Should I be a hairstylist?

Ella is cutting and styling hair at a trendy, upbeat hair salon. She helps clients look and feel their best!

Ella loves the energy and excitement of the salon! She loves the chance to be creative working with people!

Do you have a passion for hair styles? Are you creative about hair styling?

How do you know if hairstyling is right for you?

Hairdressers make their clients look and feel their best by bringing their hair visions come to life.

At its core, hairstyling is about helping someone feel better about themselves and brightening their day! The best hairstylists aren’t just stylists, they are people who really care about making someone happy.

• Wash, cut, color and style hair

• Make customers feel at ease

• Customer service

• Schedule appointments

• Keep a tidy work area

• Sanitize hair styling tools

• Develop new customers

• Manage their time

• Have physical stamina to stand on their feet a lot

In the United States, the average yearly salary for a hairstylist can range from $18,000-52,000.

In Canada, the average yearly salary for a hairstylist can range from C$25,000-43,000.

• You enjoy working with people

• Have a passion for hair styles

• You can handle a lot of responsibility

• You have the physical stamina to stand on your feet all day

• You enjoy helping people look their best

• You can keep a tidy and clean work area

• You do not like working with people

• You do not like touching hair

• You won't like being on your feet all day

• You don't want to be tied to client or salon schedules

• It is hard for you to keep a clean work area and disinfect tools

Hairstylists must obtain a license in order to work

Qualifications for a license vary by state, but generally, a person must meet this criteria:

• 16 years of age or older

• High school diploma or GED

• Graduated from a state-licensed cosmetology school

• Take the state exam that includes a written test, possibly a practical test of styling skills or oral exam

In Canada you'll need to complete a 37-week hairstylist program where you will:

• Learn skills to be a 1st year apprentice

• Spend time between the classroom and salon

• Complete a 3 week work term before graduating

After school you will complete an apprenticeship, making you eligible for theory and practical exams and earning your Red Seal Certification.

Do you think you want to become a hairstylist?