Renee, Hairdresser

• Name: Renee Flintoff
• Age: 24

• What do you do?
I am a hairdresser at Sherbet Hair Salon.

• What qualifications do you need to get this job?
There's a few ways. You can either perform an apprenticeship through a salon, or be a student at a hairdressing academy.

• How do you get your foot in the door?
I performed an apprenticeship. This is the best way to get into the industry because you get so much in-salon experience. You also get paid while you learn and while you make contacts in the industry!

• How did you get this job?
Through someone I knew.

• What hours do you do? What days of work?
The salon is open from Mon-Sat. The great thing about Sherbet is all the stylists get to decide which days we want to work during the week. My usual working week is Tues-Sat, and I work my hours around my clients.

• Is there much room for promotion?
There is a lot of room for promotion! You can specialise in becoming a colourist, stylist, etc. I personally have specialised training for doing hair extensions.

• Is there much travel involved/ travel opportunities?
There's heaps of opportunities! Hairdressing is a trade you can take it anywhere in the world, because everyone needs their hair cut!

• Do you get normal time off?
I get all holidays off, and can take extra time off too. Next week I'm going to the Gold Coast!

• Do you get any freebies? Like what?
I get free hair products products from Joico because our salon exclusively uses their product line. I also get to have new techniques tried out on me, for example colours, cuts, extensions and treatments.

• To you get to attend many functions/events?
There are different seminars, functions and events that I attend frequently to stay on top of latest trends and techniques.

• Are your workmates a social group? Do you get to go to many Drinks & functions?
My workmates are so social! There's a lot of socialising that goes on, and most hairdressers are. You have to be social to be in the industry because there's a lot of interaction with people all day!

• What is your best memory while working here?
There are so many great memories, but one that sticks out happened three years ago. A group of girls who went to Papanui High School all came in together to change up their looks, and they were just really fun to work with.

• What drives you to work here everyday?
I get to watch the transformation that takes place once someone gets their hair cut, coloured, styled and treated. I love seeing them walk out looking more self confident and self assured!

• Any embarrassing moments while working?
I have been having my hair foiled by my workmates during down time and then had a client walk in! I have had to do their hair while still wearing my own foils waiting for my hair colour to set!

• Do you have to wear a Uniform? What do you have to wear?
There's no "official" uniform, but there is a dress code. Presentation is important, but I wear latest trends, and fashionable clothing that reflects my taste and personality. The only real rule is not to wear running shoes! You can wear high top sneakers, stilletos, etc, but no running shoes!

• What are the best things about your job?
I love when clients come into the salon and are unsure what to get done. It is so fun when they say "do whatever you want" and having that creative reign to transform their look in a way I know they will love.

• What's the perv factor like at your workplace? :)
I won't lie, there's some nice eye candy that comes through the door ;)

By Melissa Chrisp - Christchurch