Hairdressing as a trade

A hairdresser is a person whose occupation is to cut or style hair in order to change or maintain a persons image. This is achieved using a combination of cutting, styling, colouring and texturing techniques. In Ghana and across West Africa, hairdressing is one of the largest female-led trades; apprenticeships typically run two to three years and cover braiding, plaiting, treating natural hair, weaving and basic chemistry of relaxers. Hairdressing skills can also be formalised through CTVET-recognised assessments. Many hairdressers operate as sole traders or small business owners running a salon.