Hairdresser: ANZSCO 391111
The role of a Hairdresser (ANZSCO 391111) represents a dynamic blend of creativity, technical skill, and personal interaction within the beauty industry. As skilled artisans, hairdressers specialize in more than just cutting and styling; they transform their clients’ appearances and boost their confidence through personalized hair care solutions. This profession requires a keen eye for detail, adaptability to the latest fashion trends, and the ability to tailor services to diverse client preferences. Whether crafting intricate updos for a wedding or providing a fresh, modern haircut for everyday wear, hairdressers play a crucial role in helping clients express their personal style. The career path is ever-evolving, offering endless opportunities for those passionate about both the artistic and interpersonal aspects of hair care.

Occupation Descriptions
Hairdressers provide a range of hair care services, including cutting, styling, coloring, and treatment. They stay updated on the latest trends and techniques to deliver personalized services to their clients. A successful hairdresser must possess an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to understand and cater to individual client needs.

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Their job involves:
- Giving guidance on hairstyles, cosmetics, and hair care.
- Hair cleansing and scalp moisturizing.
- Using chemical solutions to colour, straighten, and permanently wave hair.
- Using razors, clippers, and scissors to cut hair.
- Braiding and dreadlocking hair, as well as using hair extensions.
- Shaving and cutting facial hair and beards.
- Sanitizing equipment and cleaning work surfaces.
- Setting up appointments and getting money.
In most cases, hair salons hire hairdressers. These workspaces might vary from little workshops that do various tasks to salons that focus on a specific aspect of hairdressing (like colour or cutting).
The evaluation of this profession is intended for general hairdressers. It excludes hairstyling for the media and modelling for the apparel and fashion industries.
How you will be assessed?
Stage 1:
We will check the documentation of your education and employment to make sure you have:
- 5 years of hairdressing experience at work (no formal training)
- 3 years of hairdressing work experience (with applicable official training).
Conforming to the national training standards of the country in which you are receiving training is known as “formal training.”
You must prove that you have worked in your field for at least 12 months out of the previous 3 years.
Download the Evidence guide to find out what evidence you should provide with your application.
- You must also locate information on assessments for your particular occupation if you are on Pathway 1.
- Video guide
- Observation report
- Please consult the Pathway 1 Employment Experience Guidelines regarding the prerequisites for work experience for a Pathway 1 application.
- Please read the following before applying for a Pathway 2 evaluation: Pathway 2 Candidate Guide.
Stage 2:
After passing Stage 1, you’ll need to finish a technical evaluation.
What skills and knowledge do you need?
You must prove your proficiency in several units of competency to receive the certification SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing. Each unit of competency defines a specific set of skills and knowledge needed in Australian workplaces.
You must achieve 28 units of competency:
- 21 Core units
- 7 Elective units
These units have been organised into 4 groups as follows:
GENERAL HAIRDRESSING AND SALON SKILLS
BSBSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
SHBHBAS001 | Provide shampoo and basin services |
SHBHIND001 | Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas |
SHBXCCS002 | Provide salon services to client |
SHBHIND003 | Develop and expand a client base |
SHBHIND002 | Research and use hairdressing industry information |
SHBHREF002 | Straighten and relax hair with chemical treatments |
SHBHTRI001 | Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions |
SHBXCCS001 | Conduct salon financial transactions |
SHBXIND001 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment |
SHBXIND002 | Communicate as part of a salon team |
SHBXWHS001 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices |
HAIR DESIGN AND CUT
SHBHCUT001 | Design haircut structures |
SHBHCUT002 | Create one length or solid haircut structures |
SHBHCUT003 | Create graduated haircut structures |
SHBHCUT004 | Create layered haircut structures |
SHBHCUT005 | Cut hair using over-comb techniques |
SHBHCUT006 | Create combined haircut structures |
SHBHCUT007 | Create combined traditional and classic men’s haircut structures |
SHBHDES003 | Create finished hair designs |
SHBHDES004 | Create classic long hair up-styles |
COLOUR HAIR
SHBHCLS002 | Colour and lighten hair |
SHBHCLS003 | Provide full and partial head highlighting treatments |
SHBHCLS004 | Neutralise unwanted colours and tones |
SHBHCLS005 | Provide on scalp full head and retouch bleach treatments |
ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES (Applicant must choose 3 electives from this list)
SHBHCUT011 | Design and maintain beards and moustaches |
SHBHCUT012 | Shave heads and faces |
SHBHBAS002 | Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation |
SIRRINV001 | Receive and handle retail stock |
SHBHDES002 | Braid hair |
SHBHDES005 | Select and apply hair extensions |
SHBHREF001 | Curl and volumise hair with chemical treatments |
SHBHREF003 | Straighten and relax hair with protein treatments |
You have to show that you are proficient in all of the required units as well as all of the core and elective competency units.
Employment Prospects
The demand for Hairdressers (ANZSCO 391111) in Australia remains steady, driven by ongoing consumer interest in personal grooming and appearance. Hairdressers find employment in various settings, such as salons, spas, resorts, and cruise ships. Many also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities by opening their own salons.
The industry provides room for specialization in areas like bridal styling, hair extensions, and trichology, and there is potential for career advancement into roles such as salon management or education and training.
Employment Sectors
- Hair Salons: Providing a range of hair care services.
- Spas and Resorts: Offering specialized treatments for guests.
- Freelance and Mobile Services: Catering to clients at their location.
- Film and Fashion Industry: Styling for shoots and runway shows.
Conclusion
Hairdressers (ANZSCO 391111) play a vital role in enhancing personal style and confidence through expert hair care services. The profession’s creative and interactive nature offers a fulfilling career path for those passionate about beauty and fashion. For those aspiring to enter the hairdressing field, obtaining the right qualifications and staying informed about industry trends are essential steps toward success. If you’re considering relocating to Australia to work as a Hairdresser, understanding the skill assessment and regulatory requirements will enhance your career prospects in this vibrant industry.