Hair Stylist

• Because they are working with sharp objects around their customers’ heads, Hairstylists need a state license to work
• To qualify for licensure, they must complete training from a licensed barber or cosmetology (aka “beauty school”) program or apprenticeship
• Most training programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED
• Barber school requires about 1,500 hours of training and takes ~10 months. Course topics include haircutting, shaving, skincare, hygiene, and more
• Cosmetology school training times vary. Hairstyling is only one aspect of cosmetology. Hairstyling courses may include: 
  • Cutting
  • Styling
  • Coloring
  • Bleaching
  • Chemicals
  • Shampoo and conditioning
  • Regulations
  • Management 
  • Sanitation 
  • Safety
• Not all aspiring Hairstylists want to learn about nails, skincare, or other cosmetology topics. Some states, like Nevada, feature just Hairstyling training programs
• Students usually earn a certificate or diploma upon graduation, but some learn through a community college program and earn an associate’s. Some even earn a bachelor’s in cosmetology
• Most certificate/diploma programs take less than a year to finish and cover ~1,500 hours of training
• Training hour requirements vary by state. For example, New York requires 1,000 to qualify for licensure (and just 300 for “natural hair styling” that doesn’t involve cutting). Iowa requires a whopping 2,100 hours!
• An associate’s will take at least two years, if attending full-time, and will include general education courses such as math, English, science, etc. in addition to cosmetology classes
• Cosmetology programs are often accredited by the National Accrediting Commission for Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) 
• Each state has its own licensure requirements. State licensure generally requires:
  • Completion of a cosmetology program
  • Completion of a certain number of practice hours
  • Passing an exam, which entails a written test and sometimes a competency skills test, too
• The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) offers a standardized exam that many states use. Their site also features handy resources and practice exams
• Licensure to work in one state does not automatically grant a Hairstylist permission to work in another. Also, many states require Hairstylists to undergo continuing education every few years to maintain currency

• Read up on the reviews of that school, as well as the statistics, awards and press.
• Read up on the staff’s bios and the industry experience of each professor; seeing how invested they are in their students, their education and success.
• The school’s emphasis and quantity of time invested in training for state board vs salon reality training.
• See if there are good job resources and connections for new graduates and alumni support.

The cost of cosmetology training varies considerably depending on where you do your training! Most students apply for relatively affordable programs at local training centers or community colleges. These can run from $5,000 - $10,000 per year and will prepare graduates for taking their state licensure exam. 

Licensed Hairstylists are in demand according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a projected 19% job growth outlook through 2030. That’s good news for job-seekers. Still, for those who want to be more competitive in the job market — and who can qualify for scholarships, have enough income to fund their education, or are willing to take out loans — it could be worthwhile to opt for a high-end school. 

Top programs get pricey fast, with tuition and other costs adding up to $20,000 or more in some cases. This investment may pay off in the long run, though, as you might get a more exclusive and longer educational experience. That said, some of the expensive schools emphasize advanced techniques over preparing students to pass a state licensure exam! 

Apprenticeship is a popular hands-on option for those who can’t afford a high-end school and want to get real-world experience right away. In addition to helping prepare you for a state exam, an apprenticeship is also often a gateway to a full-time career at the salon you apprentice at!

Low-end

• Initially, most people find it appealing to attain their education through a lower end cosmetology school or community college program. Though the low price of $10,000 or less will seem like an minimal amount of debt to go in, a majority of the education offered in this price bracket only prepares students to pass the state board exam in order to attain their cosmetology license.
• In the long run, a graduate is nearly guaranteed to become licensed but struggles to get a job. For years they try to build a clientele without much extensive education which challenges your clientele retention.
• In order to be successful on such a limited education, you must be willing to invest an equal dollar amount in continuing education and/or assisting an experienced stylist in a salon for up to a year before building your own clientele.

High-end

• Though high-end schools often start at $20,000, this is an investment that could easily get you a successful start for the first 1-3 years of your career before needing to invest money in extensive education.
• The downfall of these schools is that state board training is not as emphasized as the lower end schools.
• In schools such as Paul Mitchell and Vidal Sassoon, advanced levels of cutting and color are taught in the classroom as well as in a salon reality environment where students actually learn on real clients.  

Alternative

• For a person willing to take a more alternative route, and who has a very small budget for schooling, you should consider an apprenticeship program in a mid-higher level salon (such as Carltons International) where a student can assist a stylist to accumulate their cosmetology hours. The apprentice can then graduate the program with real life, day-to-day experience. Being an apprentice also often results in a job at the salon after passing their state board exam.

• 47.6% with HSDiploma
• 8.8% with Associate’s
• 4.1% with Bachelor’s
• 0.5% with Master’s
• 1.2% with Doctoral

(% of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is)

• Budding Hairstylists can learn a lot on their own, practicing on themselves, friends, and family members
• Host styling parties and seek volunteers who will let you practice and experiment on them
• Along with learning the trade, you must hone your people skills and develop a knack for customer service
• Craft your “work persona” and develop your listening and verbal communication skills, as well as your ability to persuade clients to try new things or to soothe those who are feeling agitated 
• Take lots of before, during, and after photos to add to your portfolio (but remember to ask permission first!)
• Learn about allergies and possible dermatological reactions to certain products
• Study hairstyle books and the various tools of the trade (i.e. shears, clippers, trimmers, blow dryers, curling irons, rollers, razors, brushes, combs, and sectioning clips) 
• Watch YouTube tutorials, read blogs, pay attention to Instagram hairstyling reels, and keep up with what’s new and popular
• Decide which type of training is right for you — barber or cosmetology programs, a hairstyle-only program (which may not be available in every location), an associate’s degree, or an apprenticeship
• Make friends with other Hairstylists. Keep engaged with your network so you can help each other
• Learn from your fellow stylists. Stay humble, ask questions, and be patient and willing to explore new methods, styles, and products