Simply put, hair stylists are people who are skilled in the area of hair appearance – they cut and style hairs, and use techniques like straightening and highlighting to change or maintain a client’s hairstyle.
Having said that, in this article, we will discuss extensively all there is to know about the hair stylist career profile, and salary information.
Career profile covers their duties, and responsibilities, Educational requirements, Work environment, as well as the key skills they should have.
Read on to find out.
An Overview Of A Hair Stylist Career Profile And Salary Information
Sometimes, hair stylists are referred to as cosmetologists although they are slightly different as cosmetologists may give extra treatments like manicures and pedicures.
The first thing they do when approached is to find out your needs as a client before they proceed to deciding which treatment method to take, and even after they’ve carried out their duties, they can give professional advice on how to treat, and maintain the look at home.
In case you intend to become one, note that you must market yourself properly to be able to recruit and maintain a clientele base, and even if you decide to open your own salon, you should have additional skills like record keeping, ordering and supervising.
Hair Stylists Salary Information
According to the BLS in May 2019, the median annual salary of a hairdresser, hairstylist or cosmetologist was $26,090 while the ones in performing arts companies, the top paying industry for this field earn an average salary of $84,540.
Again, the experienced ones that are in higher positions such as management or lead stylist positions may earn higher.
Other ways through which hair stylists earn is through tips gotten from clients, by selling products or bringing in new clientele so as to earn commission.
Sadly, the job growth is said to decline by 2029.
Educational And Licensing Requirements Of Hair Stylists
Irrespective of the state you wish to work as a hairstylist, you must have spent a minimum amount of hours in school, and graduate from a state-approved training program so that you can obtain continuing education credits offered in the form of approved courses.
As for licensing, the licensing standards for appearance industry workers differ according to the state.
In most states, you are to sit for qualifying examinations and you are also required to serve as an apprentice for a stipulated number of hours.
Other requirements include a minimum age and education level..
Read Also: Barber Vs Cosmetologist: What’s The Difference?
Major Skills Of A Hair Stylist
Below are some of the necessary skills a hair stylist must have to thrive in this career:
1. Multi-Tasking
2. Relatable
3. Incredible Customer Service
4. Outgoing Personality
5. Attentive Listener
6. Passion for the Industry
Work Environment Of A Hair Stylist
The industry is a well rounded one, and so, hair stylists can work in quite a number of environments. They include:
1. Salon
2. Spa
3. Nail Salon
4. Private suite
5. They could have a mobile business but this has to be in accordance with the state guidelines.
6. Hotels/resort/cruises
Duties And Responsibilities Of A Hair Stylist
Speaking of the duties and responsibilities of a hair stylist, they generally help clients achieve the look they want.
However, their duties exceed just cleaning and cutting hair, they offer recommendations on the best hair styles, nail, and skin care, for some businesses as well as products to use.
Additionally, they offer advice to their clients on how to maintain a hairstyle or look, and also maintain supplies needed for hair styling.
Conclusion
We have just looked at the overview of a hair stylist’s career profile; salary, duties, and responsibilities, educational and license requirements, as well as skills required of them to thrive in the business.
I hope that this article answers all the questions you have regarding this career path. Share your thoughts with me in the comment section.
