HAIRDRESSING Qualification consists of competencies that a person must achieve to
perform basic hair care services such as hair coloring, bleaching, haircutting,
straightening and perming and basic facial make-up application.
Within the hairdressing industry, you may be involved in a range of work activities on a
Daily basis such as using a wide variety of tools and electrical appliances, chemical
products, talking to clients and carrying out cleaning duties. In your daily work you may
use scissors, styling rods and rollers, rubber caps, hair dryers, curling tongs, chemical
solutions and treatments, and cleaning equipment and Products. You must be trained in
how to use these tools, appliances and products and made aware of any potential
hazards.
Electricity Hairdressers
Frequently use electrical appliances, such as hair dryers and curling tongs, in work areas
where water may be present. It is important to remember that electricity and water do not
mix.
To reduce the risk of electric shock you must follow instructions, which may include
remembering to:
• Switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug
• disconnect broken appliances, and do not use frayed cords or broken power points
• Not use too many appliances from the same power point, and
• keep electrical cords off the floor
Slips, Trips and Falls In the hairdressing industry, causes of slips, trips or falls
include:
• Slippery surfaces (e.g. hair left on the floor, surfaces that are wet, polished or oily)
• Unsuitable surface texture of the floor
• Foot-wear that does not provide enough tread
• moving from one surface to another and variable floor levels
• Equipment, tool trolleys and rubbish left in the way
• Steps and ladders used incorrectly
• Loose clothing caught on furniture or appliances
• Lighting which is not bright enough
• Exposure to some chemical substances, and
• being hit by a moving or falling object.

Latex sensitivity Hairdressers
Who use disposable gloves may also develop sensitivity to latex over a period of time.
Latex is used extensively in the manufacture of disposable gloves. Cornstarch powder is
often used in latex gloves to make them easier to put on. Latex proteins are absorbed
into the cornstarch powder. The powder then irritates the skin causing the allergic
reaction. When the gloves are removed the powder can be released into the air and may
be inhaled.
Latex sensitivity usually leads to dry, raw skin, most commonly on the hands. Severe
allergic reactions can result in sustained dermatitis with blisters and respiratory
symptoms. Your employer may provide you with powder free, low allergen gloves to
reduce the risk of a reaction to latex.
Tools and Equipment use inside the salon.
1. All-Purpose Shears
The standard size most hairdressers use is between 5.5 inches and 6.5
inches depending on the results they want. A 5.5 inch shear is ideal for precision
cutting, while a longer shear, say, between 6 and 7 inches, works well for bigger jobs
like large sections, compressed cutting, and deep texturizing.
A longer shear also reduces the time it takes to execute a one-length bob or a scissor-
over-comb technique and allows you to comfortably cut the hair around a client’s face.
Want the best of both worlds?
Our favorite “do everything” shear is a professional 6.25” shear. An ergonomic shear
in this size is large enough to handle any job from layering techniques to cutting
one-length styles but not so long that it’s uncomfortable to use every day behind
the chair.
2. Blending Shears

When you want to remove weight in a hurry, soften lines or add controlled texture,
you need a blending shear. Sometimes called a thinning shear, this versatile tool has
evenly spaced teeth on one side and a straight blunt blade on the other.
Look for a professional blending shear (also called a professional thinning shear or
professional texturizing shear) with a moderate removal of weight so that it can be used
for softly removing lines, texturizing, and adjusting weight balance within a shape.
For best performance, the blending shear should have convex blades and opposing
grip handles so that it is reversible.
3. Powerful Yet Lightweight Blow Dryer
What’s a hairdresser without a blow dryer? Out of work. Next to your shears, it might be
the most important tool in your kit.
You want something light enough that it won’t feel like you’ve been lifting weights at the
end of the day, and look for cutting-edge ionic technology, which speeds up drying
time, reduces damage and leaves locks looking shiny and frizz-free.
Our favorite is a professional ionic blow dryer with ceramic tourmaline. Weighing in at
less than a pound, it delivers powerful airflow, yet it’s whisper-quiet.
4. Curling Iron

If you can have only one iron in your kit, make it a 1” curling iron. It’s versatile enough
to create a variety of looks because the barrel is not so small that you end up with tight
ringlets, yet it’s big enough to deliver just the right amount of bend and wave.
Wrap the hair around the barrel using different techniques and get curl that runs the
gamut from loose to polished and sophisticated.
For professionals, we always recommend a marcel curling iron because of the control
and diversity in techniques that can be created versus a spring curling iron.
5. Razor
This is one tool that’s a must for removing hair quickly while building incredible
texture. Want hair with a lived-in look that’s not so clean and precise? Use a razor.
For more versatility, look for a razor with interchangeable blades that are suitable
for classic straight-razor cutting, blending andtexturizing. Also, an ergonomic finger
design keeps your hand in a natural position, which reduces strain, so look for this feature
on your next razor purchase.
6. Paddle Brush

When it comes to quickly and safely detangling hair, there’s nothing like a paddle
brush to do the trick. It’s also the brush of choice for flat-wrapping or volume
wrapping hair before finishing.
Another plus: The wide, rectangular surface is ideal for creating tension across a large
surface while blow drying.
Look for a design with a soft cushioned base and ball-tipped nylon bristles infused
with tourmaline. This will create more tension and shine within the hair with less work.
7. The Right Combs
A variety of combs will make any job easier—creating clean sections when cutting,
coloring or styling hair; scissor-over-comb or clipper-over-comb techniques;
and separating, straightening and styling the hair.
A Comb Set featuring a tail comb, a short cutting comb, a long cutting comb and a wide
cutting comb will cover all of the bases.
Choose ivory and black colors to maximize visual contrast between dark and light
hair. Also look for professional combs crafted from carbon fibers, silicone and
graphite resins, these combs provide the smoothest glide possible and can stand up to
450 degrees of heat.
8. Sectioning Clips

Clips are ideal for sectioning hair while styling, cutting or coloring. Still, not all clips
are created equal. Look for ones that provide maximum grip on dry hair so you can isolate
large sections of hair when dry cutting. You also want a clip that won’t leave marks, a
must for creating pristine upstyles.
Dry sectioning clips are a great option because they can still be used on wet hair but
will minimize creases and lines on dry hair.
9. Water Bottle
Every hairdresser should have a water bottle that fits easily in their hand while lightly
misting or quickly saturating the hair. Prolonged, continuous spray is a great feature
found in many newer water spray bottles.
10. The Perfect Round Brush
A round brush is an absolute necessity when it comes to executing flawless
blowouts, but it’s important to choose the right size for the job.
A small barrel is best for styling short hair, a medium barrel creates fullness at the
base, and a large barrel is ideal for long, loose waves or straight looks with body.

A round brush can also transform fine hair, making it look fuller and thicker. Search out a
brush with the perfect combination of nylon and boar bristles to create maximum
volume and shine.