A Hairstylist

Do you pay attention to people's hair? Or maybe get lost in attempting online tutorials for the trendiest hairstyles? If yes there might be some passion or potential for an intersting career path - hairstyling! 

If you've ever wondered what does it look like to work as a hairstylist on a day-to-da basis keep reading...

JULIA FAHIM: HAIRSTYLIST

Can you describe a typical day on the job?

A typical day on the job would be waking up getting myself ready and heading to the salon. Once there I will get my salon and equipment ready for the day. Then I would usually see anywhere from 4-8 clients a day. Usually at the start of the week I am doing mostly colours and by the end of the week I am doing more styling getting people ready for whatever events they may have over the weekend.  

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HAIRSTYLING AS YOUR CAREER? WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO DO SO?

I choose hairdressing as my career because my mother is a hairdresser. She always had a salon at home and from a very young age I would always go into our home salon whatever I had a chance and watch her I just loved it so much and always had a desire to do it.  

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE SOME KEY PERSONALITY ASPECTS OR SKILLS FOR YOUR ROLE?

Three key personality aspects would definitely have to be:

1. Confidence
2. Compassion
3. Patience.

What have you learned about yourself through the work that you do?

I have learnt that I can get along with just about anyone due to all the different personalities coming in and out of the salon which I didn’t always think would be possible growing up. 

What’s been your best moment while doing your work?

My best moment while doing my work would be when I finished TAFE and received the highest marks in the whole of  NSW TAFEs.

And a difficult moment?

Dealing with clients that had their hair ruined by somebody else. 

How do you keep going when things get really challenging?

I keep going by seeing how much joy other people get from having their hair done and how much it can change their whole mood. 

ARE THERE ANY SURPRISING OR ODD THINGS THAT PEOPLE WOULDN’T EXPECT IF THEY PICKED THIS CAREER?

It is surprising how people trust their hairdressers with the information they wouldn’t share with anyone else. 

CAN YOU SHARE A FUNNY OR WEIRD STORY ABOUT SOMETHING YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE WORKING ON A PROJECT?

One time the power went out while I was halfway through doing a blowdry so we had to go into the local Woolworths to finish it. 

What advice would you give to young people thinking of pursuing a career in this industry?

I would advise them to make sure they are very passionate about hairdressing and to make sure they have a lot of energy to keep up with the workload.