Step-by-step guide on how to become a hairstylist with some invaluable insights from the experts in our GlossBoss community.
As with any career, there are many trajectories that lead to success within the beauty industry – no matter which specialty you may choose to pursue. While there’s no exact formula or set of rules for how to become a successful professional these days, if you want to become a hairstylist, you can’t go wrong following a few basic steps for breaking into the biz.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a hair stylist with some invaluable insights from the experts in our GlossBoss community.
Here are six steps for how to become a hair stylist:
Okay, let’s dive deeper into each one.
Get into research mode and do some recon on the current state of the industry. Start by speaking to hairstylists in your neighborhood or networking online. You likely have your own favorite hair professional that you frequent, so start picking their brain to learn about their career journey thus far.
Online, there are also plenty of communities to join where you can chat with seasoned pros, ask questions, and read through the experiences of others (think Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or Twitter threads). For extra immersion, start searching for trade show tickets in your area where you can network and get familiar with the big brands and thought leaders in the styling sector.
Get as close to the industry as possible by landing a job in a local salon that doesn't require you to have a license. Prior to getting your certification, you can enter the beauty workforce as a salon receptionist to begin getting familiar with the salon environment. GlossGenius educator, Kendall Whitley, went this route, which was highlighted in our recent success story where she shares how she started and how she’s since built the business of her dreams.
To become a working hairstylist, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program is necessary in order to become a licensed cosmetologist and obtain a hairdresser’s license from your state's Board of Cosmetology Examiners. Many board websites will list the state-licensed cosmetology schools in their area making this a good starting point to select a school that will no doubt get you the accreditation required.
Before enrolling in a training program, pull together a list of questions, like these examples below, that will help you qualify which program is the best fit for you.
To get started, check out some of these top beauty schools with locations across the country:
After becoming a licensed hair stylist, you’ll want to start looking for an opportunity to apprentice in a salon, and if you’re already working as a receptionist, you’ll have your foot in the door. In this industry, it’s important to walk before you crawl and crawl before you run. “When you get out of school and you have your license, a lot of girls I found, think that they should just go right into their chair,” says Marissa King in a recent community spotlight where she shared a range of advice on how to become a hair stylist.
“Don't go right into it... Become an assistant at a salon that you like that has successful stylists there. You need to be extremely humble.” As much as you’re likely excited to get started as a hair stylist, take your time to thoroughly observe and gain hair styling experience as an assistant first.
Once you’re feeling confident in your skills as a new stylist, you’ll want to mentally prepare for the hustle of making a name for yourself in the area. “Always[have] a stack of business cards with you,” King advises.
“On your day off, going wherever you go, commenting on somebody's hair, giving them your card… just non-stop.” In the early days of your career, there are no days off when you’re building a name for yourself. Not to say you shouldn’t have any work-life balance, but you should be prepared to put in the hours and the effort to build a strong foundation for your future as a professional hair stylist. “That's the biggest thing,” King says. “If you're not prepared to hustle and be motivated all the time, even when you have other crap going on, it's not going to be an easy road for you.”
Now that you’ve got the license, the skills, and the clients under your belt, you may start thinking about going fully independent. When you're ready to venture out on your own, one of the most daunting tasks may be finding a place to call your home away from home.
Whether you’re looking for a salon suite to rent or are planning to launch your own salon, be sure to do your homework and take note of everything you want (or don't want) in a physical space before signing on the dotted line. If you're going the salon suite route, don’t sign a lease until you’ve done a deep dive into the interior, exterior, and details of the space. When opening your own salon, you’ll want to check off all of those boxes and more.
And when you do go independent as a hair stylist, always remember that GlossGenius has your back!
Becoming a hair stylist requires dedication and hard work, but with the right steps, it is possible to build a successful career in the beauty industry. In some states, you don’t even need a high school diploma or GED.
To get started as a hairstylist, you need to immerse yourself in the industry, obtain a license from an accredited beauty school, and gain experience through an apprenticeship. As a new stylist, it's also important to be prepared to hustle and build a strong foundation by networking and continuously learning. Finally, when you're ready to go independent and become self employed, it's crucial to do your homework and find a space that fits your needs. With these steps in mind, anyone with a passion for hair styling can turn their dream into a reality.
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As with any career, there are many trajectories that lead to success within the beauty industry – no matter which specialty you may choose to pursue. While there’s no exact formula or set of rules for how to become a successful professional these days, if you want to become a hairstylist, you can’t go wrong following a few basic steps for breaking into the biz.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a hair stylist with some invaluable insights from the experts in our GlossBoss community.
Here are six steps for how to become a hair stylist:
Okay, let’s dive deeper into each one.
Get into research mode and do some recon on the current state of the industry. Start by speaking to hairstylists in your neighborhood or networking online. You likely have your own favorite hair professional that you frequent, so start picking their brain to learn about their career journey thus far.
Online, there are also plenty of communities to join where you can chat with seasoned pros, ask questions, and read through the experiences of others (think Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or Twitter threads). For extra immersion, start searching for trade show tickets in your area where you can network and get familiar with the big brands and thought leaders in the styling sector.
Get as close to the industry as possible by landing a job in a local salon that doesn't require you to have a license. Prior to getting your certification, you can enter the beauty workforce as a salon receptionist to begin getting familiar with the salon environment. GlossGenius educator, Kendall Whitley, went this route, which was highlighted in our recent success story where she shares how she started and how she’s since built the business of her dreams.
To become a working hairstylist, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program is necessary in order to become a licensed cosmetologist and obtain a hairdresser’s license from your state's Board of Cosmetology Examiners. Many board websites will list the state-licensed cosmetology schools in their area making this a good starting point to select a school that will no doubt get you the accreditation required.
Before enrolling in a training program, pull together a list of questions, like these examples below, that will help you qualify which program is the best fit for you.
To get started, check out some of these top beauty schools with locations across the country:
After becoming a licensed hair stylist, you’ll want to start looking for an opportunity to apprentice in a salon, and if you’re already working as a receptionist, you’ll have your foot in the door. In this industry, it’s important to walk before you crawl and crawl before you run. “When you get out of school and you have your license, a lot of girls I found, think that they should just go right into their chair,” says Marissa King in a recent community spotlight where she shared a range of advice on how to become a hair stylist.
“Don't go right into it... Become an assistant at a salon that you like that has successful stylists there. You need to be extremely humble.” As much as you’re likely excited to get started as a hair stylist, take your time to thoroughly observe and gain hair styling experience as an assistant first.
Once you’re feeling confident in your skills as a new stylist, you’ll want to mentally prepare for the hustle of making a name for yourself in the area. “Always[have] a stack of business cards with you,” King advises.
“On your day off, going wherever you go, commenting on somebody's hair, giving them your card… just non-stop.” In the early days of your career, there are no days off when you’re building a name for yourself. Not to say you shouldn’t have any work-life balance, but you should be prepared to put in the hours and the effort to build a strong foundation for your future as a professional hair stylist. “That's the biggest thing,” King says. “If you're not prepared to hustle and be motivated all the time, even when you have other crap going on, it's not going to be an easy road for you.”
Now that you’ve got the license, the skills, and the clients under your belt, you may start thinking about going fully independent. When you're ready to venture out on your own, one of the most daunting tasks may be finding a place to call your home away from home.
Whether you’re looking for a salon suite to rent or are planning to launch your own salon, be sure to do your homework and take note of everything you want (or don't want) in a physical space before signing on the dotted line. If you're going the salon suite route, don’t sign a lease until you’ve done a deep dive into the interior, exterior, and details of the space. When opening your own salon, you’ll want to check off all of those boxes and more.
And when you do go independent as a hair stylist, always remember that GlossGenius has your back!
Becoming a hair stylist requires dedication and hard work, but with the right steps, it is possible to build a successful career in the beauty industry. In some states, you don’t even need a high school diploma or GED.
To get started as a hairstylist, you need to immerse yourself in the industry, obtain a license from an accredited beauty school, and gain experience through an apprenticeship. As a new stylist, it's also important to be prepared to hustle and build a strong foundation by networking and continuously learning. Finally, when you're ready to go independent and become self employed, it's crucial to do your homework and find a space that fits your needs. With these steps in mind, anyone with a passion for hair styling can turn their dream into a reality.
Get the latest articles, inspiring how-to’s, and educational workbooks delivered to your inbox.
No credit card required.
As with any career, there are many trajectories that lead to success within the beauty industry – no matter which specialty you may choose to pursue. While there’s no exact formula or set of rules for how to become a successful professional these days, if you want to become a hairstylist, you can’t go wrong following a few basic steps for breaking into the biz.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a hair stylist with some invaluable insights from the experts in our GlossBoss community.
Here are six steps for how to become a hair stylist:
Okay, let’s dive deeper into each one.
Get into research mode and do some recon on the current state of the industry. Start by speaking to hairstylists in your neighborhood or networking online. You likely have your own favorite hair professional that you frequent, so start picking their brain to learn about their career journey thus far.
Online, there are also plenty of communities to join where you can chat with seasoned pros, ask questions, and read through the experiences of others (think Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or Twitter threads). For extra immersion, start searching for trade show tickets in your area where you can network and get familiar with the big brands and thought leaders in the styling sector.
Get as close to the industry as possible by landing a job in a local salon that doesn't require you to have a license. Prior to getting your certification, you can enter the beauty workforce as a salon receptionist to begin getting familiar with the salon environment. GlossGenius educator, Kendall Whitley, went this route, which was highlighted in our recent success story where she shares how she started and how she’s since built the business of her dreams.
To become a working hairstylist, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program is necessary in order to become a licensed cosmetologist and obtain a hairdresser’s license from your state's Board of Cosmetology Examiners. Many board websites will list the state-licensed cosmetology schools in their area making this a good starting point to select a school that will no doubt get you the accreditation required.
Before enrolling in a training program, pull together a list of questions, like these examples below, that will help you qualify which program is the best fit for you.
To get started, check out some of these top beauty schools with locations across the country:
After becoming a licensed hair stylist, you’ll want to start looking for an opportunity to apprentice in a salon, and if you’re already working as a receptionist, you’ll have your foot in the door. In this industry, it’s important to walk before you crawl and crawl before you run. “When you get out of school and you have your license, a lot of girls I found, think that they should just go right into their chair,” says Marissa King in a recent community spotlight where she shared a range of advice on how to become a hair stylist.
“Don't go right into it... Become an assistant at a salon that you like that has successful stylists there. You need to be extremely humble.” As much as you’re likely excited to get started as a hair stylist, take your time to thoroughly observe and gain hair styling experience as an assistant first.
Once you’re feeling confident in your skills as a new stylist, you’ll want to mentally prepare for the hustle of making a name for yourself in the area. “Always[have] a stack of business cards with you,” King advises.
“On your day off, going wherever you go, commenting on somebody's hair, giving them your card… just non-stop.” In the early days of your career, there are no days off when you’re building a name for yourself. Not to say you shouldn’t have any work-life balance, but you should be prepared to put in the hours and the effort to build a strong foundation for your future as a professional hair stylist. “That's the biggest thing,” King says. “If you're not prepared to hustle and be motivated all the time, even when you have other crap going on, it's not going to be an easy road for you.”
Now that you’ve got the license, the skills, and the clients under your belt, you may start thinking about going fully independent. When you're ready to venture out on your own, one of the most daunting tasks may be finding a place to call your home away from home.
Whether you’re looking for a salon suite to rent or are planning to launch your own salon, be sure to do your homework and take note of everything you want (or don't want) in a physical space before signing on the dotted line. If you're going the salon suite route, don’t sign a lease until you’ve done a deep dive into the interior, exterior, and details of the space. When opening your own salon, you’ll want to check off all of those boxes and more.
And when you do go independent as a hair stylist, always remember that GlossGenius has your back!
Becoming a hair stylist requires dedication and hard work, but with the right steps, it is possible to build a successful career in the beauty industry. In some states, you don’t even need a high school diploma or GED.
To get started as a hairstylist, you need to immerse yourself in the industry, obtain a license from an accredited beauty school, and gain experience through an apprenticeship. As a new stylist, it's also important to be prepared to hustle and build a strong foundation by networking and continuously learning. Finally, when you're ready to go independent and become self employed, it's crucial to do your homework and find a space that fits your needs. With these steps in mind, anyone with a passion for hair styling can turn their dream into a reality.
No credit card required.
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