Hair Stylist Job Duties and Employment Outlook
Hair stylists cut, color and style hair. Some hair stylists offer additional services, such as manicures, waxing or facials. Aspiring hair stylists must be licensed by the state in which they work.
Hair Stylist
Hair stylists must be licensed in order to practice. Before taking the licensing exam, they must graduate from an approved cosmetology program. Most full-time cosmetology programs last about nine months. To be accepted into a cosmetology program, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. These programs teach the basics of cosmetology, such as cutting and coloring techniques, chemical processes, nail care and skin care. Students interested in hair styling take specialized classes in cutting, coloring, up-dos and extensions.
Once a program is completed, students are eligible to take a state-licensing exam. Licensing exams vary by state but usually include a combination of a written exam, oral exam and skills test. Professional hair stylists develop their skills throughout their careers and may begin work as an assistant.
Hair Stylist Job Duties
Hair stylists work in a beauty salon or spa and color, cut and style clients' hair. In addition to coloring and cutting hair, hair stylists give permanent waves and style hair for special occasions. Many hair stylists specialize in a particular area, such as cuts, highlights and color, permanent waves and straightening or hair extensions. In addition to working on clients' hair, they may help clients' select hair-care products. They also teach clients how to style their hair at home.
Depending on the salon, hair stylists may be required to shampoo and blow dry clients. They also clean their stations, sterilize equipment and sweep up hair. In small salons, hair stylists help book appointments and greet customers.
Employment Outlook for Hair Stylists
In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 20% increase in jobs for hair stylists and other personal appearance workers from 2008-2018, which is considered faster than average. The BLS partially attributed this acceleration to an increase in the population.
Entry-level hair stylists are expected to experience good prospects because many hair stylists may leave the workforce through retirement or job changes. However, the best opportunities will be for those who can provide a wide range of services and who possess previous work experience.
Hair Stylist Training Programs
A hair stylist, nail technician or esthetician can work in many locations, including on cruise ships, at resort hotels, in hospitals, in health clubs and for funeral homes. Training for a hair stylist typically requires graduating from a state-approved school program that lasts about one year and passing a licensing examination.
Related to Hair Stylist
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
List of the Top Hair Stylist Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
Hair stylists are professional cosmetologists who cut and style hair for clients. Brushing, combing, coloring, drying,...
Hair Stylist: Career Education Information for Barbers and Hair Stylists
Hair stylists and barbers have educational and licensing requirements they must meet. Educational programs mix...
Online Hair Stylist Courses and Training Information
Hairstylists, also known as hair dressers, provide personal grooming services that include cutting, coloring and...
Hair Colorist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
Hair colorists are licensed cosmetologists who specialize in altering the color or tint of their clients' hair. While...
Salon Stylist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
- Fashion Stylist Training and Degree Program Information
- Hair Salon Owner: Job Duties and Education Requirements
- How to Become a Pet Stylist: Step-by-Step Career Guide
- Fashion Design: Career College Diploma Overview
- 25 Great Jobs for Humanities Majors
- Associate of Interactive Media Design: Degree Overview
- Health Tech Worker: Career Profile
- Court Transcriptionist Job Description and Info for Students Considering a Career in Court Transcription
- Structural Engineers Information for Students Considering a Career in Structural Engineering
- Escrow Officer Schools
- Electrical Assembler Job Duties and Information About Becoming an Electrical Assembler
1 Popular School
-
School locations:
- Alabama (1 campus)
- Florida (1 campus)
- Hawaii (1)
- Louisiana (2)
- Ohio (1)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (3)
Online Programs
-
Non-Degree
-
- Diploma - Cosmetology
-
Other Recommended Schools:
-
School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
-
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
- Hair Design
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Funeral Related Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
Other Related Schools:
-
School locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
- Barber and Hair Cutting Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
Other Popular Schools:
-
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
-
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
-
