CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Colourist: Australian Careers in Hairdressing

0 Course

On this page

What is a Colourist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Colourist?

A Colourist is a hair professional who creates and applies colour treatments for clients in salons and hair studios. They use technical knowledge and an artistic eye to design colour. The colour must suit each client’s skin tone, hair type, and personal style.

Colourists work closely with clients to plan colour outcomes. They mix dyes and apply treatments using methods such as balayage, foiling, and all-over colour. They check hair health before each service and give advice on how to care for colour at home.

Most Colourists work in salons, though some work as freelancers or for film, television, and theatre productions. The role combines strong people skills with hands-on technical skill and a solid grasp of colour science.

In Australia, Colourists typically complete a Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) through an apprenticeship. After qualifying, many build on their colour skills. This helps grow their client base and earning potential.

Icon

Career snapshots For Colourists

Hairdressers, including Colourists, are one of the most consistently employed groups in Australia’s services sector. Around 65,400 Australians work as hairdressers, with future demand rated as stable (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age of workers in this occupation is 38 years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Most Colourists work full-time at 40 hours per week. About 49% of hairdressers work part-time, which suits salon rostering and client-driven schedules (ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). Full-time median weekly earnings are $1,209, or around $63,000 per year (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Women make up 77% of the occupation (ABS, 2025).

Hairdressers work mainly in the Other Services sector, covering personal care and beauty. Experienced Colourists who build a loyal client base can earn above the median. Senior specialists and salon owners often earn more.

What will I do?

A Colourist in a hair salon focuses on creating and maintaining colour for clients. The work blends technical precision with strong communication and a genuine interest in the client’s needs.

  • Client consultation: discuss colour goals, assess hair type and condition, and recommend suitable options.
  • Colour mixing: prepare and blend hair colour products to match the agreed formula.
  • Colour application: apply colour using techniques such as balayage, foiling, ombre, and all-over colour.
  • Colour correction: address previous colour work that has faded, gone uneven, or needs a change of direction.
  • Hair health assessment: check for damage, porosity, or chemical sensitivity before any treatment.
  • Aftercare advice: give clients product recommendations and home-care routines to extend colour life.
  • Record keeping: document colour formulas and client preferences for repeat appointments.
  • Health and safety: follow hygiene, product handling, and workplace safety rules at all times.

What skills do I need?

A Colourist needs a blend of artistic ability and technical knowledge. A strong grasp of colour theory is the foundation. This includes how pigments interact, how different hair types absorb colour, and how to predict outcomes. Good communication is just as important. Every service starts with listening to what the client wants and setting clear expectations.

Attention to detail matters in every step, from mixing formulas to checking the final result. Colourists also need stamina for long hours on their feet and a commitment to hygiene and safe product handling. Keeping up with new techniques and products is part of the job. A willingness to keep learning is key to long-term success.

Skills/attributes

  • Colour theory and pigment knowledge
  • Hair chemistry and product knowledge
  • Balayage, foiling, and colour application
  • Colour correction
  • Client consultation and communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Creative and artistic ability
  • Time management
  • Health and safety awareness
  • Customer service
  • Record keeping and formula documentation
  • Adaptability to new trends and products

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.