:
- Hairdressing
- Hairdressing and Barbering
- Hairdressing and Beauty Specialist
- Hairdressing and Beauty Studies
- Hairdressing – advanced
- Hairdressing and barbering Techniques
- Hairdressing Junior Stylist/Hairdressing Senior Stylist
- Professional Hairdressing
Studying Beauty Therapy in college
The courses in this area are predominantly PLC courses and range between Level 5 and Level 6 courses. They will give you the opportunity to gain all the relevant skills and knowledge you will need in order to work as a hairdresser in a fast paced industry. They are mostly intensive and hand-on courses.
Looking closer at what you will study, the following areas will be to the fore if you study a course in Profession Hairdressing. They include Hairdressing Practice and Theory, Hairdressing Science, Creative Styling, Customer Service, Communications, Reception and Front Desk Skills, Safety and Health at Work and other areas.
Different courses may differ in their exact content but overall you will gain the relevant knowledge needed to work in the industry. You may also learn through an apprenticeship which is also an option. Other areas you might touch on include Personal Effectiveness and choose to add modules from hair extensions, micro beads, nano beads and more in some courses.
As this is quite a hands-on career, courses will also give students the opportunity to take work experience and apply their knowledge practically while becoming familiar with working in the environment of a hair salon/hairdressers.
Career Options
Becoming a hairdresser/hairstylist is the most obvious role when studying a course in this area. This would allow you to become a salon owner/entrepreneur or to simply work in a hair salon. It is possible to add to your qualifications by taking other relevant courses.
Hairdressing requires you to be continuously learning and often you will take courses throughout your career to keep up to date on new and improved styles, techniques and more. Other areas that are relevant which you might like to study to add to your degree are listed in the related jobs below.
Skills and qualities in this area that are both helpful and important include strong communication skills, time management skills, organisation skills, interpersonal skills, respect for clients, confidentiality, pay attention to detail, friendly and professional, eager to learn and keep up to date with new trends and styles. You will need to be creative and patient as well as the ability to sell salon products.
Related Jobs
- Hairdresser/Hair stylist
- Salon owner
- Beauty Therapist
- Beautician
- Hairdresser
- Hair Stylist
- Makeup artist
- Nail technician
Further Study
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always safest to check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
Like other areas within the beauty industry, creativity and practical skills can often be more important than results. Portfolios and interviews may apply in some cases.
Where can I study?
For other courses in the area you would like to explore, you can do so here.
Did you know?
- Each strand of hair is made up of different parts – the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla.
- About 95% of the total skin area is covered with hair
- The average head contains about 100,000 hair follicles
Resources
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