Hairstylist

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

7.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Hairstylist?

A Hairstylist, also known as a Hairdresser, specializes in cutting, styling, and coloring hair. They provide a range of hair care services and advice to enhance clients' appearance and confidence.

Sample job titles:

Cosmetologist, Hair Stylist, Hairdresser, Hairstylist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Hairstylist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Hairstylist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Hairstylist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$33K per year	$38K per year	$49K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $27K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Hairstylist do?

Work environment

Hairstylists typically work in salons, spas, hotels, or may be self-employed. The environment is creative and social, often fast-paced, and requires prolonged periods of standing. Hairstylists may work a variety of hours, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate clients' schedules.

Quick task list

Consults with clients to determine their hairstyle needs.
Cuts, colors, and styles hair.
Keeps up with the latest trends and techniques in hairstyling.
Maintains cleanliness and hygiene of the salon.
Manages appointments and client records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Color Specialist: Expertise in hair coloring techniques and color theory.
Texture Specialist: Specializing in treatments for different hair textures, including perms and relaxers.
Men's Hairstyling: Focusing on men's haircuts and grooming.
Bridal Hair Styling: Creating hairstyles for weddings and special events.
Hair Extension and Weaving: Specializing in the application and styling of hair extensions.

Description

Hairstyling is a dynamic and creative profession that combines technical skill with artistic flair. Hairstylists must have a thorough understanding of hair types, face shapes, and the latest trends to provide personalized services to their clients. This occupation requires not only technical proficiency in cutting and styling hair but also excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with clients and understand their needs.

The role of a hairstylist is continuously evolving with fashion trends, requiring them to stay updated through ongoing education and practice. It's a career that offers the opportunity for artistic expression and personal connection with clients. Successful hairstylists build a loyal clientele by providing exceptional service and a pleasant salon experience.

Being a hairstylist can be both rewarding and demanding. It allows for flexible work arrangements and can provide a pathway to entrepreneurship for those interested in owning their salon. It's a career that fosters personal connections and creativity, making every workday different and engaging.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative satisfaction of transforming clients' appearances.
Building personal relationships with clients and contributing to their confidence.
The dynamic nature of the work, with new trends and techniques.

You might make a good Hairstylist if you are...

Creative and enjoy artistic expression through hairstyling.
Social and enjoy interacting with a variety of people.
Detail-oriented, with good hand-eye coordination.
A good listener and effective communicator.
Interested in fashion and beauty trends.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work.
Social interaction and building client relationships.
Opportunities for self-employment and flexible schedules.

Cons:

Physical demands, including long hours standing.
The need to work weekends and evenings.
Keeping up with constantly changing trends and styles.

How to become a Hairstylist

Typical education

The education for a hairstylist usually involves completing a state-approved cosmetology program, which can vary from a few months to two years. Licensure is required in most states, which involves passing a practical and written exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design courses to develop creativity.
Business studies for those interested in salon management.
Chemistry to understand hair products and treatments.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in fashion or beauty clubs.
Volunteering for hair styling at school events or local theaters.
Practicing hairstyling techniques on friends or family.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a cosmetology school or program.
Completing a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Obtaining licensure as a hairstylist.
Attending workshops and seminars to stay current with trends and techniques.

More resources

Professional Beauty Association (PBA) - Provides education, networking opportunities, and industry updates.
American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH) - Offers certification and resources for hair color specialists.
Salon Today - A magazine offering industry news, trends, and business strategies for salon professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.