Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Hair heavy
Have you always been the one to put hairstyles on your family and friends? Here’s how to further that talent. Ishani Ranasinghe takes a look at the hairdressing industry
Are you one of those people who is constantly begging your friends and family members to let you style or cut their hair? Have you coloured your hair more in the past month than some people do in a lifetime? Ever considered directing all that hair-raising energy into a future career?

This week we decided to look into the profession of hairdressing and give our readers some insight into the hair world.
Hairdressing:

In Sri Lanka hairdressing is still a growing industry although internationally it is a fast and moving profession with many exciting opportunities available.
The perks:

Aside from the ability to play around with people’s hair all day, you get the satisfaction of knowing you are making someone look and feel great. And, seeing a happy customer is great because you know they will come back.
The downside:

Often, you don’t think about all the time hairdressers spend on their feet. Standing for a good part of the day, clipping away can leave anyone tired. One more thing… be ready to be on the receiving end of things. Not everyone is happy with how they turn out to look, even though it was their idea to go with that particular hairstyle.
The job:

The hairdresser is involved in helping a person make the most of their appearance. In general, hairdressers will cut and style hair, but this is not all. They will first consult with the client over what they require, then by making suggestions on the style or treatment which could be used, the stylist and client will come to a conclusion of which style/ technique will be utilised.
The type of person:

Skill and grace, when it comes to the use of hands will be one of the most important things. You should also have good communicationskills and concentration while also being understanding and patient.
Creativity, enthusiasm, self-motivation, stamina and a good level of fitness is also important.

As a hairdresser you should also be interested in art and fashion, be able to appreciate different styles and keep up-to-date with the latest, in order to translate the trend into something wearable,which looks good.
Opportunities:

There are a number of employment opportunities within the hairdressing industry – from working in private homes, either one’s own or a client’s, self-employment within one’s own salon, or joining a hairdressing chain.
Sri Lanka offers many places that give you the needed qualifications to become a professional hairdresser. Some of them are,

1. Image Academy of Hair and Beauty
a) Diploma in Hair and Beauty
Duration: 16 weeks
This extensive programme introduces every aspect of hairdressing, cutting, styling, colouring, perming and straightening. It offers an in-depth focus on theories and techniques ‘hands on,’ with personal attention given to each participant. Students are assessed through a written and practical examination, which includes a diploma at the completion of the programme.

b) Short courses on hair and beauty
The short courses are for students who have obtained the diploma as well as for the practicing hairdresser. The courses offered a re,

Cuts and colour
A one-day programme on the technical aspect of hair colour and precision hair cutting methods, the course has theory and practical sessions.

Curls and waves
A one-day programme designed to teach the ever-changing perm techniques, to create natural looking, high fashion and permanent wave hair designs. Over seven different winding methods and the use of variety of professional products will be taught.

Re-bonding
A one-day programme designed for experienced hairdressers to teach the popular method of permanent hair straightening with the use of ceramic tools.

Special hair cutting course
This 15-day programme will teach complete hair cutting techniques and help the participants to create their own fashion haircuts.
Bridal hair and make-up
This is a special one-day programme to teach the fine art of dressing a bride with professional hairstyling and make-up.

2. City and Guilds International
An international qualification, this centre holds examinations for three levels of qualifications for hairdressers: Certificate level, Diploma level, and the Advanced Diploma level.
The Certificate level is suitable for someone training to start work in a salon, as an assistant.

The Diploma level is suitable for someone who has already learnt the basic skills of hairdressing and who now wants to be able to work independently.
The Advanced Diploma level is suitable for someone who already has hairdressing skills, who wants to develop these skills and who may supervise others.

Apprenticeship
You can also work as an apprentice where you will have to learn everything about your chosen career and follow a stage-by-stage process in order to become a fully trained hairdresser

The junior, or apprentice who is still undergoing training will wash, condition and rinse hair, assist the stylists and will continually be taught the more skilled tasks, such as blow drying and colouring.

The junior is normally also responsible for certain other tasks involved in the overall maintenance of the salon. These tasks may include reception duties, answering the telephone, making appointments, sorting and supplying towels, gowns and other linen, etc.

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