Hairdresser Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Cuts, styles, colours, straightens and permanently wave hair, and treat hair and scalp conditions.
What does a Hairdresser do?
A hairdresser provides personal hair-care services by cutting and shaping hair, creating styles, applying colour, straightening or permanently waving hair, and treating hair and scalp conditions. The work can include general hairdressing, barbering, Afro hairdressing or technical hairdressing.
Specialisations
How to become a Hairdresser in South Africa
- Explore the Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser, which is mapped as a direct pathway at NQF Level 4 with 540 credits.
- Use the qualification to build knowledge and practical ability in cutting, styling, colouring, straightening, permanent waving, and hair and scalp treatments.
- Confirm the current qualification, accredited provider and assessment requirements with SAQA or an accredited training provider before enrolling.
- Seek opportunities to practise the occupation across relevant specialisations, such as Afro hairdressing, barbering or hair dressing technology.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser is a relevant training pathway for this trade. Confirm current provider availability, qualification details and assessment requirements before making study or training decisions. School subjects can support preparation, but no specific subject is established here as compulsory.
Useful school subjects
- Life Sciences
- English
- Creative Arts
Skills that may help
- Hair cutting
- Hair styling
- Hair colouring
- Hair straightening
- Permanent waving
- Hair and scalp treatment
- Practical technical work
- Attention to detail