What does a Hair Stylist do?
Published 3 min read
A hair stylist is someone who cuts, colors, and styles hair.
Hair Stylist job duties include:
- Consult with clients about their hair care needs.
- Shampoo, condition, and rinse clients' hair.
- Cut, trim, taper, curl, wave, perm, and style hair.
- Apply bleaches, tints, dyes, tonics, and rinses to color or re-color hair.
- May shampoo and treat client's scalp.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Maintain work stations and sanitize tools.
- Provide customers with information on proper hair care and styling.
- Recommend products to maintain healthy hair and scalp.
Hair Stylist Job Requirements
A hair stylist typically needs a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most stylists complete a cosmetology program. Many states require cosmetologists to be licensed, which generally requires completing a cosmetology program and passing an exam. Some stylists may also choose to become certified in specific hair treatments or colors. Stylists typically need several months of on-the-job training to learn the ropes before working independently.
Hair Stylist Skills
- Haircutting
- Hairstyling
- Hair coloring
- Hair texturing
- Hair extensions
- Braiding
- Updos
- Chemical straightening
- Relaxers
- Keratin treatments
- Wigs
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How to become a Hair Stylist
A hair stylist is someone who offers professional hair care services to their clients. This can include anything from shampooing and conditioning to cutting and styling. Hair stylists must have a cosmetology license in order to practice their profession, and many choose to specialize in a particular area of hair care such as color or cutting.
If you're interested in becoming a hair stylist, the first step is to complete a cosmetology program at a vocational school or community college. Once you've completed your training, you'll need to pass the state cosmetology licensing exam before you can start working with clients. Many hair stylists also choose to complete additional training in order to specialize in a particular area of hair care. For example, you might complete an advanced color course if you want to work as a colorist.
In addition to completing a cosmetology program and passing the state licensing exam, it's also important for hair stylists to be good communicators and have excellent people skills. After all, much of your job will involve interacting with clients and making them feel comfortable while you're working on their hair. If you're friendly, outgoing, and have a knack for making people feel relaxed, you'll likely do well as a hair stylist.
So, if you're interested in becoming a professional hair care provider, be sure to enroll in a cosmetology program, get your state license, and brush up on your people skills!
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