Meet Cindy Geduldt, Hairstylist and Trainer

A career as a hairdresser requires constant communication with clients and ensuring you're up to speed with industry developments. In this article, Cindy tells us more.

She’s a hairdresser at a popular salon in Cape Town, and she shared a little of her experience with us so we could learn more about her line of work.

Check out the photo series on Instagram/Careers24

From a young age Cindy wanted to work in the creative industry. It was when she was looking for a job that she came across an ad from Partner’s Hair Design offering a learnership. “After going to several interviews, I was hired by Partner’s Hair Design,” Cindy says. Cindy’s part-time studies with the company taught her the theoretical aspects of hairdressing. At the same time, she was working full-time in the company’s salon, which gave her the opportunity to gain practical experience. In addition to styling clients’ hair, Cindy is now also responsible for teaching trainee hairstylists.

Generally, hairdressers are responsible for providing a number of haircare and beauty services to clients. A hairdresser may be employed to perform specialised treatments and regular appointments, or style people at special occasions, such as weddings or graduation ceremonies. To remain competitive, stylists may expand their repertoire to include other salon services, such as manicures, facials and makeup applications.

“I love that no two days are the same in the beauty industry. There is constant change and new developments happening all the time,” Cindy says. An ever-changing work environment also allows Cindy to meet new people all the time. “Unlike an office job where one usually works with the same people, working in a salon gives you the opportunity to engage with clients from various walks of life on a daily basis.” The big plus for Cindy is having an impact in the way each client is left feeling after a trim or treatment. “Hair is an integral part of every person’s life, and so when a client walks out feeling happy, it is a good feeling knowing that you’ve influenced them in a positive way.”

Cindy also loves that she can positively impact her trainees’ professional lives too. “It is a lovely feeling seeing the hairstylists grow and develop in the time that they train with us. It always makes me feel as if I am giving back the time that I spent learning and acquiring my knowledge and skills.”

Cindy suggests that those who would like to get into her line of work need to be outgoing. Being a hairstylist requires constant communication with clients, and so one needs to be a people’s person. The job demands a lot of your time too – you hardly ever get any days off, Cindy says. “That’s why it’s helpful to get work experience before going into the industry, so you can understand the dynamics of the jobAfter some experience, some people realise that the job is not for them.” Lastly, Cindy suggests that aspiring hairstylists need to keep their fingers on the pulse and keep up with industry developments.

If you’d like to be featured in this Instagram series, send a mail to editor@careers24.com, telling us about yourself and your awesome job, and we’ll be in touch!