How To Become A Hairdresser

A hairdresser will cut and style customers’ hair. From giving them the latest haircut to straightening or perming their locks to applying color and highlights. You will be working to enhance their looks by manipulating their hair.

You will also be shampooing and conditioning clients’ hair. Giving them treatments to improve the condition of their scalp. These applications can help clients by removing dandruff and addressing other scalp conditions. You will also provide services like coloring, bleaching and tinting. With the use of brushes, combs, scissors and straightening or curling irons, you cut and style clients’ hair following the latest trends. You also see to it that the styles you use on customers reflect the most recent trends. This will also need to fit their preferences and lifestyles.

You will be providing clients with advice on how they can best care for their hair. You can recommend the products they can use and activities they can do to improve the quality of their hair. If the products are available in your salon, you can also sell them. An important part of your job is maintaining records of the services you have given to each of your client. This will guide you on what to do the next time he or she visits.

On a typical workday, your work starts by cleaning your work station. Ensuring that the implements you use on your client’s hair are hygienic and sanitary. You also call up clients during your slow hours and remind them of their future appointments. This can reduce the chances that they will not show up for or cancel their next appointment. After doing a client’s hair, you can take this opportunity to book them for future appointments. This can ensures that their hair can be properly cared for. This also encourages repeat visits which can sustain your business. You may also be the one to receive payments and operate the cash register. This depends on the policies of the salon you are working in.

Hairdressers may also be asked to clean and adjust wigs and hairpieces. Some hairdressers provide specialized services like hair braiding which are popular among African-Americans. Loctitians are hair braiders who care for, maintain and style dreadlocks.

If you want to succeed as a hairdresser, you need to have pleasing personality. You also need to have good interpersonal communications skills. You will be dealing with people and keeping them satisfied is a crucial part of your job. It’s important to treat your customers right. Since some of the components you put on clients’ hair may contain allergenic compounds, you need to be free from any skin allergies as well. Most of the procedures will involve standing on your feet for long periods of time. Creativity, patience and good hand-eye coordination are also crucial in this profession.

Why Become A Hairdresser

One reason to become a hairdresser is the chance it provides you exhibit your creativity with hair. Especially if the client trusts you enough to give them the best style. It’s also a profession for the someone who loves to interact and talk with people. Another reason is that it paves the way for you to establish your own salon after gaining experience. Becoming a hairdress is a profession for those who want to have more control over their own work schedule. Many working in the personal appearance professions (barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists) are self-employed.

Hairdresser Work Environment

Hairdressers can serve both male and female clients. Salaried hairdressers are usually employed in salons. Some may also work in salons found inside hotels, resorts or spas. They may be asked to work in shifts. Work hours are typically fulltime. Evenings and weekends are usually very busy days. These are the times when people have free time to have their hair done.

Self-employed hairdressers may visit their clients’ homes. Although they may have more flexible work hours, they typically work longer than those who are employed. After working for several years, many hairdressers become managers of the salons they work in. Some choose to open their own salon.

Hairdresser Salary

They May 2013 Occupational Employment and Wages report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the mean annual wage of hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is $27,530. This is lower than the $27,710 earned by barbers who cater mainly to male clients. This salary does not figure in the tips received by hairdressers. Clients can be generous. Especially if they have been served by the same hairdresser for a long time. Clients sometimes pay well if they are always satisfied with the service they get.

Hairdresser Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a specific employment rate for hairdressers alone. The job outlook for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists for the ten-year period covering 2012 to 2022. With a growth rate of 13 percent, it is expected that in that time span, the 611,200 workers employed in 2012 will increase to 688,700 in 2022. This growth is about the national average for all jobs. This rate outpaces barbers by two percentage points faster. The employment rate of barbers which is set at 11 percent for that same time period. The demand for hairdressers and related occupations will continue to be needed as people will always want to look their best..

Hairdresser Degree

Aspiring hairdressers can enter a state-licensed cosmetology school. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required. Postsecondary cosmetology programs are usually available in vocational schools. Most programs lasting at least nine months. Advanced courses may take longer but may pave the way for obtaining an associate’s degree.

All hairdressers, cosmetologists and barbers must be licensed before they can practice their profession. The general requirements include: