HomeMedia CentreNewsVTCT Skills Survey Gives Insights into the Future Shape of Hairdressing and Opportunities for Growth
VTCT Skills Survey Gives Insights into the Future Shape of Hairdressing and Opportunities for Growth
3 Mins Read |
Published 12 March 2025 | By Anthony March
A new survey conducted by VTCT Skills showcases where the newest generation of newly qualified stylists are at in their ambitions, their concerns and how they see their career progressing.
The findings highlight an industry that adapts and needs to support its workforce in building successful and fulfilling careers. Over 260 newly qualified stylists, who completed their hairdressing qualifications up to and including Level 3 within the past three years, were surveyed.
Key Insights
Diverse Entry Points into the Industry – The survey revealed that hair professionals qualify at all ages. Nearly a quarter (23%) qualified between the ages of 16 -18, with an almost equal spread across 19-25 (24%), 26-35 (25%), and 36-50 (23%), while 5% pursued hairdressing later in life.
Strong Employment Prospects – The industry offers multiple career pathways:
34% of respondents are successfully self-employed
26% are employed in salons and businesses, enjoying stable careers and ongoing development.
17% are pursuing further study, demonstrating a commitment to skill enhancement and career progression.
Challenges Turned into Opportunities
Building Confidence & Securing Clients – 30% mentioned the challenge of finding work and clients, while 17% emphasised the importance of confidence-building. This underscores the need for ongoing mentorship and real-world experience.
Expanding Technical Skills – Many professionals wished for additional training in advanced techniques, including:
Colouring expertise (mentioned 27 times)
Extensions (13 mentions)
Afro, textured, and curly hair techniques (15 mentions)
Perming (15 mentions)
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The survey revealed that 46% of professionals have actively pursued further training post-qualification, with courses in advanced cutting, barbering, business management, and client acquisition proving popular. This trend highlights a strong dedication newly qualified stylists have to continuous learning and improvement.
Future Aspirations: A Vision of Personal Growth
This new generation of stylists are ambitious with a strong desire to give back.
Owning a salon – 32% dream of running their own business and shaping the next generation of stylists.
Becoming educators – 5% expressed a desire to mentor and train the future workforce.
Working in a salon – 27% of the respondents wanted to be working in a salon, many of whom are facing challenges
Freelance/self-employed – 13% referenced wanting to be freelance, self-employed or offering mobile hair services
Industry Support for Future Success
VTCT Skills is committed to empowering hair professionals through its plan to launch a membership platform. As an awarding body, VTCT Skills is exceptionally placed to support newly qualified stylists as they begin their careers. The new membership platform will give access to a range of bitesize training, discounts on insurance, individual portfolio pages so employers can recruit, and much more.
With a unique, global perspective on what it takes to make the next generation of stylists expect to find:
Confidence-Building Initiatives
Offer mentorship arrangements to support newer professionals in building confidence.
Marketing and Client Acquisition Training
Workshops focused on marketing and business development.
Accessible Training Options
flexible and affordable training programmes to reduce barriers.
Support for Aspiring Salon Owners
resources and guidance for those aiming to establish their own businesses.
The countdown to this new launch has begun and you can join the wait list to be the first to know when it goes live! www.vtctskills.org.uk/membership
With a strong foundation, continuous learning opportunities, and a bright outlook, the hairdressing industry remains one of the most exciting and rewarding career choices today.
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