Hairdresser & Barber (Creative Arts & Performance Support)

Oak Initiative UK CIC is seeking a skilled and creative Hairdresser & Barber to support artists, performers, and participants during the Bradford African Festival of Arts 2026. The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing performers for live stage performances, cultural showcases, and public appearances, ensuring hair styling reflects African heritage, creativity, and professional presentation.This role is ideal for a culturally aware hair professional with experience in African hair styling and barbering, who is passionate about arts, culture, and live performance environments.Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional hairdressing and barbering services for artists, performers, and models
• Style hair for live performances, stage shows, rehearsals, photoshoots, and public appearances
• Create and maintain African and contemporary hairstyles, including braiding, twisting, locs, fades, and creative designs
• Work collaboratively with artists, costume designers, makeup artists, and event coordinators
• Ensure performers are stage-ready and styled according to performance schedules
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism
• Manage time effectively in fast-paced, live-event environments
• Respect cultural sensitivity, diversity, and artistic expression

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience as a hairdresser and/or barber
• Strong skills in African hair styling and grooming
• Ability to work under pressure in live performance and festival settings
• Good level of spoken and written English (essential)
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Creative, reliable, and adaptable

Desirable

• Experience working with artists, performers, dancers, or models
• Knowledge of African cultural hair traditions
• Previous experience at festivals, fashion shows, theatre, or cultural events

Eligibility & Relocation

• Open to applicants worldwide
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) provided to the successful candidate
• Support for relocation to the UK under the Temporary Worker (Creative Worker) visa route

SalarySalary will be in line with UK Temporary Worker (Tier 5) visa requirements and industry standards for creative professionals.About Oak Initiative UK CICOak Initiative UK CIC is a community interest company dedicated to promoting arts, culture, diversity, and community empowerment through creative projects, festivals, and cultural engagement across the UK.Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 7 monthsWork Location: In person