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If you have a passion for beauty, love working with people and want a career with a great deal of potential, hairdressing could be the ideal profession for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hairdressers - also called cosmetologist - enjoy flexible schedules and a great deal of professional freedom - 44 percent were self-employed in 2008. Even better, the BLS reports that the field should grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2008 and 2018, an important consideration in a difficult economic climate.
What Do Hairdressers Do?
Hairdressers shampoo, cut, color and style hair, but that's only the beginning. Working primarily in private salons, spas or resorts, cosmetologists advise clients on proper hair care, recommend and sell products and keep detailed records of customers' style and color preferences. Those who launch their own salons must also hire, supervise, and fire workers; keep inventory; order supplies; track revenue and set up marketing and advertising campaigns.
What are the Steps to Becoming a Hairdresser?
There are a number of reasons hairdressers benefit from formal training. Because they work with harsh chemicals and tend to several clients each day, safety and sanitation know-how is an absolute must for cosmetologists. What's more, many of the processes they perform have permanent, or at least long-term results, so it's important to be able to get it right the first time. Future salon owners can also benefit from the business training most beauty and cosmetology schools provide.
While the reasons we've already provided for formal education are likely persuasive enough, note that in many cases, graduation from an accredited hairdressing program is mandatory. Most employers require their hairdressers to be formally trained, particularly in higher end salons. Some even require stylists to attend additional training within the organization.
Perhaps the most compelling reason for formal cosmetology education, however, is that most states require hairdressers to be licensed. This type of training is a requirement.
Cosmetology Degrees and Schools
All states require hairdressers to graduate from accredited cosmetology programs, which are typically offered via career and vocational schools. Most of these programs lead to either a certificate or an associate's degree. While they vary tremendously, programs typically take nine months to a year to complete.
A cosmetology program's curriculum depends heavily upon state requirements, but most offer some form of training in the following:
While most hairdressers earn their degrees or certificates to practice cosmetology, these credentials can serve as stepping stones to other careers. Salon owners or cosmetology directors typically benefit from business training in addition to basic cosmetology training. Those who hope to become cosmetology instructors may also be required to complete teacher training.
According to the NACCAS and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), cosmetology students have a number of options when it comes to financing their educations. The AACS, the Cosmetology Advancement Foundation (CAF), and the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI) have joined forces to sponsor ACE Grants (free financial assistance) for qualified applicants while a number of financial institutions offer alternative student loans.
Licensure
According to the BLS, all states require hairdressers and stylists to be licensed. Licensure typically requires the following steps:
Note that when a licensed hairdresser moves to a new state, most boards require additional formal education in order to obtain a license there. Most states also require hairdressers to earn continuing education units (CEUs) in order to renew their licenses.
Career Outlook for Hairdressers
According to a May 2009 report from the BLS, the mean annual salary for hairdressers was $27,070 per year, with the middle 50 percent earning between $18,290 and $31,460. Those working in higher end salons or within the entertainment industry tended to earn more.
The BLS projects hairdresser jobs should grow by 20 percent in the decade preceding 2018--much faster than the average for all occupations. This increased demand is the result of a growing population overall and a higher percentage of people willing to invest in basic hair services, particularly among baby boomers and young people. Job prospects will be best for those who are skilled in color and advanced hair treatments, including relaxing and hair extensions.
Resources for Hairdresser
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