Hi, I'm 43 and would like to become a hairdresser. It's something I wanted to do when I was at school but decided to become a PA instead, for reasons which are now beyond me! Does anyone have any tips on how to get into the industry given I need to keep my current full time job to pay the mortgage? I'm single with no kids so don't have any other commitments. I just feel I want to spend the next 20 years of work doing something I love rather than a job that's driving me up the wall. Thanks in advance, Donna xx
Hairdressing training
- Thread starter D2themac
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Refreshingitall
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Go for it... I’m a little bit older and am just returning to hairdressing after a long break bringing up my children!.. I still feel I have loads to offer. X
Thank you! I just wish I had done this when I was younger and first wanted to do it. Anyway, do you think a salon would take on a 43 year old Saturday girl?? Do you know of any part-time courses I can attend? That's the main thing I'm struggling with - all the courses seem to be full time and that just isn't isn't an option - I've got to pay dem bills!!! good luck to you starting back again, you're so lucky!
Refreshingitall
New Member
Maybe pop in and ask a few? You never know... especially with Christmas coming up.. they could probably use some extra help and you’d get a good Idea of some of the more basics aspects of hairdressing before committing yourself x
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I don’t know if there are any salon based apprenticeship schemes open to mature students so you might need to consider attending college to gain your level 2 (& level 3) qualifications.
Although the courses are advertised as full-time study, they usually only require attendance for a couple of days a week so contact all your local training providers to find out what’s available, costs and attendance requirements. You might be able to attend a course and continue working on a part time basis around the course. Not all courses are the same in terms of what they offer, fees charged and attendance requirements so it’s worth contacting all the training schools within a reasonable travelling distance.
Realistically, you might struggle to get taken on by a salon at your age unless you have additional skills that they can utilise such as book keeping, reception work, marketing etc. as they can employ school leavers on much less than minimum wage.
Finally, some colleges suggest that you can get a job with just the level 2 qualification, but it’s a tough market to break into without considerable experience and further training. Colour correction and advanced cutting techniques are taught on level 3 so ideally, you need to factor that into your future training plans.
I completed my level 3 then did some additional training at the Sassoon Academy plus numerous short courses (inc. Barbering) to give me an edge when applying to salons for work. From my level 2 course intake only 2 other students are working as hairdressers so you need to have a plan and stay focussed.
Best of luck!
Although the courses are advertised as full-time study, they usually only require attendance for a couple of days a week so contact all your local training providers to find out what’s available, costs and attendance requirements. You might be able to attend a course and continue working on a part time basis around the course. Not all courses are the same in terms of what they offer, fees charged and attendance requirements so it’s worth contacting all the training schools within a reasonable travelling distance.
Realistically, you might struggle to get taken on by a salon at your age unless you have additional skills that they can utilise such as book keeping, reception work, marketing etc. as they can employ school leavers on much less than minimum wage.
Finally, some colleges suggest that you can get a job with just the level 2 qualification, but it’s a tough market to break into without considerable experience and further training. Colour correction and advanced cutting techniques are taught on level 3 so ideally, you need to factor that into your future training plans.
I completed my level 3 then did some additional training at the Sassoon Academy plus numerous short courses (inc. Barbering) to give me an edge when applying to salons for work. From my level 2 course intake only 2 other students are working as hairdressers so you need to have a plan and stay focussed.
Best of luck!
Well done you!
I am 35 and been a stay at home mummy for 8 years. I started college a few weeks ago doing NVQ level 2 in Hairdressing which is 2 mornings a week, and work 1 day a week in a salon. I have also just completed a 1 day training course in extensions to add another string to my bow.
You can do it.
I am 35 and been a stay at home mummy for 8 years. I started college a few weeks ago doing NVQ level 2 in Hairdressing which is 2 mornings a week, and work 1 day a week in a salon. I have also just completed a 1 day training course in extensions to add another string to my bow.
You can do it.
Thanks for your note! I'm afraid I need to work full time to pay the bills. Seems to be difficult to make a career change unless you can study full time which is a shame.
Hi have you looked into evening classes within the colleges as up in Glasgow they do them one of my clients went in at an older age and is now on her second year and has still managed to keep her job.
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Sometimes you have to be prepared to make small changes and sacrifices in the short term to meet long term goals.
I agree completely! However, having to give up work to study full time is quite a big sacrifice for me, especially when I only have my income to rely on. I think I'll have to put it on the back burner until a lottery win comes along
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Donnalm
Well-Known Member
In Northern Ireland we have part tine courses for both hair and beauty, they're nornally 1-2 evenings a week to allow people to still work
