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Hairdresser/​Barber

Kaikutikuti Makawe

Alternative titles for this job

Hairdressers/barbers cut, colour and style hair. Barbers also shave and trim hair, moustaches and beards.

Pay

Hairdressers/barbers usually earn

$48K-$55K per year

Skilled hairdressers/barbers can earn

$65K-$100K per year

Source: Seek, 2023

Job opportunities

Chances of getting a job as a hairdresser/barber are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.

Pay

Pay for hairdressers/barbers varies depending on experience and how many clients they have. They may also receive bonuses and commissions.

  • Apprentice hairdressers and barbers can expect to start on the training wage with pay increasing as they gain skills and complete unit standards.
  • Qualified hairdressers/barbers usually earn between minimum wage and $55,000 a year.
  • Highly skilled and experienced hairdressers/barbers can earn from $65,000 to more than $100,000. 

Hairdressers/barbers running their own business may earn more than this, but their income depends on the success of the business.

Sources: careers.govt.nz research, Seek, 2023.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our pay information)

What you will do

Hairdressers/barbers may do some or all of the following:

  • consult with clients about the style and cut they want
  • wash, cut, colour, style and blow-wave hair
  • shave and trim beards and moustaches
  • sell haircare products and products for hair and scalp problems
  • clean and sanitise equipment and their work area
  • promote their services on social media 
  • run their own business.

Skills and knowledge

Hairdressers/barbers need to have:

  • skill in different hairdressing and barbering methods, including cutting, styling, perming and colouring
  • knowledge of current hair and barbering trends
  • knowledge of hair and skin types, and how they react to chemicals such as colouring products
  • knowledge of health and hygiene regulations
  • creative and artistic skills
  • basic maths skills.

Hairdressers/barbers who run their own businesses also need bookkeeping and management skills.

Working conditions

Hairdressers/barbers:

  • usually work on week days, at least one weekend day, and some evenings
  • work in hairdressing salons or barbershops, which can be very busy
  • work with equipment that can cause cuts or burns.

What's the job really like?

Bonnie Jo Wordsfold

Bonnie Jo Worsfold

Senior Stylist

How did you get into hairdressing? 

“At school, I had to have my hair done differently every day and Mum was like, ‘You should be a hairdresser’.”

Not ready to take that advice at the time, Bonnie went to music school, and then on to acting school. But eventually, needing some way to pay the bills, she enrolled in a hairdressing course and found her perfect job.

What's your favourite part of the job?

“I don’t have a favourite part – I enjoy it all. I have to have a creative career and hairdressing is about working with colour – like painting.

"I have a good memory and I’m interested in technology and the special ingredients in products. I get to talk to people all day and feel good about them."

How do you deal with clients who have impossible hair dreams?

“You have to be honest. If they want something that’s not possible I say, ‘No, I don’t think your hair is going to survive that', but I always try to find some way to give them what they want – it’s about problem solving and giving them the best value."

Hairdressing is glamorous, right?

“Hairdressing is a lot harder than people think. You get sweaty, you’re rushing around, you’re constantly on your feet. You do get used to it but it’s not for everyone. I don’t wear high heels any more!"

Did your mother have any other career advice?

“Mums are always right. She told me, ‘It’s a great job if you want to travel, and no one is going to want a computer or a robot to cut their hair’.” 

Barber video

Luke Kimiora talks about life as a barber – 2.01 mins.

View transcript
You kind of pinpoint where you want to go, and it's just like real long strokes,
you know, .
My name is Luke and I'm a barber.
The barbershop environment is like no other. We cut hair.
We make people look good and feel good.
It's a space where men and women can come together and just do
life together. Tools that I use are shears or scissors.
Next one, your clippers. So I use wireless clippers.
Next important tool are your trimmers.
Trimmers are important to go around the ear and touch up on
real small areas so they're good for detail work.
Banter is really important.
You're able to just talk to your client and just see how they're feeling and
doing. For them to come in and for us to take care of them and really
listen to what they're going through, I think it's,
it's an important role that we play as barbers and what we're able to provide
them is, is I guess,
a safe place and they can walk out feeling good. I started working in my dad's
barber shop when I was a kid, so I'm a second generation barber.
I used to sweep here for pocket money.
After school I decided to become a barber because I was inspired by my dad.
That's when I started my journey, going to barber school. You don't
necessarily need a degree or qualification to
become a barber. There's a lot of resources out there like YouTube,
and that's a good starter.
I love that I can help someone feel good about
themselves as well as look good. I love that I can help heal.
I love that I can create and use hair cutting
as a canvas to create art.

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a hairdresser/barber. However, employers usually prefer people with either:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing - Professional Stylist (Level 4)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4).

You can gain a hairdresser/barber qualification by:

  • completing an apprenticeship, which the New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO) oversees
  • applying to have your hairdressing experience recognised by HITO through the Qualification by Experience (QbyE) programme.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a hairdresser/barber. However, maths, science, English, visual arts, and design and visual communication (graphics) are useful. 

For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

These programmes may help you gain an apprenticeship, but do not reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it.

Personal requirements

Hairdressers/barbers need to be:

  • good at communicating and listening
  • friendly and polite
  • organised
  • able to follow instructions
  • accurate, with an eye for detail.

Useful experience

Useful experience for hairdressers/barbers includes:

  • work as a hairdresser's/barber's assistant
  • sales or other work involving contact with people.

Physical requirements

Hairdressers/barbers need to be reasonably fit and healthy and able to stand for long periods. They also need to have good hand-eye co-ordination and steady hands. Also, they should not be allergic to chemicals.

Registration

Hairdressers/barbers can join Hair and Barber New Zealand. 

Find out more about training

New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers
(04) 548 9818 - office@nzhairdressing.org.nz - www.nzhairdressing.org.nz
New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO)
(04) 499 1180 - info@hito.org.nz - www.hito.org.nz
Check out related courses

What are the chances of getting a job?

Qualified and experienced hairdressers/barbers in demand

Demand for hairdressers and barbers is increasing, as clients want extra services such as special hairstyles, colouring and hot-towel shaves.

Although there are nearly 12,000 hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists, there are not enough to meet demand and employers report difficulty finding skilled hairdressers. 

According to the Census, 10,488 hairdressers/barbers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Beards and short hair trends drive demand for barbers

Barbers are also in demand due to:

  • the popularity of beards and short haircuts for men
  • the preference of many men to attend a barber rather than a hairdresser
  • the demand for barbers' services from migrants and tourists from countries where barbering is common.

High competition for apprenticeships 

Chances of finding work as a hairdresser/barber apprentice are average. There is good demand from employers for apprentices, but there are many applicants for each position. 

Experience and direct approach increase your chances

Useful experience to show employers you are keen and also have a realistic idea of the role includes:

  • the Gateway programme for hairdressing/barbering
  • work experience at hair salons
  • study at a hairdressing/barbering school
  • customer service experience, either paid or voluntary.

Few hairdresser/barber apprenticeships are advertised, so it is useful to contact salons or the New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO) directly about apprenticeships. 

Types of employers varied

Hairdressers/barbers may work for:

  • hair salons and barber shops
  • beauty spas and health clubs
  • large department stores
  • luxury hotels and cruise ships
  • nursing homes.

Hairdressers/barbers can be self-employed, run their own salons, or hire a chair in an existing salon. 

Sources

  • IBISWorld, 'Hairdressing and Beauty Services - New Zealand Market Research Report', October 2018, (www.ibisworld.com.au).
  • Mason, L, director, Vivo Hair & Beauty, careers.govt.nz interview, October 2018.
  • McNicol, 'Booming Barbering Industry Looks to Sharpen its Blade', 30 July 2017, (www.stuff.co.nz).
  • Manch, T, 'Barber Boom in Hamilton as Men Queue for High-end Haircuts', 5 July 2017, (www.stuff.co.nz).
  • New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO) website, accessed October 2018 (www.hito.org.nz).
  • Peters, K N, 'Māori Find Success in Booming Barber Industry', Māori television, 21 May 2018, (www.maoritelevision.com).
  • Robson, P, strategic advisor – brand, marketing and communication, New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO), careers.govt.nz interview, October 2018.
  • Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.
  • Stats NZ, NZ.Stat website, Business Demography Statistics, accessed October 2018 (nzdotstat.stats.govt.nz).

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information)

Progression and specialisations

Hairdressers/barbers may progress to set up their own hairdressing/barbering business or move into management, training or education roles.

A young woman with bright red hair wearing an apron clips the hair on the back of a man's head while another man looks on

Hairdressers and barbers cut and style hair

Last updated 27 March 2024