Looking for hairdressing books? We've gathered 19 free hairdressing books in PDF, covering hair styling, color theory, cutting techniques, braiding, extensions, and salon safety.
These guides range from professional-level hair coloring manuals to step-by-step tutorials you can practice at home. Whether you're training for a career or learning new techniques, there's something here for you.
Browse our top picks or explore by topic. Every book is free to read online or download as PDF.
Hair Styling and Techniques
Want to learn hair styling from scratch? These guides cover everything from basic vocabulary and blow drying to classic chignon techniques and 40+ step-by-step tutorials.
Whether you're starting a career or just want to try new looks at home, these are the styling fundamentals you need.
A set of 178 vocabulary flashcards for hairdressing terminology. Covers occupational skills, hair and scalp care, cutting, styling, perming, and coloring for ESL trade learners.
A classic 1923 illustrated guide to hairdressing art and techniques. Covers hairdressing as art, fundamental techniques, chignon and knot styles, and working with the client's own hair.
An introductory handbook on hair styling careers from QC Makeup Academy. Covers basic career info, essential skills, and 10 practical tips including blow drying and curling.
Hair coloring is part science, part art. These books explain the color wheel, porosity, melanin, and the level system so you can understand how hair color actually works.
From professional-level open textbooks to consumer-friendly color guides, this section covers both theory and practice.
An open textbook on hair coloring from BCcampus with CC BY 4.0 license. Covers color theory, consultation, product selection, lightening, foiling, hair painting, and corrective colour across 7 chapters.
A continuing education course on hair color science with Pivot Point branding. Covers hair structure, porosity, texture analysis, the color wheel, warm and cool tones, and complementary color mixing.
A 12-hour continuing education course on hair coloring theory. Covers porosity, texture, melanin, the level system, color wheel, and color laws for cosmetologists.
A consumer-friendly guide to hair coloring basics. Covers choosing the right color, gray hair solutions, summer care, DIY tips, and safe coloring during pregnancy.
A CE course on the history and chemistry of hair coloring. Covers ancient dye methods, permanent and semi-permanent coloring types, bleaching chemistry, and oxidation dye mechanisms.
Cutting is one of the most important skills in hairdressing. These guides cover layering, graduation, texturizing, and clipper techniques for both professional and home use.
Whether you want to learn proper scissor-over-comb methods or give a simple home haircut, these books walk you through it step by step.
A step-by-step home haircutting guide from Wahl. Covers tools, tips, and techniques for 8 specific haircuts including business cut, Caesar, fade, faux hawk, crew cut, and self-cut.
An Australian vocational training guide for Certificate III in Hairdressing. Covers haircut planning, cutting techniques for women and men, face shape analysis, and finishing.
Braiding is a versatile skill that every hairdresser should know. This guide covers single braids, cornrows, weave styles, and twist methods with photo instructions.
A practical guide to African hair braiding techniques. Covers single and micro braids, cornrows, weave styles, and twist methods with step-by-step photo instructions.
Hair extensions require proper training to apply safely. This professional manual covers 11 extension methods, including pre-bonded, nano rings, and micro rings.
A professional training manual covering 11 hair extension methods including pre-bonded, nano rings, and micro rings. Also covers hair types, client consultation, and salon safety.
Every hair professional needs to know salon safety. These guides cover hygiene protocols, risk assessment, equipment cleaning, and fire safety from organizations across the globe.
From EU regulations to New Zealand standards, these books give you the safety knowledge your career depends on.
Professional salon health and safety guidelines from Schwarzkopf. Covers hygiene protocols, equipment cleaning, PPE requirements, COVID-19 measures, and premises design.
Official EU guidelines on occupational health and safety for the hairdressing sector. Covers risk assessment, musculoskeletal disorders, skin diseases, respiratory problems, and noise exposure.
A BTEP Certificate distance learning module on salon safety. Covers four topics: hygiene protocols, hazard identification and first aid, salon security, and fire safety procedures with activities.
New Zealand government guidance on public health standards for hairdressers and barbers. Covers premises and equipment, hand hygiene, instrument handling, and cleaning processes with practical tables.
Industry health and safety standards from New Zealand's Association of Registered Beauty Professionals. Covers qualifications, premises, sterilization, hand hygiene, and treatment protocols.
