Hair Stylist Cometology Career

Being a Hairstylist as a Career

I have been a licensed hairstylist since 1992.  I went to beauty school right after high school without a second thought.  I knew that I wanted to work in a hair salon since I can remember.  I also know how lucky I am able to enjoy what I do and actually like going to work still to this day. Choosing hairstyling for a career has worked out well for me, if you are considering a career in hairstyling here is some of the information that you will need.......

Education and training requirements

In order to become a hairstylist you must become licensed in cosmetology.  Beauty school tuition can vary from $6,000 to $12,000.  License requirements vary from state to state.  My license is from Illinois and they currently require 1,500 hours of school.  It can take anywhere from 9 months to 3 years to finish.  The education is a combination of bookwork theory and hands on training.  Most schools will have a salon in the school where students can practice on clients that get discounted services.  After you finish beauty school you are then required to take a written exam through the state to receive your cosmetology license.

Working conditions

Hairstylists for the most part are happy with their profession.  A positive attitude is mandatory in this line of work, because a large focus of the job is keeping a good relationship with and maintaining a clientele.  This job does require that you to stand on your feet for long periods of time and can it be frustrating when you get an irate client or someone does not show up for an appointment.  Many salons require their employees to work long hours including nights and weekends.

Hairstylist job duties may include.....

•Begin any service with a consultation
•Haircuts
•Blow-dry styles
•Special occasion hairstyles
•Hair color and highlights
•Hair relaxers and straighteners
•Perms
•Must follow up by advising proper care hair products

Salary

A hairstylists salary extremely varies. The National salary data says that a hairstylist salary can range from 19,000 to 37,000. But take it from me it really depends on where you work. Some salons pay a small hourly wage while others pay a more generous commissioned salary plus you get tips. Other factors are the pricing and location of the salon.

Employment outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are projected to grow faster then the national average. There are always jobs out there for good hairstylists.

Being a hairstylist can be a rewarding career.   If you are an outgoing and ambitious person who wants to make a career out of hairstyling, being a hairstylist might be just the job for you.