Which UK work visa is right for hairstylist/barber?

As a hairstylist or barber, the most suitable UK work visa is usually the Skilled Worker visa, but this depends on whether your job is on the UK’s list of eligible skilled occupations.

Currently, hairstylists and barbers are not on the shortage occupation list, which means it may be harder to get a Skilled Worker visa unless you have an employer in the UK who is a licensed sponsor and willing to offer you a qualifying job contract that meets the required salary threshold.

If you do not qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, other possible routes could include the Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa if you are coming for short term, specific work in the creative industry (for example, for events, shows, or special contracts), or the Self Sponsorship route, where you set up your own business in the UK and sponsor yourself through a company you own, though this requires meeting business and immigration requirements.

In most cases, the key step is finding a UK based employer with a sponsorship licence willing to hire you. Without sponsorship, you cannot normally work in the UK as a hairstylist or barber under standard work visa routes.