hairdressing

Hairdressing is the professional care and styling of human hair, encompassing haircutting, coloring, styling, and finishing. In many contexts it also includes chemical treatments such as relaxers, perms, and straightening. Practitioners, commonly called hairdressers or stylists, work in salons, barbershops, spas, fashion studios, and film or television production. The field often overlaps with barbering, especially in jurisdictions where the same professional performs both cutting and shaving tasks.

Historically, hairdressing developed from barbering and grooming practices and evolved into a distinct occupation with professional training and certification in the 19th and 20th centuries. Modern hairdressing emphasizes client consultation, image design, and a range of services tailored to individual hair type and preferences. Trends reflect changing fashion, gender-neutral styling, and a move toward multi-service salons offering color, styling, and care products alongside cutting.

Techniques and tools form the core of daily work. Cutting and layering create shape and texture, while thinning and texturizing adjust volume and movement. Coloring includes single-process color, highlights, balayage, and corrective work. Chemical services such as perms and relaxers modify hair texture. Styling uses blow-drying, irons, rollers, and finishing products to achieve the desired look. Essential tools include scissors, clippers, razors, combs, brushes, and heat styling devices; sanitation and safety practices are integral, with attention to tool cleanliness, patch testing for allergies, and proper ventilation.

Training and regulation vary by country, but typically involve vocational programs or apprenticeships, licensing or certification, and ongoing education to keep up with techniques, products, and safety standards.