Do You Need Formal Hairdresser Training to Become a Hairdresser in South Africa?

Hairdressing can be a challenging, sociable and rewarding career for many. But of course before you can think about cutting hair you must be properly trained to do so.

In this article we will find out more about hairdresser training and what you can expect as you embark on a career in this profession.

Can you learn on the job?

Surprisingly enough yes, this is possible to do. It is also a popular way of getting into the profession. If you want to go down this route you will need to look for an apprenticeship in the area of South Africa where you live. The odds of being successful in this regard can depend on where you live. If you are based in or near a city you will very likely have more opportunities than you would if you live in a quieter area.

The idea is to take on various tasks in a hairdresser training and also to study at the same time. Thus you will usually be at the salon for a couple of days a week, fitting the salon time in around your studies. As you can see, even if you ‘learn on the job’ in this way, you will still be required to go through proper hairdresser training as you do so.

Is it possible to study for a certificate in hairdressing?

Yes it is. You can get a National Certificate in Hairdressing that is registered and approved by the South African Qualifications Authority. This would provide you with an NQF Level 2 certificate.

This course can be studied part time to allow for experience at a salon as well, as mentioned above. There are different levels of certificates you can get too. The level 2 certificate mentioned above should take just one year to complete. The next level is the level 3 certificate and this also takes a year, on top of the level 2 qualification. You can also go forward and study for the level 4 certificate after this if you wish.

Is it worth studying the higher level courses?

It can be, yes – it all depends on how much you want to know and how many services you want to offer. The level 2 NQF course does not cover hair cutting, so you will need to complete level 3 in order to learn this. Similarly while you can provide a range of services once you are qualified to level 3, you won’t be able to offer perms until you have passed level 4.

It is also worth noting you will acquire the skills you need to open your own salon if you study as far as level 4. So even though you may not need the qualification immediately, it will provide you with a level of hairdresser Jobs knowledge that will be useful in the months and years to come.

So you can see there is plenty to consider in order to have the best chance of becoming a successful Become a Hairdresser in the future.