Job Description for Hair Stylists

The job description of a hair stylist includes styling and coloring hair.

Hair stylists typically style people's hair according to their specifications. Sometimes, hair stylists will recommend certain hairstyles based on the shape of person's face, or whatever is currently in vogue. The primary goal of a hairstylist is to enhance a person's looks, striving to satisfy the customer and gain their repeat business. The job description of a hairstylist includes many different duties and responsibilities.

Work Hours and Environment

Hairstylists usually work at least 40 hours per week. Business owners can work even longer hours. Full-time hairstylists must usually be available to work either morning, evening or weekend shifts, when hair places are traditionally much busier. Twenty-nine percent of all hairstylists are part-time workers, according to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010 To 2011 Edition" at bls.gov. Most hair stylists work in spacious beauty salons or spas that are well-illuminated, clean and provide a proper ventilation system.

Duties

The job description of a hair stylist can include shampooing, coloring, bleaching, cutting or highlighting a customer's hair. Hairstylists also give people perms, style wigs or other hair pieces, and perform various grooming functions like skin and nail treatment. At least part of a hairstylist's job description is devoted to answering phones and assisting customers in making appointments. It is also the responsibility of the hairstylist to sweep the floor and clean their workstation and equipment after servicing each customer; and process the customer's cash or credit card transactions on the cash register.

Training

A full-time hairstylist's training usually in barbering or cosmetology lasts nine months or longer, according to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics. During their training, hairstylists typically learn their trade through classroom instruction and textbooks; and by actually styling and cutting hair with the help of instructors. After training is completed, the hairstylist must pass a state written exam to get their license. This exam may also include some oral questions as well as a tactical demonstration of skills.

Education and Skills

Hairstylists are usually required to at least have a high school degree or GED (graduate equivalency diploma). Another option is to enroll in cosmetology or hairstyling through a vocational school. The hairstylist must have a number of skills, including manual dexterity, communication, proper equipment selection and time management skills.

Salary and Job Outlook

In May 2008, the average hairstylist made about $11.13 per hour, including tips and commissions, according to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics. More experienced workers can make up to $20 per hour and more. Jobs for hairstylists, including cosmetologists and other personal appearance employees, is expected to grow 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is at a much faster pace than the typical career.

References

• Onet: Summary Report For Hairdressers, Hairstylists And Cosmetologists
• Bureau Of Labor Statistics: Barbers, Cosmetologists, And Other Personal Appearance Workers
• Payscale: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, And Cosmetologists Job Description