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Hair Stylist

Do you like working and spending time with all different types of people? Do you feel a great attraction for design, color and style? Do you love working with a pair of scissors, mousses and gels? If so, a career as a Hair Stylist is just right for you.

Hair Stylists are an important part of cosmetology industry, thanks to them people can maintain their personal appearance. The greatest responsibility of a hair stylist is cutting and styling client's hair. He or she also offers other services such as coloring, perming, relaxing and hair extensions.

The most of Hair Stylists are highly skilled in their talent to handle hair, and has an extensive knowledge of the suitable products for different hair types.

A skilled Hair Stylist is always:

On the cutting edge of the latest tendencies and methods
Includes their own creativity into their designs
Works with people, helping them to look and feel their best
Has space to grow as a manager of a salon or salon owner
Works in a diversity of professional locations such as salons, hotels and more.

Hair professionals are always in high-demand regardless of their location. A hair professional usually perceive over one hundred customers during their working week which accounts for their generous income. In addition, they have the opportunity to job flexible hours depending on the salon.

Training

If you want operate as a professional stylist you'll required to finish a Hair Cutting, Hair Coloring or Hair Design program and get your cosmetology license. The requirement of each state as for the amount of hours required to complete a beauty program varies, but the average ranges between 1,400 and 1,600 hours. The minimum requirement is around 1,000 hours and the maximum is 2,000 hours.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for hair stylists is estimated to grow faster than the national average for all jobs in the United States. The primary reason for faster growing is the increase in population and the demand for personal care services.

Despite the strong job prospects, job opportunities at high-end beauty salons are still expected to be quite competitive. Other hair stylists opt to go into business for themselves after years of building up a client base and a strong reputation.

Before you define looking for Hair Stylist job, we recommend making a personalized portfolio. This helps in introducing yourself to agencies and fashion corporations.

You also can initiate by working as a beginner Hair Stylist. The best manner to find a position as a Hair Style beginner is by directly applying to potential employers or finds a sponsor. Make use of the local telephone directory, newspaper or just walk into a hair salon. A certificate of apprenticeship will be supplied to you on finishing the Hair Style apprenticeship.

Being a Hair Stylist is not an occupation prevailed by men or women. Most Hair Stylists gain labor experience and improve their skills working in hairdressing salons, barber shops, vocational schools, hospitals, prisons, cruise liners, health care establishments and theatre, armed forces bases, film and television companies, where they spend most of their working day on their feet, moving around the salon as they wash, dry and style clients's hair in diverse locales.

Possible Hair Stylist job titles are:

Barber
Barber apprentice
Hair color technician
Hairdresser
Hairdresser apprentice
Hairstylist
Hairstylist apprentice
Wig stylist

Tasks

A Hair Stylist must:

Welcome costumers and make they feel good.
Make arrangements and avoid making clients wait.
Find out exactly what the client wants from their meeting and giving advice.
Wash and condition hair.
Cut and style hair.
Colour, perm or straighten hair, working safely with chemical products.
Recommend on treatment of minor problems with the hair or scalp.
Handle payments.
Keep up to date with new trends.
Train continuously to achieve Continuing Personal Development.
Stay informed of new products, sometimes attending manufacturer's short courses which will introduce them.
Work towards developing advanced skills in colouring, perming, assessing and curative methods.

Beginner stylists must also:

Sort out gowns and towels for laundering after use.
Keep the salon clean and tidy.
Help clients with their coats and bags when they enter and leave the salon.
Make tea or coffee for customers.
Help stylists by handing them equipment.
Scrutinize and learn from experienced stylists at work.

Salary Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for hair stylists is expected to increase 12% by 2016 from 2009 levels. The standard annual salary of a U.S based Hair Stylist in 2010 is $56,000.

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