If you’re interested in doing hair as a career, then you’re probably looking into cosmetology schools to enroll in. Or perhaps you’re further along in your journey and are already enrolled or have your state license.
While many hair stylists get a bad rap for only playing in hair all day, it’s much more than that. The hair world is a jungle and it’s easy to get tangled up or lost without a guide.
So, before we move into the 12 truths you should know, let me give you some background on how I got started in this industry.
How I Got Started Doing Hair
I actually spent a majority of my life doing hair. Between my dolls, perfecting my own hair rituals, or friends and family.
But as a career? I’ve only been a licensed professional and educator within the industry for a little under a decade… eight years to be exact.
I got licensed after I graduated Penn State in 2016, though I wish I would’ve gone in high school- but I was too scared of the unknown or what people might think. It has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. But here’s some truths I’ve learned along my own path. Perhaps, these will help you out, too.
12 Truths About Doing Hair As A Career
1. Cosmetology School Is Only A Pit Stop
In the state of Pennsylvania, you are required to have 1,250 hours of schooling under your belt in addition to passing the State Board test to be officially licensed. This equals about 9 months of full time schooling.
And while this seems like a small amount of time, it’s really no easy feat. It’s not just about doing hair. In fact, many schools focus more on getting you to pass State Boards and teaching the basics as opposed to ensuring you feel confident in all areas.
If you are thinking of following this career path, you need to have your mindset right and your goals in place. Because without it, you may feel overwhelmed when you’re working on clients for free or have little to no motivation to attend school in the first place.
Remember, schooling is only a minor pit stop when it comes to your entire career journey. Don’t fall into the cycle that keeps many students from finishing the program or pursuing a job in the industry after graduation.
2. Avoid Salon Hopping, Choose Wisely
As you get closer to the finish line of cosmetology school, you’ll want to research salons in your area. If you’re looking for high walk-in traffic, you may be better suited with a corporate or franchise salon like Great Clips, Ulta, JC Penney’s, or Supercuts. These are great options if you don’t have the time to build a client base but need to earn money fairly quickly right out of school or would like medical benefits.
Perhaps you like more intimate settings or are seeking out a specific type of client. That’s where private owned salons come into play. I highly suggest working as an assistant to a master stylist to help build your confidence behind the chair. If you can do so once you receive your temporary license while in school, even better!
And maybe you have the confidence to build your own business. In that case, try salon suites or open your own salon. Just be sure you understand the risks of running your own business.
Whichever you choose, avoid salon hopping. While some clients will follow you, it will be hard to build a book as many will see you as unreliable. You want to put yourself in a space and location that will ultimately attract your dream clientele. Map out your vision and goals and choose a salon that aligns with that.
3. Doing Hair Requires Continuing Education
That’s right. If you’re going to be doing hair, you need to know that this industry moves FAST. Products and techniques are always evolving, which is great. Especially since there are improvements that need to be made.
As you come out of cosmetology school, you may lack confidence, feel unprepared with certain services, or may want to build your beauty business skills.
There are several ways of continuing education (which is optional in the state of PA, but I highly encourage it). You can attend in-person classes, tradeshows, webinars, read blogs or forums, or subscribe to online stylist education platforms like BTCUniversity. Additionally, many salons work with educators based on the color line they use or treatments they offer to provide thorough training for their team of stylists.
4. Invest In Your Hair Tools, Too.
The stylist kit you received at school is the bare basics. Yeah the tools are good for mannequin work and your first couple of live clients.
But truth be told, they’re not going to last forever. and to be successful in this industry, your tools matter. From their weight to the way they fit in your hand, there’s a variety of shears, clippers and more on the market.
You’ll notice almost immediately that investing in tools can cut down your service times tremendously. Ultimately that’s that goal- higher priced services in a shorter amount of time means more money in your pocket and more time to yourself. Now that’s a win!
5. Your Well-Being Is Just As Important
I originally started my blog to help clients along their hair wellness journey. And it was a way for me to relieve stress. We can talk about that another time.
But I quickly realized that stylists like myself can benefit from this journey as well. One of the things I wish they would’ve spoke more about during schooling was how this career takes a toll on your physical and mental health.
Between working with many personality types (both from co workers and clients) to long hours on your feet and repetitive motions, your body takes a toll. And that’s probably the most important tool you have. Stylists are at risk of carpal tunnel or arthritis (along with other health issues due to chemical exposure).
So don’t run yourself into the ground. Show up as your best self, but remember to take breaks, eat healthy, practice mobility or stretch daily, and spend time doing things you enjoy.
6. Building A Clientele Is HARD
On average, it can take up to 3-5 years to build a consistent client foundation. And a lot of that is based on the time and effort you are willing to put into it. There are, of course, other variables like prices, skill level, and salon location.
It’s very easy for newer stylists to get discouraged, hopping from one salon to another. Your best bet is to hold a consistent position. Market yourself, build your skills, learn the business and take advanced classes to best target your ideal clients.
7. Find Your Niche & Market To That Target Audience
When it comes to doing hair, the industry is saturated! In my town, there’s at least one salon on every block. That means lots of competition.
So how do you set yourself apart from other stylists and build a following? Find your niche, aka your specialization. Mine is hair wellness, and helping clients reach their hairadise.
Do you like color applications? Specialize in blonding or brunettes or vivids. Better at cuts? You can specialize in precision haircuts. Hair health? Educate your clients on the right products and routine for them. Whichever you choose, invest in all the classes you can to position yourself as an expert and market to your ideal client.
8. You Always Can Create More Opportunities
Once you have your license, you won’t be limited to just doing hair. In fact, there’s several paths you can take and still be successful if you want to remain in the industry but don’t want to work behind the chair full time. Here’s just a few examples:
- Become a Content Creator. You can do this by promoting yourself on social media platforms like YouTube or IG.
- Work At A Beauty Company. You’re a great asset since you see another side of the industry.
- Trade Show Coordinator. For all the cool hair shows that are nation wide throughout the year.
- Become an Educator. Either at a Tech School, Freelance, with a salon, or a brand
- Work with Brands. Like affiliate marketing, you can promote their products.
- Start Your Own Business. Thought of selling hair bundles or accessories?
- Open a Salon. And create your own culture that works for you!
- Salon Distribution & Account Management. Selling products wholesale to salons or beauty stores.
- Sell Products. Create your own product line or work with a product manufacturer.
- Become a Beauty Advisor. Help others achieve their hair and beauty goals in-person or online!
9. Protect Your Energy
Doing hair means you’re working directly with the crown chakra. If you’re not sure what that means, you can read more about it, here. As a stylist, though, that means you’ll be dealing with more than people’s hair, but their energies too.
Everyone has their own energy, which is believed to be stored in the hair itself. I am a firm believer that hair stylists are energy workers. That’s another reason many clients don’t want just anybody touching their hair.
Journaling and an energetically cleansing shower are just a few of the ways I am able to clear myself from any negativity that lingers. I highly recommend this especially as you are building a clientele and weeding out those you do not want to be in your book.
10. Confidence Comes With Time
Would you believe me if I told you that it took me about three hours to do a wash, cut, and blow dry on my first client in school? Thankfully it was only my mom, lol. But honestly, my first thought was I am never going to make any money in this business.
Don’t even get me started on men’s cuts. My first skin fade on my dad took me four hours because I was so nervous.
Having a supportive family or community around you during this time is crucial. Any time you begin something new, it’s expected that it will take you longer than average. Clients may make comments and you might even begin to doubt yourself. But, I can assure you that as time goes on and you continue to practice, you will get faster and become more confident!
11. You Don’t Have To Be Extroverted To Be Successful
Introvert here! On top of being fairly quiet and to myself, I also have R.B.F- resting bitch face… lucky me!
But I’m here to tell you that’s not a determining factor of your success in this industry. Yes, you may have to work on relaxing your facial muscles and possibly cracking a slight smile every now and again. But, it’s more important to work on your customer service skills.
Clients come to you for a service. And being introverted is something that sets you apart from other stylists. You’re probably a good listener, right? Clients who use their hair time as a venting or therapy session will LOVE to be a guest in your chair.
12. Doing Hair is a Journey… Enjoy!
If this is something you truly have a passion for, then I hope you decide to commit. I know it may seem intimidating at first. But having a skill like this is something that no one can take away from you.
Personally, I’ve met a ton of amazing people along my journey- both clients and stylists. And, it has helped me feel more connected to the community I serve.
Being this far into my journey, I’m now starting to see the growth I’ve made as a stylist since I’ve started. My haircut times have shrunk tremendously, and my consultations are far more thorough- just to name a couple things. I enjoy having the freedom to pave my own path in this industry, and so could you!
All in all, I’m super thankful that I had the opportunity to become licensed even after college. And while I wish I had known these truths far earlier in my career, hindsight is always 20/20.
So whether you are thinking about doing hair or already a few steps into this path, be sure to take care of your wellbeing just as much as you do for your clients. And don’t stress yourself out if you are not where you want or think you should be yet. As long as you are planting the seeds of success, you will notice your growth in no time.
Is there anything that makes you feel apprehensive about doing hair? Let me know in the comments below!