Stylists, or hairdressers, work with their clients to give them the haircut, style, and color they want. They are experts in various techniques and processes related to styling, such as cutting, blow-drying, straightening, curling, waving, relaxing, braiding, highlighting and coloring.
They are familiar with many different types of hairstyles and know how to create a hairstyle that works with the hair type and facial features of their clients. Clients often come to stylists with an idea of what they would like to do with their hair, and stylists should be able to work with their clients to create a style that meets their expectations.
What kind of education is required to become a stylist?
Stylists learn their art by attending a cosmetology school or vocational program that has been approved or certified. Some stylists must be licensed to practice, and to obtain their license, they must complete one of these training programs.
A cosmetology program can take between 6 and 18 months to complete.
Cosmetology programs teach students how to be professional hairstylist, cut, color, and style hair. Students learn by working with real clients who visit the school for discounted services. Through this process, they learn the skills they need to obtain a license and learn how to communicate with clients and create a style that meets their needs.
Students in cosmetology programs learn about more than just hair. Makeup, makeup application, nail care, and skin care are all part of a cosmetology curriculum. While studying these topics, students learn about facial structure, color theory, applying facials, shaping nails, and performing manicures and pedicures.
Some states allow stylists to receive their training through an apprenticeship. Apprentices work under the supervision of a licensed stylist, and are paid for the work they do while they learn. Apprenticeships typically last around two years, and apprentices may need to complete their training with classroom instruction during this time.
After graduating from cosmetology school or completing an apprenticeship, stylists can earn their state license and go to work, but many continue to seek training to learn new skills and techniques and stay on top of current trends. Many hairdressing academies and cosmetology schools offer advanced training for licensed and experienced stylists. A stylist may attend advanced training to learn more about braiding techniques or to learn a special technique for cutting curly hair, for example.
Are there any certification or licensing requirements?
Some countries require stylists to be licensed, but the requirements for obtaining a license differ. In general, stylists must have a high school diploma, complete an approved cosmetology program, and pass a licensing exam.
Some countries license stylists as cosmetologists, while others license cosmetologists and stylists separately. A cosmetology license covers services other than styling, such as nail care and makeup application.
To obtain their licenses, stylists must pass a practical exam, which requires applicants to perform certain cutting and styling techniques on a mannequin. Applicants are expected to cut, blow dry, water and apply chemical treatments that permanently color, relax and curl hair. By demonstrating their skills, applicants must also demonstrate workplace safety and proper sanitation procedures.
How long does it take to become a stylist?
It can take several months to complete a cosmetology program or two years to complete a stylist course. Sometimes stylists are allowed to work while meeting their licensing requirements, but others must wait until they pass their exam.
How can I find a job as a stylist?
Before you start your job as the best hair stylist, you should put together a professional portfolio of hair styles that you have created. Your portfolio must demonstrate a wide range of skills. If you are just starting out, you can include work that you have completed as a student. You can also ask friends and family to let you cut and style your hair so you can include a photo in your binder.
You can find hairstylist jobs posted on general job websites and beauty industry-oriented job websites. You can also find work through your cosmetology school, as many schools offer graduate job placement services. Some schools are affiliated with certain chains of salons, and you may be able to find work in one of these salons after graduation.
