How to Become a Hairstylist

If you are looking for a rewarding career in cosmetology and creating new hairstyles for people sounds like something you might be interested in, then becoming a hairstylist is right up your alley. Find out what it takes to become a hairstylist and start on the road to a new career by reading the steps below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Graduate high school. In many cases you will be required to have a high school diploma before entering a hair design school or school of cosmetology.
2. Enroll in beauty or hair design school. Check online or in your local Yellow Pages or community newspaper for schools in your area.
3. Take hair design courses while attending beauty school. Learn many different types and areas of hairstyling including coloring, perming, braiding and waving.
4. Apprentice with an established hairstylist after completing beauty school. Many schools offer on-the-job training programs and you might be able to stay on at the salon where you worked while in this program.
5. Decide if you want to work in an established beauty salon or if you want to open your own. You can also work on your own, perhaps going directly to your customers' homes to style their hair.
6. Get licensed by your state as a hairstylist if required. You must pass a written and practical examination.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep up with new hairstyles. Continue to take hair design courses and attend seminars as needed to stay on top of your trade.
• Some states might require additional licensing for certain areas of specialization in hairstyling, for instance, Virginia requires an additional license for braiding, hair extensions and hair weaving.
• Be prepared to work evenings and weekends when you become a hairstylist.