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How to Become A Hair Stylist

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What is a Hair Stylist

A hair stylist cuts, colours, and styles hair to help clients look and feel great. It’s a hands-on creative career with something new every day. In Australia, over 66,800 hairdressers work across salons, spas, and home studios (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Every appointment starts with a chat. A hair stylist asks about the client’s goals, checks their hair type, and suggests the best approach. Then the real work begins: cutting, colouring, treating, and finishing. No two clients are the same, which keeps the job interesting.

There’s more to the role than styling. Hair stylists keep their workspace clean, manage bookings, and recommend products to clients for home care. Building trust with regular clients is a big part of success. Many clients stick with the same stylist for years.

The career offers real room to grow. You can specialise in colour, work on film and TV sets, or eventually open your own salon. With creativity, technical skill, and a people-first attitude, a career in hair styling can take you far.

Browse Hairdressing courses in Australia

Career Outlook for Hair Stylist

Hairdressing is a stable career in Australia, with around 66,800 people employed in the sector (Your Career, 2025). Demand is projected to stay steady, with about 500 new jobs added each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). About 52% of hairdressers work full-time, and the rest work part-time or casually, which suits a range of lifestyles.

The median age of hairdressers is 38 years, and 77% of the workforce is female (Your Career, 2025). Full-time stylists work an average of 40 hours per week. The median full-time weekly wage is $1,209 (ABS, May 2025). That works out to around $63,000 a year.

The beauty and personal care sector continues to grow. Australians consistently spend on hair services, and demand holds even in tough economic times. Hair stylists who build a loyal client base and keep their skills current are well placed for long-term career stability.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

How to Become a Hair Stylist in Australia

Step 1: Finish your secondary schooling

Finish at least Year 10 before you look for salon work. Year 12 gives you a better base in writing and maths. Most salons prefer Year 12 graduates before taking on an apprentice.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Hairdressing SHB30416 at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). Most people complete this as a paid 3-year apprenticeship. Apprentices work in a salon 4 days a week and attend TAFE one day. You can also study it as a standalone course in 1-2 years full-time. It covers cutting, colouring, chemical services, salon work, and client skills. This is the standard entry cert for hairdressers in every state and territory (confirm the code on training.gov.au).

Step 3: Build your skills through on-the-job practice

Use your apprenticeship years to practise every technique under a qualified hairdresser. Work on real clients across a range of services. Build a photo portfolio of your work as you go. This record of your skills will help you land your first senior role when you qualify.

Step 4: Join a professional body and stay industry-connected

Join the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) once you qualify. Membership gives you access to industry resources, award wage guidance, and professional development events. Staying connected to the industry helps you keep your skills sharp and your career moving forward.

Step 5: Consider further study for specialist or leadership roles

Once working as a qualified stylist, consider the Certificate IV in Hairdressing SHB40416. This takes 6-12 months part-time at a TAFE or RTO. It opens doors to senior stylist, salon manager, and educator roles. You can also do short courses in advanced colour, hair extensions, or barbering to grow your service range.

What does a Hair Stylist do?

A hair stylist’s day is busy, creative, and full of variety. They start each appointment with a quick chat to learn what the client wants. Then they cut, colour, or treat the hair with skill and care. Along the way, they manage bookings and keep their station spotless. They also help clients pick the right products for home care. It’s a hands-on role that mixes artistry with people skills, and no two days look quite the same.

Tasks

A hair stylist does creative, hands-on work that makes a real difference in people’s lives. The role combines technical skill with a genuine love of people. Every day brings new clients, new styles, and new chances to grow.

  • Consult with clients: chat about their hair goals and suggest the best style or treatment.
  • Cut and trim hair: use scissors, clippers, and razors to create the desired shape.
  • Colour hair: apply tints, highlights, or balayage to achieve the client’s look.
  • Apply chemical treatments: straighten, perm, or smooth hair using professional products.
  • Style and finish: blow-dry, curl, and finish hair for everyday or special occasion looks.
  • Maintain hygiene: clean and sanitise tools and the workstation between every client.
  • Manage appointments: handle bookings and keep client records up to date.
  • Recommend home care: advise clients on the right products and routines for their hair.
  • Build client relationships: create a welcoming space that keeps clients coming back.
  • Keep learning: take part in training and workshops to grow skills and stay current.

Skills for Success

To make it as a hair stylist, you need both hands-on skill and the ability to connect with people. The technical side covers cutting, colouring, and treating hair, plus knowing how to work with different hair types and textures. Staying current with trends and new products means clients trust your advice.

The people side matters just as much. Good listening helps you understand what a client really wants. Clear communication avoids mistakes and builds loyalty. You’ll also need to manage your time well, keep your station tidy, and handle busy periods without stress. The more you grow your skills, the more your client list will grow too.

Skills & Attributes

  • Precision cutting and styling technique
  • Hair colouring and chemical treatment skills
  • Knowledge of hair types, textures, and scalp conditions
  • Client consultation and active listening
  • Clear communication and customer service
  • Attention to detail and creative flair
  • Time management and scheduling
  • Knowledge of hair care products and tools
  • Workplace health and hygiene standards
  • Physical stamina and manual dexterity
  • Product recommendation and retail skills
  • Teamwork and collaboration in a salon setting
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn
  • Basic business and appointment management skills

Average Salaries

The median full-time wage for a hair stylist in Australia is around $1,209 per week (ABS, May 2025). That equals about $63,000 a year. Starting wages are lower for new graduates. Senior and specialist stylists can earn much more.

min $45 K

max $85 K

av $63 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.