Hairstylist

A hairstylist is a professional who gives haircuts and selects the style that best suits their clients. By the way, recently the ProfGuide career guidance center has developed a precise career orientation test, which will tell you which professions are suitable for you, provide a conclusion about your personality type and intelligence.

Brief Description

Just a few years ago, a hairdresser was only required to be able to do haircuts or styling. But times have changed, so a new profession today is a hairstylist. This specialist knows everything about hairstyles, but they also help the client choose an individual style, tell about the rules of hair care and perform therapeutic procedures.

A hairstylist needs to know the basics of chemistry and be able to work with equipment (hair dryers, curling irons and others) and cosmetics (dyes, masks, etc.). These specialists should be well aware of their duties and understand psychology. They should be able to find an approach to each of their clients and accurately determine their moods and desires.

Features

A stylist should not only know how to cut and style hair, no! They also need to know the trends of the season, and their job duties includes:

• Helping clients choose the best length and shape for hair;

• Assisting the client in the choice of hair shade and colouring technique;

• Choosing a hairstyle that suits the occasion (holiday, anniversary, corporate party etc.);

• Being able to create scenic hairstyles;

• Choosing the type of styling for each type of hair;

• Giving haircuts, all kinds of curls of hair (curlers, chemical and electric), coloring, aligning curls;

• Increasing the volume and quality of hair with the help of wigs and extensions;

• Understanding the modern technology of hair alignment and treatment;

• Consulting clients;

• Performing hair care procedures;

• Attending conferences and participating in various competitions;

• Keeping the workplace clean.

Also, the specialist must be able to develop hairstyle options, adapting them to the customer's makeup and clothing. Note that if a person suffers from dermatological diseases, joint diseases or allergic reactions, they will not be able to work as a hairstylist.

Pros and Cons of Being a Hairstylist

Pros

• You can become a hairstylist at any age.

• High wages and tips left by grateful customers.

• You can officially get a job or work for yourself by opening a salon or acquiring a solid customer base.

• You can combine the profession of a hairstylist and a makeup artist, beautician or other professions that are close to the beauty industry.

• A higher salary if compared to an ordinary hairdresser, makeup artist or stylist.

• A chance to work with famous people (movie stars, entertainers, and others).

Cons

1. Demanding clients.

2. You need to work long hours to master your skills and gain experience.

3. You need to learn and keep up to date with the latest fashion trends by studying magazines, blogs and video tutorials.

4. More often than not, the income depends on the number of clients that a hairstylist works with during the day or month.

5. Whimsical clients can piss off even the calmest person, and this professional encounters them daily.

6. Not all clients wash their hair and follow personal hygiene rules.

7. Competition is very fierce, so you can experience difficulties before getting hired.

The main disadvantage is a high risk of developing occupational diseases. They have to work standing for ten or more hours a day, which causes spine problems and varicose veins and constant swelling.

Important Qualities

Impeccable appearance is one of the main requirements for professionals who work in the beauty industry. A hairstylist should have beautiful hair and well-groomed hands.

1. Friendliness and stamina.

2. Excellent health.

3. Artistic taste and creativity.

4. Communication skills.

5. Responsibility and politeness.

6. Tidiness.

7. Neatness.

8. Thoroughness.

A hairstylist faces capricious and not always polite customers, so they need to be very calm, judicious and neat.

Employment

Hairstylists work in beauty salons or work with private clients, renting premises and setting up mini-salons. After completing training, these professionals most often stay in the same place they previously interned.

Salary

The monthly salary is based on the amount of money they receive for working in a salon and fees because these professionals are engaged in private practice and their main job.

Career Growth

Career growth depends on their experience and knowledge because if a hairstylist regularly attends master classes and improves their skills, their work will be appreciated very highly. Later, a hairstylist can become famous, work with famous people, become an expert in the beauty industry and open their own fashion salon.

Professional Knowledge

1. Ability to use hairdressing equipment and tools.

2. Ability to use cosmetic products and coloring compositions.

3. Knowledge of fashion trends in the beauty industry.

Famous Hairstylists

1. Chris McMillan

2. Adir Abergel