A hairstylist is also known as a hairdresser who is involved in cutting or styling hair to change a person’s image. It is achieved by using a combination of hair cutting hair coloring and hair texturing techniques. Hairstylists work in beauty parlors full time and also at barbershops. Some hairstylists work as freelancers and provide services to celebrities and well-known personalities. In the US, hairstylists need licensure and most of them also require a formal training program that is approved by cosmetology School. Here are the steps to become a hairstylist in today’s time.
Hairstylists program
If you are serious and dedicated to your career option you can eventually make it big in this field but you have to invest and the investment here means, to study. As is already mentioned that if you want to become a hairstylist in the United States you have to attend and finish a cosmetology program, however, the program is by a State-approved institution. You will get High Schools offering these programs to the students who want to become a professional in this field. Make sure that is approved by the state because it won’t make any sense if it is not approved or accredited by the state. These programs last within 9 months to 1 year and some programs last up to two years.
Getting a license
In all the states of the United States the required professional hair styling license is required to make this a profession and it is obvious that without a license you cannot go for the job. You have to complete an approved cosmetology program. If you want to gain more knowledge about the process of licensing in this field you can go and talk with the local state licensing board. Requirements for getting a license vary from one state to another. You can check the requirement for applying to get the license they will be some common requirements like a High School diploma, you should be 16 years old with at least a degree certificate from an approved state cosmetology School.
Other than that, you have to pass a licensing examination which consists of a written portion that will cover safety and health-related practices, and then the practical exam where you will be asked to show your knowledge on proper situations like hairdressing techniques and many other things.
Start looking for jobs
Once you receive your license your next step is to find a job. Mainly the hairstylists are employees working in saloons. but there are other places also where you can find jobs like nursing care facilities, hotels, resorts, etc. Other than this you can start your own business or work part-time or as a freelancer.
Obtaining professional certifications
You can take professional certifications and continue your education, if you take your job very seriously and you want to be competitive then you have to seek professional certifications. As a hairstylist, you can seek certification in different areas like hair extension, hair coloring, and many others. Once you get certified in a specialized field l, you will get ahead of everyone else in the market. You must be thinking about where you can get these professional certifications? These are acquired from the manufacturers of hair products in professional organizations. Also when we talked about continuing education you will get several options available to the licensed hairstylist. By continuing education, you can maintain your license.
Take Psychometric Test To Know Your Best Career
Career advancement
If we talk about any career option, an individual has to start from an entry-level position. Similarly, a professional stylist will also start from the same, but now it is the time for you to advance your hairstyling career and get ahead of everyone to stand out in the crowd. You can start with a means to increase your clients. Then get ready to take more responsibility and establish yourself from an entry-level hairstylist to a professional one. Hairstylists who don’t want to work under someone who wants to become their Boss can open their salon or barbershop. Sometimes these professionals enter the world of teaching about cosmetology e in any institution they have chosen while others prefer to become sales representatives of products related to beauty and hair.
By: Varsha Yadav
Also Read: Cosmetology: A Career In Beauty
