What is the difference between a hairdresser and hairstylist?

When looking for the perfect hairdresser you may notice that some people will have a different LABEL. Hairdresser or hairstylist. Is there a difference? Yes there is and this is why you need to do your research to select the person who bests suits you and your needs.

When looking for a hairdresser this is what you need to consider;

-photos of previous work

-availability when booking

-required start time

-recommendations through Facebook and Instagram

-experience

It takes a long time and regular training to be good at any trade.

A hairdresser is a trade qualified professional with a Certificate III in Hairdressing or higher. This means they can perform all hair services including hair cutting and colouring. Each unit within the Hairdressing course has prerequisites prior to moving onto the next including infection control and hair condition and treatment.

A hairstylist (each person may be different) will hold a few units of competency or parts of the hairdressing course or sometimes even one unit of the whole course.

The issue within the hairdressing industry is there is no one to police if people are gaining any formal qualification before naming themselves a stylist and operating a business. In some cases they have attended a basic course with no formal qualification given at the end. The worry with this is that they have no experience or evidence of formal qualifications to identify infectious conditions, proper protection of hair and how to avoid heat stress and breakage or disinfecting tools correctly. I am not discrediting anyone who is a hairstylist but making people aware they need to do their research first as there is a difference.

You need to look at what experience your hairdresser or hairstylist have to make an educated choice for your hair on your special day. You know the saying......... "You get what you pay for".

Hairdressers who hold a Certificate III in Hairdressing study for approximately 3-4 years depending on their learning pathway. They study nearly as long as a doctor.

Don't discredit training and experience. You want to look for a suitable and formally trained hairdresser or hairstylist that you can develop a relationship with for your special day.

There are some naturally talented people that may hold less of a qualification but you need to make sure that their experience and skills are worthy and that they would be suitable on the day. There are a few ways to do this including testimonials, pictures of work and having one or more hair trials.

Please watch this space to see why it is important to have a hair trial.

disinfecting tools and equipment.