Cuts, styles, colours, straightens and permanently waves hair, and treats hair and scalp conditions.

Provides advice on hair care, beauty products and hairstyles; shampoos hair and conditions scalp; colours, straightens and permanently waves hair with chemical solutions; cuts hair with scissors, clippers and razors; styles hair into dreadlocks and braids and adds hair extensions; shaves and trims beards and moustaches; cleans work areas and sanitises instruments; arranges appointments and collects payments; may clean, colour, cut and style wigs and hairpieces.

• Works inside usually in hairdressing salons or barber shops.
• Work spaces are generally adequately heated and ventilated with high standards of cleanliness and a welcoming relaxed atmosphere.

• Sedentary to light work.
• Constantly stands or sits on a high stool while carrying out hairdressing tasks.
• Occasionally stretches and reaches across to pick up pieces of equipment from the work bench while seated or standing beside the client.
• Twisting of the body or neck is not likely to occur to any significant extent.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is likely to be frequent, with the use of a wide range of chemical hairdressing solutions and water as well as physical contact with people who may have skin conditions. Latex gloves are often worn.
• Heavy lifting, pulling or carrying is not a significant component of the job.
• Repetitive movements using arms, hands and fingers are frequent for a number of hairdressing tasks.
• Driving is unlikely to be required.
• Hairdressers constantly use hand tools/hand-held objects both electric and manual including scissors, clippers, straighteners, clips and hairdryers.
• Bending, squatting or crouching are not significant requirements.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of listening, communication, organisational, creative and practical hairdressing skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.