Hairstylists beautify the world one person at a time. By taking great care of each client’s hair, a hairstylist builds a career that is full of fun and excitement. It takes commitment, fortitude, hard work, and creativity to make it as a hairstylist, yet it is an attainable goal for those who are dedicated to a career in hair care. Here are the steps you need to take to become a hairstylist.
Being a hairstylist is an exciting and rewarding career.
Choose an Accredited School
Each state has its own specific requirements for what cosmetology schools must teach and what an aspiring hairstylist must complete before becoming a licensed professional. In order to qualify for a license in all states, though, you must complete a state-approved cosmetology program.
Find a beauty school that is not only accredited, but that also can fit into your lifestyle with ease and offer instruction from qualified teachers who can help you learn in an upbeat, nurturing environment. Courses at well-respected schools like Beauty Academy are taught by beauty professionals with many years of experience.
You will start practicing while still in school.
Take Mandatory and Elective Courses
When you are choosing your courses, be sure to consider what you ultimately want to specialize in as a hairstylist. Do you want to serve one particular community or be able to master one aspect of hairstyling especially good? If so, choose electives that will help you succeed in that specialty while also picking mandatory courses that are required by the state for accreditation.
Try to show up for every course and make your education a priority. Take notes. Show your teachers that you care. You will likely be surprised at how much you rely on your education once you start serving your clients. Learning all you can now can prevent later mishaps on the job.
Consider Your Options
When you are nearing the end of the education that’s needed to become a hairstylist, it’s time to decide how you’d like to start your career. Do you envision yourself working in a big salon, or do you prefer starting your own small practice? Consider all the possibilities and your current resources.
The best option for many aspiring hairstylists is to seek an internship with a professional hairstylist that they aspire and respect. Job responsibilities of one in an internship may be similar to those of a salon assistant, but the stylist will also teach the intern a lot about the ins and outs of the profession.
Some internships pay a small salary, while others do not. You may also be able to do an internship as part of credit for a class, depending on your state’s requirements and the program that you are enrolled in.
Become an Accredited Hairstylist
Once you have completed your education, you will need to sit for the cosmetology exam in your state. This is usually a two-part exam that includes a written portion and a practical one in which you complete some task to prove your competency as a hairstylist. Once you have finished your education and passed both portions of the exam, most state licensing agencies will mail your accreditation to you.
Final Thoughts
Finally, keep in mind that the path to becoming a hairstylist does demand a great deal of time and effort. However, you can usually become a hairstylist within two years of deciding that you want to be one as long as you’re at least 18 years of age or older. Check out our courses to enroll in classes that can get you one step closer to making your dream a reality.