How to Become a Professional Hair Stylist
To start a career as a professional hair stylist, you must first get a solid cosmetology education, which puts you on the path to getting your actual license. Doing hair for friends and family is not enough experience to get hired as a stylist. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, most personal appearance workers, including professional hair stylists, must obtain state licensing to practice legally.
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Instructions
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Attend a school of cosmetology. Some high schools have special vocational programs that you can attend after school. If you are out of high school, you can apply to an independent cosmetology school program to learn about hair styling and design. See the link in "Resources" to find a school in your state.
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Take your certification test to get your license to become an official cosmetologist. The certification process is a way for the state to regulate and oversee the actions of cosmetologists who deal with customers on a regular basis and make sure that they know what they are doing. In many states, you must go back annually to re-register your cosmetology license.
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Enroll with your cosmetology school's career services department. They can help you find employment or an apprenticeship under an experienced hair stylist. Many states require that you complete a certain number of apprentice hours to receive your license.
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Practice you new hair-styling skills on willing friends and family members; take pictures of the results. Offer to do hair for free at small, local photo shoots. You can use these photos later for your hair stylist portfolio.
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Compile and prepare your portfolio, including hair styles that you have finished on actual models and hair mannequins. Display photos in your portfolio online, and get a link that you can give to prospective employers. (See "Resources.")
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Look for employment or an apprenticeship in your industry. Visit hair salons within a comfortable traveling distance from your home, talk to the manager or owner, and leave a copy of your resume (which will be understandably light) and/or a link to your online portfolio. Bring a printed copy of your portfolio along with you to show the hair salon owner your proficiency.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Diana Ciara
