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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair specialist

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists and hair specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a hairstylist/cosmetologist has an average salary of $36,770, which is higher than the $36,659 average annual salary of a hair specialist.

The top three skills for a hairstylist/cosmetologist include scheduling appointments, makeup and salon services. The most important skills for a hair specialist are customer service, product knowledge, and wigs.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair specialist overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Specialist
Yearly salary$36,770$36,659
Hourly rate$17.68$17.62
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs43,19333,950
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 28%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair specialist salary

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Specialist
Average salary$36,770$36,659
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $23,000 And $56,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair specialist education

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Specialist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 28%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair specialist demographics

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Specialist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 11.3% Female, 88.7%
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, 14.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 8.2% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage product inventory for cosmetology products, place product orders, maintain the inventory.
  • Provide hairstylist services/professional makeup/manicures/pedicures and modeling.
  • Perform cosmetology services on clients-scheduling appointments-Inventory

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair specialist skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common hair specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 36%
  • Product Knowledge, 13%
  • Wigs, 12%
  • Hair Removal, 8%
  • Retail Sales, 8%
  • Dryers, 7%

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