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What is a hairstylist/cosmetologist and how to become one
As a hairstylist/cosmetologist, you will provide beauty services like shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair to clients. You'll use equipment such as scissors, clippers, dryers, and others to beautify customers. You'll carry out manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages, facials, and makeup application. These professionals welcome customers and identify their preferences by asking specific questions. They suggest hairstyles according to face shapes and requests of customers. Also, they apply hair treatment products as needed.
Primarily, a high school diploma is all you need for this position. After which, you must complete a state-approved cosmetology program. Similarly, you must acquire a state-issued license to work. You must be creative, a good listener, communicator, physically fit, and a people person. Also, you must know about hair treatment products and services. Job openings can be found in hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, spas, and resorts. You'll earn an average salary of $33,000. It ranges between $21,000 and $52,000.
What general advice would you give to a hairstylist/cosmetologist?
Charley Sain
Cosmetology Instructor, Program Coordinator for Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Manicuring, Cleveland Community College
Avg. Salary $36,770
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 11%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.55%
Asian 6.99%
Black or African American 11.59%
Hispanic or Latino 15.98%
Unknown 4.30%
White 60.59%
Genderfemale 91.36%
male 8.64%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Hairstylist/cosmetologist career paths
Key steps to become a hairstylist/cosmetologist
Explore hairstylist/cosmetologist education requirements
Start to develop specific hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
Skills Percentages Scheduling Appointments 16.68% Makeup 11.93% Salon Services 7.87% Cosmetology 6.94% Front Desk 5.04% Complete relevant hairstylist/cosmetologist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hairstylist/cosmetologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hairstylist/cosmetologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hairstylist/cosmetologist resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed hairstylist/cosmetologist usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed hairstylist/cosmetologist in most of states. 43 states require hairstylist/cosmetologists to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Alabama Specific course required State exam required Licensed Cosmetologist Arkansas Specific course required Both state and third-party exams required Cosmetologist California Specific course required State exam required Cosmetologist Colorado Specific course required State exam required Cosmetologist Connecticut Specific course required State exam required Hairdresser/Cosmetician Research hairstylist/cosmetologist duties and responsibilities
- Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
- Work as a hairstylist, receptionist, sell retail and up sell services and products.
- Apply make-up, dress wigs, learn customer's needs, provide fingernail treatments, and maintain clean work area.
- Receive certification and start as hairstylist.
Prepare your hairstylist/cosmetologist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hairstylist/cosmetologist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a hairstylist/cosmetologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable hairstylist/cosmetologist resume templates
Build a professional hairstylist/cosmetologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your hairstylist/cosmetologist resume.
Apply for hairstylist/cosmetologist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a hairstylist/cosmetologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first hairstylist/cosmetologist job
Are you a hairstylist/cosmetologist?
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Average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary
The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary in the United States is $36,770 per year or $18 per hour. Hairstylist/cosmetologist salaries range between $25,000 and $53,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do hairstylist/cosmetologists rate their job?
Hairstylist/cosmetologist reviews
I like the satisfaction of doing someone’s hair and they love it.
Working all weekends, being in tons of social interactions a day, high stress situations, work comes home with you, getting criticism online, lots of disinfection and cleaning, lots of interaction with coworkers. Some days at work I want To go hide in the bathroom to avoid anymore social interaction and stress from dealing with the public all day.
•talking n building relationships w awesome people • doing art everyday and learning mastering my craft •not sitting all day with tons of freedom to express myself through unconventional fashion and hairstyles •feeling like i have something to offer that makes people feel happy about themselves •having having clientele that is loyal
•pay is not what i expected nor is my passion as lucrative as i thought it would be. •feels less like an artist and more like an unskilled service worker or like I'm the 'help' •working weekends and holidays
Updated January 8, 2025
