How to Become a Hair DesignerHair styling can be a highly creative, fulfilling career offering a wide range of specializations and continual growth. It takes the #6 spot on U.S. News and World Reports list of best jobs without a college degree, and boasts a well below-average unemployment rate of 2.2 percent. Hair styling and design jobs allow stylists the opportunity to flex their artistic muscles, meet new people, and gain skills throughout their careers. Show If youre considering a hair design career, you can read through this page to learn everything a hair stylist does and how to become one, plus youll find useful tips and information on hair stylist salaries, career outlooks, typical hair designer job duties, and the personal qualities that help make hair stylists successful. What Does a Hair Stylist Do?At the basic level, hair stylists wash, cut, color, and/or style their clients hair. However, a hair stylists job duties can include helping clients feel good about their choices. Clients put their trust in their hair designers to help them maintain or transform their appearance, which is vitally important for many people. Hair designers listen closely to their clients needs and wants in order to provide appropriate, satisfying hair care and styling services. Along with cuts, color, and styling, hair stylists often offer scalp and hair care advice and recommend products that help in at-home care. Stylists may specialize in certain hair treatments, such as hair relaxing or perms, or offer complementary services related to beauty in general. Many hairdressers are independent contractors who book their own appointments and take direct payments. Those who run their own salons have managerial duties as well. Search sponsored content, school availability varies by location Search sponsored content, school availability varies by location Search sponsored content, school availability varies by location Search sponsored content, school availability varies by location Search sponsored content, school availability varies by location Search sponsored content, school availability varies by location How to Become a Hair StylistHair stylists must be licensed by the state and states licensing requirements vary. For your career planning, know that most states have these five steps as common requirements: 1. Earn a high school diploma or GED. Some cosmetology and barbering state boards offer apprenticeship programs to those who want to gain early practical experience in the field. Students can often apply when they turn 16 years old. After they complete their apprenticeship and have met the number of training hours required for their specialty, theyre eligible to sit for the licensing exam. 2. Enroll in a state-approved cosmetology school. 3. Gain the necessary hands-on practice. 4. Pass the licensing exam and get certified. In some circumstances, applying for a license is a separate process from taking the licensing exams. In these situations, you may have to fill out a separate form and pay an additional fee. Be sure to check with your state licensing boards for details. 5. Take continuing education classes and maintain licensure. Hair Design Salary and Career OutlookAs of May 2018, here are the top five states where hair stylists earn the highest salary:
Job prospects for hair designers look good. Due to an increasing population and continued interest in following style and color trends, employment for hairstylists is expected to grow 8% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than average for all occupations. Despite this increase, competition for high-paying styling careers will be tough, as there are a large number of highly qualified stylists vying for these jobs. Job availability can also vary by state. The following shows the states with the highest number of employed hair stylists.
Professional Organizations for Hair StylistsProspective hair stylists can check out these professional organizations for helpful information and resources. Professional Beauty Association American Board of Certified Hair Colorists Associated Hair Professionals American Association of Cosmetology Schools Hair Design Schools in Your State
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