A Career as a Colorist

If you’re passionate about hair color and you enjoy working with others, consider a career as a hair colorist. A hair colorist is a licensed professional with the skills to cut and style hair. However, the colorist prefers to concentrate on coloring.

Job Description

While clients may feel comfortable getting a haircut anywhere, some require the services of a specialized hair colorist when changing hair color. Some job possibilities in the colorist & hair color industry include:
  • Hair colorist at a salon: The most common job in this industry is working as a colorist at a salon.
  • Hair colorist educator: Once the colorist has succeeded in the industry, he may enjoy a career teaching others what it takes to be a hair colorist.
  • Hair colorist for movies or television: Most colorists for movies or television will be required to also cut and style hair.
  • Salon owner: Being a colorist salon owner is a natural step for a hair colorist. Colorist salon owners with experience in beauty will relate more to their employees.

Salary Guide

Just like hair stylists, a hair colorist earns more money as she gains more experience and clients. Service price at a colorist salon can vary, depending on the salon's location and the hair colorist's reputation.
 
While celebrity colorists can charge hundreds of dollars for service, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median hourly wage (including tips and commission) as $11.33 an hour. The highest 10 percent earn more than $20 an hour. Hairstylist jobs are expected to grow by about 20 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Attending a hair colorist school isn’t just required to pass the licensure exam needed to work in the colorist & hair color industry. It’s essential for teaching the colorist the skills and knowledge necessary to color hair.
 
Generally, a hair colorist will attend a beauty school that teaches all aspects of the hairstyling industry, including hair colorist duties. However, many schools have advanced courses for those that want to work primarily as a hair colorist.

Career Advancement

Your career as a hair colorist will depend on the setting in which you work. Many colorists have a rewarding career not working in a traditional colorist salon setting. You may choose to work in the entertainment industry or service private clients. In the beginning of a hair colorist career, the colorist may spend some time as an assistant, or start renting a space in a salon right away.
 
No matter what exact field the colorist decides to venture into, all have one thing in common. For a colorist, hair color is a true passion.

Related Associations and Groups

The more people you know in the colorist & hair color industry, the more resources you’ll have in your career as a hair colorist. Possible networking and professional associations include:
  • American Board of Certified Hair Colorists
  • Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
  • National Cosmetology Association.
 
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