Many people aspire to continue their profession upon arriving in Australia. With Working Holiday Visa, you can work in any industry of your choosing, so it is easily possible to practice in your field. For those interested in pursuing a career in hairdressing in Australia, here is the information you will require, as well as a personal account from Camilla, who had the opportunity to work as a hairdresser in Australia while on her Working Holiday visa.
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Hairdressing courses in Australia
For those who wish to pursue a hairdressing course in Australia, here is the most common option:
You must obtain a “Certificate III” in hairdressing. Currently, there are two options available for you to follow the course. The first is to complete an apprenticeship in hairdressing. The second option (which is faster and takes 1 year) is to enrol in a full-time course with a certified organization, such as a Registered Training Organization (RTO), such as TAFE, a public institution, or a private centre.
Do you need help to study in Australia?
You are not sure about the visa you need, the application or the school to pick ? Don’t worry. Our partner Study Connection can help you at no cost. Contact Study Connection.
How to find a job as a hairdresser in Australia?
If you have a good command of English upon arriving in Australia, consider distributing your resume at salons and events. This can increase your chances of landing a trial position. Make sure that you are being paid the legal minimum wage as determined by FairWork for this industry.
Another option is to visit barbershops and offer your services. Bring your own equipment and show your skills, and you may be given an opportunity to prove yourself.
Alternatively, you could choose to work independently. To do so, it is advisable to bring all your hairdressing equipment with you to Australia so you can start practicing as soon as possible. You can start building a clientele by networking and promoting your services through youth hostels, Gumtree, and Facebook pages. Word of mouth can be a powerful tool for establishing your business.
To work as a freelance, you will need to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register as self-employed.
Read more: Get an ABN in Australia
Feedback from Camilla
Did you work as a hairdresser before coming to Australia?
I started my hairdressing studies at the age of 15 with a professional aptitude certificate followed by a professional certificate as well as a master’s certificate. I then practiced the profession of hairdresser for 7 years, for major brands very recognized all over the world such as Jean Louis David & Franck Provost.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a job in a salon in Australia. Let’s say I got hired at a salon but my experience didn’t go well. I was very poorly paid and the schedules were very random. Sometimes they sent me home in the middle of the day.
I then decided to practice at home. I managed to create a great clientele through word of mouth. It also allows me to meet many people. My salary and my working hours vary from week to week, but I often work more than 50h/week! And I offer prices that are accessible to backpackers ($20 for a men’s haircut, for example).
What advice would you give to those who want to do hairdressing in Australia?
If you’re a backpacker who wants to work as a hairdresser in Australia, I have some advice for you. Firstly, don’t give up on your dream. However, you need to have a good level of English to work in a salon. It’s also essential to prepare a well-organized Australian resume (CV) that includes all your experience and training. You can use Facebook pages, Gumtree, and word of mouth to find customers, which is ideal if you want to work from home. Salon prices in Australia are high, so offering attractive prices is an excellent way to build your clientele.
