How to Become a Hairstylist

Training

All states in the US require hairstylists to attend a vocational school, some also require a high school diploma. This training is a prerequisite to obtaining a license. Budding hairstylists will attend cosmetology school where they will be taught the basics of hair styling such as washing, styling, coloring, cutting, etc. This training runs for about one-to-two years with tuition costing anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000 depending on the school and type of training. You will be taught both theory and the practice of hairstyling.

The cosmetology school you attend should be accredited by your state. Also, ensure you choose a cosmetology program that specializes in hair as cosmetology is wide. Cosmetologists can also be beauticians, nail technicians, estheticians, etc. You can search for a suitable program at the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You can also visit vocational training HQ to find cosmetology schools in your state. Hairstyling also includes haircuts for men, so if you wish to work in a barbershop, you should also apply for the course.

Licensing and Certification

After your training, you will be required to take a licensing exam. This exam will come in two parts, the written and the practice where your skills will be judged by a professional. Licensing exams usually cost $100 to $150 with additional fees for license renewal later.

There are requirements you must meet before you can be licensed. In addition to passing your certification exams, you must be above 16 years, 18 in some states. You should have completed training on the prevention of the transfer of HIV/AIDS (this varies by state), and you must have plans for continuing education as license renewal in some states require it. The requirements vary by state, you should find out your state’s requirements.

Work and Experience

As a licensed hairstylist or barber, you can either be a contractor or join a salon/barbershop to gain experience. It’s advisable to join a salon when starting out because it offers an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the industry without risking your money on a new business.

You also get access to older, more experienced stylists who can act as instructors and mentors. You can work your way up from interning to getting your own salon chair (or barber chair if you work in a barbershop). We differentiate the two because they differ, so don’t make the rookie mistake of shopping for a salon chair if you work in a barbershop and vice versa.

A beauty salon chair is usually more simple in design than barber chairs. Beauty salon chairs are usually between $350 to over $1,000. They usually comprise a base plate, support, armrest, and back support. Some come with a hydraulic pump. A barber chair, on the other hand, is more complex in design and more expensive. Barber chairs cost anything from $900 to over $3,000. They usually come equipped with a headrest, hydraulic pump, chrome plates, and a footrest. They are more durable than styling chairs and are built for heavy-duty use. Barber chairs could be modern with a chrome base, recliner, and fancy hydraulics with a vinyl finish.  Or it could be a vintage barber chair with upholstery.

Whichever you choose, you’ll probably have to shop for beauty or barber chairs for sale  to find the one that fits with your budget and overall plans.

Moving Forward

A career in hair styling is hard work but is rewarding. You get the opportunity to bond with people and be a part of their lives. Some clients become lifelong friends.