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Sound Recordings

A Hairdresser in the UK

Would you consider working abroad in an English-speaking country after your apprenticeship as a hairdresser is completed? If so, the interview below will give you an idea of what it is like to work as a hairdresser in the UK.
Hairdresser Apprentice
Hairdresser Apprentice. Image: Kerstin Mertens / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Listening

Before listening, use the dictionary to check that you know the meaning of the following words: manic, appointment, client, consultation, confident, event, occasion, variety, blow dry, chart

Listen to the following interview with a hairdresser in the UK and find out:

  • Where she works. (type of company - large/small, etc)
  • Where about in the UK she works.
  • Why she chose this profession.
  • What type of tasks she has to do on a typical day at work.
  • What personal qualities she suggests are needed by a hairdresser.
  • Does she describe any work processes or services that she provides?
  • What she likes best and least about her job.
  • How she thinks this line of work will change in the future.
  • Where she sees herself in 5 - 10 years' time.

Hairdresser - Interview

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Audio: James Vyner / CC BY-SA 4.0

Dialogue

After you have practised, add more dialogue for some of the following situations:

  • The customer rejects the hairdresser 's suggestions and asks for the opposite treatment.
  • The telephone rings, the hairdresser excuses herself/himself to answer it.
  • The customer is male not female.
  • The hairdresser sees that the customer has dandruff and suggests a treatment.
  • After the customer has had her hair cut etc. ask if she would like blow drying, hairspray, etc.
  • The customer is going to pay, tell her how much it cost and ask if she would like any hair products, such as conditioner, shampoo, hairspray, styling foam, etc.