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Stylist vs hair dresser

The differences between stylists and hair dressers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a stylist and a hair dresser. Additionally, a stylist has an average salary of $37,985, which is higher than the $36,852 average annual salary of a hair dresser.

The top three skills for a stylist include good time management, POS and data entry. The most important skills for a hair dresser are appointment scheduling, customer service, and product sales.

Stylist vs hair dresser overview

StylistHair Dresser
Yearly salary$37,985$36,852
Hourly rate$18.26$17.72
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs49,29642,777
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a stylist do?

A stylist is responsible for providing fashion advice, choosing the appropriate clothing for models, maintaining the fashion style, and supervising photoshoots. Stylists must always be updated with the latest fashion trends for recommendations. A stylist must have excellent communication skills to connect with various brand management and fashion stores for purchasing items or inquiring about clothing collections. In some cases, stylists are usually consulted by a team of the fashion brand to give inputs on the appropriate style, including color schemes and overall design.

What does a hair dresser do?

A hairdresser, also known as a hairstylist or beautician, is a person who specializes in the cutting or styling of hair with the goal of enhancing a person's appearance. As a hairdresser, your duties may range from cutting, washing, and styling to hair coloring and employing hair texturing techniques. You may also be required to educate clients on healthy hair practices on hair and scalp care.

Stylist vs hair dresser salary

Stylists and hair dressers have different pay scales, as shown below.

StylistHair Dresser
Average salary$37,985$36,852
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $53,000Between $25,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityDenver, CO-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyColumbia International University-
Best paying industryHospitality-

Differences between stylist and hair dresser education

There are a few differences between a stylist and a hair dresser in terms of educational background:

StylistHair Dresser
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Stylist vs hair dresser demographics

Here are the differences between stylists' and hair dressers' demographics:

StylistHair Dresser
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 13.6% Female, 86.4%Male, 6.1% Female, 93.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 8.1% White, 59.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between stylist and hair dresser duties and responsibilities

Stylist example responsibilities.

  • Manage salon, payroll, purchasing and inventory utilizing corporate policies.
  • Manage cleaning up activities after hair care appointments by ensuring appropriate cleanliness and sterilization of cutting and trimming equipment.
  • Perform general receptionist tasks such as answering phones, using POS system, handling money transactions, and scheduling appointments.
  • Create personal``Lookbooks"for clients through social media.
  • Assist in marketing and social media via Instagram, Facebook and USD club meetings.
  • Contract great clips for service to hire temps on a temporary basis to assist shifts salons need.
  • Show more

Hair dresser example responsibilities.

  • Manage product inventory for cosmetology products, place product orders, maintain the inventory.
  • Shampoo, style and color hair as well as advise clients about wigs.
  • Bleach, dye, or tint hair.
  • Assist in hair and make-up.
  • Apply make-up and cosmetics on clients.
  • Shape eyebrows using tweezers, creams.
  • Show more

Stylist vs hair dresser skills

Common stylist skills
  • Good Time Management, 14%
  • POS, 11%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Excellent Training, 8%
  • Safety Standards, 8%
  • Product Knowledge, 6%
Common hair dresser skills
  • Appointment Scheduling, 28%
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • Product Sales, 8%
  • Curling Irons, 6%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Skin Care, 6%

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