Social ServiceISCO 5141

Hairdresser assistant

A hairdresser assistant is a person who washes clients' hair and applies conditioners and colouring products in salons.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

treat scalp conditions

maintain equipment

use equipment for hair care

wash hair

identify customer's needs

About hairdresser assistant

The shampoo basin is where the work begins. The assistant applies shampoo, massages the scalp and rinses the hair, paying attention to water temperature, pressure, support for the neck and making sure nothing runs into a collar. Specialist lotions, shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products are selected according to a client's needs and preferences.

The assistant applies colouring products, carries out lightening and dyeing treatments under the stylist's direction, and handles the chemicals safely, because hair colour and bleach are active products that burn skin and damage hair when they are left too long or mixed wrongly.

Scalp care treatments and massage are also part of the role, and knowledge of hair and of hair products helps the assistant choose suitable products for a client. Equipment is maintained and the station is kept in order between clients. The assistant uses ergonomic working methods, since treatments are done standing with raised arms, and learns hairdressing by watching and assisting the hairdresser. Formal requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

hair colouringhair colouringThe theory and practice of colouring a hairstyle and various process steps and types such as bleaching, highlights, and balayage.hairhairHuman hair, its composition and interaction with various chemicals, environment factors and health issues.hair productshair productsThe qualities and applications of various styling products used on different types of hair, such as curling creams, hairspray, shampoos, and conditioners.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.treat scalp conditionstreat scalp conditionsUse specialised lotions, shampoos or equipment to treat scalp or hair problems such as hair loss, hair damage, dandruff or psoriasis.maintain equipmentmaintain equipmentRegularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.use equipment for hair careuse equipment for hair careUse tools to cut, trim or shave hair, such as scissors, clippers, razors and combs.wash hairwash hairUse shampoo to clean clients' hair and scalp, use hair conditioners to create volume or make hair more smooth and shiny and afterwards dry the hair with a blow dryer or a towel.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.dye hairdye hairDye hair using a special solution to change its colour.

Optional (15) — show

communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.sell hair productssell hair productsSell various styling products used on different types of hair, such as curling creams, hairspray, shampoos and conditioners.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.greet guestsgreet guestsWelcome guests in a friendly manner in a certain place.give massagesgive massagesProvide clients with head, hand, neck, facial or full body massages.monitor stock levelmonitor stock levelEvaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.maintain work area cleanlinessmaintain work area cleanlinessKeep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.advise on hair styleadvise on hair styleMake recommendations to customers about suitable hair styles, based on their preferences and your own professional judgment.provide directions to guestsprovide directions to guestsShow guests the way through buildings or on domains, to their seats or performance setting, helping them with any additional information so that they can reach the foreseen event destination.maintain professional administrationmaintain professional administrationFile and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.recommend cosmetics to customersrecommend cosmetics to customersRecommend and provide advice on cosmetic products based on the customer's personal preferences and needs and on the different product types and brands available.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...help customers with hair problemshelp customers with hair problemsOffer solutions for or ways to deal with hair problems, such as gray hair, hair loss, hair damage or greasy hair, or scalp problems such as dandruff or psoriasis.process paymentsprocess paymentsAccept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attent...stay up-to-date with hair style trendsstay up-to-date with hair style trendsKeep abreast of current and future fashion trends in hair styles.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

hairdresser10 shared essential skills barber7 shared essential skills hair removal technician5 shared essential skills aesthetician4 shared essential skills manicurist4 shared essential skills pedicurist4 shared essential skills body artist3 shared essential skills massage therapist3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a hairdresser assistant do?

Hairdresser assistants clean the hair of clients, apply hair conditioner and dying treatment in a beauty salon. They apply shampoo, rub scalp and rinse the hair. They may also do scalp treatment, bleaching, tinting, and massaging for their clients. Hairdresser assistants use specialized lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care equipment, according to their client's needs and preferences.

What skills does a hairdresser assistant need?

A hairdresser assistant needs 12 essential skills, including hair colouring, hair, hair products, work ergonomically, treat scalp conditions.

Will AI replace hairdresser assistant jobs?

The AI disruption score for hairdresser assistant is 30/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor stock level, process payments, maintain professional administration. Most resilient: give massages, wash hair, listen actively.

AI Replacement Risk

30/ 100

Low Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

monitor stock level process payments maintain professional administration

Skills resilient to automation

give massages wash hair listen actively

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Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service

ISCO GroupPersonal service workers

Essential Skills12

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