How Much Does a Hairdresser Earn a Year in the UK?

How much does a hairdresser earn a year? Let’s cut straight to it. On average, a UK hairdresser earns between £14,000 and £35,000 a year, depending on role, experience, and location. Apprentices start lower, while salon owners and freelancers can earn far more.

If you’re thinking about hairdressing, money matters just as much as creativity. This guide breaks down earnings at every level. You’ll see what apprentices, juniors, senior stylists, freelancers, and salon owners earn. You’ll also learn what boosts pay, what holds it back, and how to make the most of your skills.

How Much Does a Hairdresser Earn a Year in the UK?

The answer depends on career stage.

• Apprentices: £10,000–£14,000 a year
• Junior stylists: £14,000–£18,000 a year
• Salon stylists: £18,000–£24,000 a year
• Senior stylists: £25,000–£35,000 a year
• Freelancers and salon owners: £40,000–£70,000 a year

This ladder shows clear growth. The more skills you have, the more clients pay.

Apprentice Hairdresser Salary UK

Apprenticeships mix training and work. They pay £10,000–£14,000 a year. It’s not huge, but you get free training and salon experience.

During this stage, you’ll shampoo, blow-dry, and assist stylists. You also build confidence with real clients. This experience gives you a head start when you move into a stylist role.

Junior Hairdresser Salary UK

As a junior stylist, you step out of training. You now have paying clients, though often at discounted rates.

Junior stylists earn £14,000–£18,000 a year. At this stage, speed matters. The quicker you handle appointments, the more money you bring in.

Stylist Hairdresser Salary UK

Fully trained stylists handle clients start to finish. They cut, colour, and style independently.

Earnings range from £18,000–£24,000 a year. Your pay reflects not only skill but also how many clients you serve daily.

Senior Hairdresser Salary UK

Senior stylists hold strong reputations. They attract loyal clients and can charge higher prices.

They earn £25,000–£35,000 a year. In London or top salons, seniors can make even more. The real value comes from repeat clients and premium services.

Freelance Hairdresser Salary UK

Freelancers enjoy freedom but carry costs like travel, tools, and insurance.

On average, freelance hairdressers earn £25,000–£50,000 a year. With branding and social media, some push past £60,000+. Special services such as wedding hair boost earnings further.

Salon Owner Salary UK

Running your own salon carries risks and rewards. Rent, wages, and bills eat into profit. But the upside is higher earnings.

Successful owners take home £40,000–£70,000 a year. With multiple staff and loyal clients, the figure can climb higher.

Do Hairdressers Earn More Self-Employed or Employed?

Employed stylists get steady wages, holiday pay, and less stress. Freelancers set their own hours and rates but face business costs.

Self-employed stylists often earn more in the long run, but income varies. Stability vs freedom — the choice depends on lifestyle.

How Does Location Affect Hairdresser Salary in the UK?

Where you work changes everything for a hairdresser’s income.

London stylists usually earn the most, with salaries between £28,000 and £40,000 a year. High demand and wealthier clients push rates up, and many stylists in central London also see generous tips. However, the higher cost of rent, transport, and living in the capital eats into take-home pay.

Other major UK cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh see stylists earning between £22,000 and £32,000. Client demand is steady, and there’s a growing market for high-end colouring and styling, especially in trendy city districts. Living costs are lower than London, so pay often stretches further.

Rural towns and smaller communities usually offer salaries of £18,000 to £25,000. Prices for services are lower because clients may not pay premium city rates. However, stylists in these areas often benefit from strong loyalty — regulars return year after year — and competition is less fierce than in big cities.

Tourist areas can also offer a boost. Coastal towns, spa resorts, and holiday destinations attract seasonal clients and wedding parties, giving stylists opportunities to earn more during peak seasons.

In short, city jobs often pay more on paper, but small-town hairdressers may keep more in their pockets thanks to lower costs. Many freelancers weigh up these factors carefully before choosing where to base their business.

How Salon Size Impacts Earnings

Large branded salons often pay higher wages but also demand faster work. Small salons offer a family feel, but salaries can be modest.

Many stylists start in big chains for training, then move to boutique salons or freelance work.

Beyond Salary: Other Benefits of Hairdressing

A career in hairdressing offers more than a payslip. Many stylists say the lifestyle perks make the job even more rewarding.

Creative freedom – You get to express yourself every day. Each client’s cut or colour is your chance to show skill and creativity. Few jobs let you see instant results the way hairdressing does.

Client connections – Building long-term relationships with clients is deeply satisfying. Many hairdressers become trusted confidants, which creates loyalty and repeat bookings.

Discounted treatments – Most salons give free or heavily discounted haircuts, colours, and styling for staff. This saves hundreds of pounds a year and keeps you looking sharp.

Tips and bonuses – Grateful clients often leave cash tips, adding anywhere from £50 to £300 extra a month. During wedding season or Christmas, this figure climbs even higher.

Flexible schedules – Freelance hairdressers can set their own hours, while many salons allow part-time shifts. This makes it a great career for parents, students, or anyone who values work-life balance.

Travel opportunities – Skilled hairdressers can work on cruise ships, at fashion events, or with bridal parties abroad. Your scissors can literally take you around the world.

Training and growth – Many salons pay for staff to attend advanced training sessions, product workshops, and even international seminars. These courses boost both skill and earning power.

Job security – Hair never stops growing. Even during recessions, hairdressing remains in demand. That security is a benefit in itself.

How Do Hairdressers Get Paid in the UK?

Hairdressers earn in more ways than just a basic wage. The pay structure often mixes different income streams, which explains why two stylists in the same town can earn very different amounts.

Hourly pay – Many salon hairdressers earn an hourly wage between £8 and £15. It offers stability and predictable income.

Commission on services – Some salons reward stylists with a percentage of the money they bring in. For example, if a stylist takes £1,000 in client bookings in a week and earns 30% commission, that’s £300 added to their base pay.

Retail commission – Stylists often sell hair products like shampoos and styling sprays. A 10–20% commission on each product sold can add up to a nice bonus.

Freelance and mobile rates – Freelancers charge per service. A simple cut may cost £20–£40, while specialist services like bridal hair or colour corrections can fetch £100 or more. Freelancers keep the full amount but cover their own costs.

Tips – Many UK clients tip 10–15% of the bill in cash or on card. For a busy stylist, this can add several thousand pounds per year.

Seasonal boosts – Earnings often rise around Christmas, prom season, and wedding season. Some stylists double their usual income during these busy months.

Extra services – Add-ons like treatments, extensions, and special styling sessions increase both client spend and stylist commission.

The bottom line: how hairdressers get paid depends on their setup. Employees enjoy security with hourly pay and commission, while freelancers earn more per client but take on extra responsibility.

Can Hairdressers Work Abroad?

Yes. UK-trained hairdressers can travel. Many find higher pay in countries like Australia or Dubai.

Overseas, stylists often earn more due to demand for English-speaking hairdressers with solid training. This can double your salary while offering adventure.

Future of Hairdressing Salaries in the UK

Hairdressing isn’t going anywhere. People always want fresh cuts and colour.

The industry continues to grow, especially with social media trends driving demand for skilled stylists. Salaries are set to rise, especially for specialists.

Is Hairdressing Recession-Proof?

Hairdressing proves surprisingly resilient. Even in tough times, people still spend on looking good. They may cut back on luxury items, but a haircut feels essential.

This stability makes hairdressing a safe career choice long-term.

How Hairdressers Can Boost Income

Want to earn more? Focus on these steps:

• Master trending techniques like balayage or extensions
• Build a strong online presence
• Offer mobile services for flexibility
• Sell retail products in-salon
• Take advanced training to increase rates

The right mix of skills and marketing can double your income.

Lifestyle and Career Progression

Hairdressing offers more than pay. It gives creativity, freedom, and human connection.

Progression can take many forms: stylist to senior, freelancer, salon owner, or even educator. Each path builds income while keeping creativity alive.

FAQs

How much does a hairdresser earn in the UK?
Most UK hairdressers earn between £18,000 and £30,000 a year, with top stylists making more.

Is hairdressing a high paying job?
It’s not among the UK’s highest paying jobs, but experienced stylists and salon owners can earn well.

What GCSE do I need to be a hairdresser?
You don’t need specific GCSEs, but English and maths help. Most people train through apprenticeships or diplomas.

Is hairdressing a good job?
Yes. It’s creative, social, and rewarding for people who enjoy working with clients.

Is a hairdresser a stressful job?
It can be busy and physically tiring, but many find it fun and fulfilling.

Is hairdressing a minimum wage?
Trainees often start on minimum wage, but qualified stylists earn more through pay and tips.

How long does it take to train to be a hairdresser?
Training usually takes 2–3 years, depending on the course or apprenticeship.

Can a 14 year old work in a hairdresser’s in the UK?
Yes, but only in limited roles like sweeping, washing hair, or helping staff. You can’t work full stylist hours.

How much do barbers get paid in the UK?
Barbers usually earn £18,000–£28,000 a year, with more in busy cities or freelance.

Is it hard to be a hairdresser?
It takes practice and stamina, but passion for the job makes it easier and more rewarding.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a hairdresser earn a year in the UK? Beginners may earn £14,000, while top freelancers and salon owners can make £60,000+.

Hairdressing is more than money. It’s passion, creativity, and a career that grows with you. With the right training and ambition, you can shape both styles and your future.

Ready to build your career in hairdressing? Enrol today in our Online Hairdressing Course at Open Learning Academy and start shaping a creative, well-paid future.