A Career as a Hair Stylist

If you’re passionate about hair, design, beauty and working with others, a career as a hair stylist might be right for you. Hair stylists don’t just create well-styled coifs--they’re licensed professionals who have attended a hair design school, and some even run their own businesses.

Job Description

In the US, you need to be licensed by an accredited institution before you can begin working as a hair stylist. Often, after hair school, stylists start their careers by apprenticing with other professional stylists for anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the program. During this time, the apprentice may see clients at the salon for a reduced fee, or may simply "shadow" the lead stylist and help greet and shampoo clients.

Hair stylists often work evenings and weekends to accommodate their clients’ schedules. They can expect to spend long hours on their feet. In some salons, stylists will also be expected to manage the retail side of the salon, greet clients, or make appointments.

Salary After Hair School

Like other careers, hair stylists earn more money as they gain more experience and more clients. Factors such as where the salon is located, the salon’s reputation and the price of services will determine your income. Salaries vary greatly in this industry, as stylists may be paid a commission on products sold, a salary, or a commission on the services performed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, the median hourly wage (including tips and commission) for hair dressers, hair stylists and cosmetologists was $11.33. However, the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $20 an hour.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Attending a hair design school is essential to gaining the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry and prepare you to enter the workforce.

Not interested in a traditional four-year college? Some full-time hair styling programs only take nine months to complete. In hair stylist school (also known as cosmetology school), you’ll learn how to cut, style and color hair. You’ll also learn the skills to pass the state licensing exam, which is required before you can begin your career as a professional hair stylist.

Career Advancement

Your career as a hair stylist after beauty school will depend on the type of salon in which you work. You may spend a few months--or even a few years--as an assistant, or you could start renting a space in a salon right away. After years of building your clientele, you may even choose to start your own salon or teach others how to cut hair at a cosmetology school.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about careers in the beauty field, consider at the following associations and groups:

• Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
• National Cosmetology Association.