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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair designer

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists and hair designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a hairstylist/cosmetologist and a hair designer. Additionally, a hair designer has an average salary of $37,277, which is higher than the $36,770 average annual salary of a hairstylist/cosmetologist.

The top three skills for a hairstylist/cosmetologist include scheduling appointments, makeup and salon services. The most important skills for a hair designer are customer service, front desk, and appointment scheduling.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair designer overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Designer
Yearly salary$36,770$37,277
Hourly rate$17.68$17.92
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs43,19386,536
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Associate Degree, 25%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair designer salary

Hairstylist/cosmetologists and hair designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Designer
Average salary$36,770$37,277
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $25,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair designer education

There are a few differences between a hairstylist/cosmetologist and a hair designer in terms of educational background:

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Designer
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Associate Degree, 25%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair designer demographics

Here are the differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists' and hair designers' demographics:

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Designer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 10.5% Female, 89.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 7.5% White, 61.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair designer duties and responsibilities

Hairstylist/cosmetologist example 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.
  • Maintain hair tools and salon instruments for salon cleanliness and compliance with cosmetology regulations.
  • Train and employ by Aveda, demonstrating the use of plant and flower sensory methodology.

Hair designer example responsibilities.

  • Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
  • Care for wigs and hairpieces and in some cases sell them.
  • Attach prosthetics to performers and apply makeup to create special features.
  • Aid with the build, application, and removal of prosthetics.
  • Develop diverse cosmetology skills and expertise through education
  • Provide hairstylist services/professional makeup/manicures/pedicures and modeling.
  • Show more

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair designer skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common hair designer skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Front Desk, 16%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 15%
  • Cosmetology, 11%
  • Product Sales, 10%
  • Retail Sales, 7%

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