Hairdressing – International Skill Insights

Section one - Moving from Competence to Excellence

Summary: 

The WorldSkills Occupational Standard (WSOS) for Hairdressing focuses on two key areas: Colouring (16%) and Cutting (16%). Competence in colouring requires a solid understanding of colour theory, accurate application techniques, product knowledge, and client communication, while excellence involves mastering advanced techniques like precision balayage and colour correction, as well as creative problem-solving, sustainable practices, and expert aftercare advice.

In cutting, competence includes proficiency in basic techniques, understanding hair growth patterns, using the right tools, and maintaining health and safety standards. Excellence is demonstrated through mastery of precision and advanced cutting techniques, creative and personalised styles, speed and efficiency, and staying ahead of industry trends. Ultimately, world-class hairdressers combine technical precision with artistic vision, ensuring client satisfaction while pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the industry.

Section two - International Benchmarking

Summary:

France and China have strong TVET models that produce top hairdressing professionals through structured education and industry collaboration. France’s dual system blends theoretical learning with hands-on apprenticeships, ensuring technical mastery and creativity, with CAP and BP qualifications maintaining high standards. China focuses on large-scale, technology-driven training, with government funding ensuring consistency and innovation.

Both countries integrate industry partnerships into training—France through employer collaborations and national certifications, and China via technology-driven salon training and global brand partnerships. WorldSkills success in high-performing countries comes from intensive preparation, expert trainers, and benchmarking against top competitors.

France excels in training competitors to handle diverse hair textures, while China is known for its creativity, blending traditional and modern styles. International excellence in hairdressing requires precision, trend awareness, client care, and adaptability.

Competitor pipelines are developed through age-eligible national competitions, strategic event rotations, and structured national training programs, ensuring consistent skill development and world-class performance.

Section three - UK Insights

Summary:

The UK’s strengths in hairdressing lie in its high standards of creativity, skill, and innovation, blending classic techniques with modern trends. UK hairdressers excel in bespoke client services, diverse hair types, and texture expertise, reinforced by strong vocational training and apprenticeship programs. The UK’s salon culture also fosters professionalism and artistic development, keeping the industry globally competitive.

Areas for development include workforce shortages, particularly in attracting young talent, and greater adoption of digital tools like advanced colour analysis and virtual consultations. There is also a need for more inclusivity in training, ensuring all hair types and cultural styles are adequately represented.

To prepare students for national competitions, educators should emphasise technical mastery, creativity, problem-solving, time management, and presentation skills. For employment, students need strong technical and digital literacy, customer service excellence, health and safety awareness, and business management skills.

Practical, real-world preparation is key. Educators should encourage students to work with diverse hair textures, refine client consultation skills, practice adaptable cutting techniques, and simulate real salon conditions. Training should also focus on handling client expectations, building resilience, and fostering confidence. By prioritising hands-on learning, adaptability, and industry relevance, UK hairdressers can remain at the forefront of global hairdressing excellence.