Hair Stylist Jobs
Layers, blowouts, highlights and more: All about hairstylist jobs
The best hairstylists have a real passion for their work. They know exactly how to brighten dull ’dos, they know what products to recommend and they can’t let a client walk away looking like anything less than a million bucks. Are you cut out for a hairstylist job?
Hair stylist job description
Hairstylists do much more than cut hair. They have to be experts in applying hair color, styling hair for everyday looks and formal events, waxing, bleaching and more. The best hairstylists also have a natural rapport with people and are cheerful and upbeat. It’s not just their skills but their personality that keeps loyal clients coming back.
When they’re not working with clients, hairstylists aren’t standing still. A typical hairstylist job description may include answering phones and making appointments, ringing up customers, helping to clean the salon, doing prep work and more routine daily tasks. Hairstylists with experience and a keen business sense may end up running their own business, which includes a lot of management and bookkeeping work.
What are the working conditions for hairstylist jobs?
Hairstylist jobs don’t include a lot of down time. You’ll spend most of the day on your feet cutting hair, shampooing, sweeping up and running around. Hairstylists also have to handle chemicals for coloring, straightening or curling hair. Working hours for hairstylist jobs vary – expect to work some weekends and evenings.
What skills do I need for a hairstylist job?
Luckily for salon customers, you can’t just stroll in and start chopping locks. Before getting a hairstylist job, you have to be licensed by the state in which you want to work. Most of the time, that means graduating from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school, although some states accept completion of an apprenticeship. Show you can deliver a good haircut, pass the licensing test and you’re ready to go.
It takes more than a license to succeed in a hairstylist job, however. The best stylists have a few traits in common:
- Creativity: Hairstylists need to be creative to make their clients look good. As you build relationships with your clients, you’ll be able to convince them to try daring new looks.
- Tact: People can be sensitive about their hair (or lack thereof). A good stylist manages to be polite but honest about how that comb-over/perm/mullet just isn’t working.
- Communication skills: Some customers expect small talk while you cut their hair. Some expect psychoanalysis. And some customers prefer not to talk at all. Knowing who’s who makes for good client relationships—and better tips.
- Good physical shape: Hairstylist jobs require you to stay on your feet for most of the workday.
How much do hairstylist jobs pay?
It all depends on your experience. The average hourly wage for a hairstylist job is $12.82, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but the pay ranges from $7.50 to more than $20 an hour. Don’t forget tips! The recommended tip for a hairstylist is 20% to 30%. That’s a lot better than waiting tables.
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