How to Become a Hairstylist: Requirements & How Long It Takes

If you’re fantasizing about a hairstyling career, you probably already have some idea of what a hairstylist is and what they do. But there are finer details you may need ironed out.

For example, is a hairstylist the same thing as a hairdresser or cosmetician? What about a cosmetologist? The answer really depends on who you ask. Many salons use terms like these interchangeably. However, as a rule of thumb, a hairstylist focuses on the “style” portion of the job.

Below are examples of typical tasks you can expect to do on the job as a professional hairstylist:

• Cutting hair
• Applying shampoo, conditioner, and other haircare products
• Drying and styling hair
• Bleaching and coloring hair
• Applying chemical hair treatments
• Trimming or removing facial hair
• Consulting with clients to understand their needs and desires
• Giving professional advice on treatment options
• Disinfecting hairstyling tools
• Cleaning the work area between appointments
• Recommending haircare tools and products

Hairstylists use a range of products, methods, and tools to complete these tasks, including professional coloring techniques and products as well as consumer-grade tools like straighteners or blow dryers.

Because “style” elements are such a major focus of the job, hairstylists must stay informed about latest hairstyle and beauty trends within the industry so they can best anticipate their clients’ needs and show them how they can achieve the same looks they’re currently seeing all over social media or the red carpet.

To be a professional hairstylist, you generally need to be at least 16–18 years old and meet a combination of education, skill, and licensing requirements. 1 Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to become a hairstylist.

Licensing requirements

All states require hairstylists and barbers to get a license, which involves taking a state-approved program and passing an exam. 2 This is the toughest requirement for most people to meet. Why do you need a license? Well, think about it.

If just anyone could open up a salon and claim they can style hair, you’d likely end up with quite a few angry customers who realized all too late that their stylist actually couldn’t style hair. Licensing requirements help protect consumers by ensuring that anyone who claims to be a hairstylist is qualified to do their job and has the necessary skills.

Education requirements

The specific education requirements for becoming a licensed hairstylist differ according to state. To apply to a cosmetology program, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. Some states do not require you to go to cosmetology school at all, though, and will accept a certain number of apprenticeship hours in lieu of instruction.

Skill requirements

Becoming a talented and in-demand hairstylist isn’t just about knowing how to cut, color, and style hair. Yes, you’ll need these technical skills, but you’ll also need a large number of other skills for hairstyling:

• Communication skills
• Dexterity with your hands
• Active listening skills
• Flexibility
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Time management skills
• Patience
• Customer service skills
• Physical endurance
• Cleaning skills

If you plan to open your own salon or run your own hairstyling business, you’ll need to develop further skills, such as business management, administration, and marketing skills. You’ll also need team management skills if you plan on hiring other stylists to work for you.

How long it’ll take you to start working as a hairstylist depends on which training route you take. If you go to cosmetology school, you can expect it to take you around 2 years to meet training requirements. If you sign up for an apprenticeship program at an approved training salon, you can start working right away, but it’ll still take you a while to get fully licensed.

Here’s how that timeline works out. In many states, it takes around 1,000–1,500 hours to complete hairstylist education requirements, and one survey found that 65% of cosmetology students were able to complete 1,000 hours of training within 2 years. 3

So, do you think that a career as a professional hairstylist is in your future? If so, here’s how to get started.

1. Know your state’s requirements

As mentioned, every state has their own requirements for obtaining the cosmetology license necessary for becoming a hairstylist. Some states require you to clock in a certain number of classroom hours at a reputable institution, whereas others allow you to opt for an approved apprenticeship program instead.

The first thing you’ll need to do is become familiar with your state’s requirements. This is the only way to ensure that you’re taking the right next steps.

2. Get the right training

Once you’ve checked your state’s requirements, sign up for an approved training program or apprenticeship. After your training, your state may further require you to take an exam in order to get your license.

You can expect it to cost you anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 to attend cosmetology school in the United States, depending on which institution you choose. 4 If you sign up for an apprenticeship, on the other hand, you’ll have the benefit of actually earning money while you train and learn about hairstyling.

3. Get your hairstyling license

Once you’ve met your state’s licensing requirements, it’s time to apply for that license. Just as these requirements differ by state, so does the application process. Check your state government website to find out the exact steps you need to take.

For example, let’s say you completed your training in New York State. To apply for a cosmetology license, you must be at least 17 years old, show proof of 1,000 hours of study, pass a licensing exam (including a written exam and practical exam), submit a recent health certification, complete a course on domestic violence and sexual assault awareness, and pay an application fee. 5

4. Practice, practice, practice

While it’s not always obligatory, practical experience is hugely important for hairstylists, and that’s why so many states require or accept proof of an apprenticeship as part of your training for your cosmetology license.

Real-world experience in hairstyling teaches you so much that you just can’t learn in a classroom setting. As you apply hairstyling techniques to real people, you’ll get the chance to practice soft skills, such as communication, active listening, troubleshooting, customer service, and more.

The best way to get practice? If you don’t want to undertake a full apprenticeship program, consider reaching out to experienced hairstylists in your area for mentorship opportunities. You may also consider getting an initial role as a hairstylist’s assistant.

5. Create a resume and portfolio

Once you’re ready to embark on your new career as a hairstylist, compile a comprehensive resume and portfolio to help you put your best foot forward as you apply for your first role at a salon or similar establishment.

Make sure your hairstylist resume includes information on your training and education as well as any special achievements. Additionally, include information on the various styles or skills that you consider your specialties or areas of expertise.

Your hairstyling portfolio should include ample photos of your work. It’s alright if the only photos you have are from cosmetology school or friends or family you’ve practiced on. The point is being able to show employers concrete evidence of your capabilities.

There are two main career paths for trained hairstylists. Which one you choose will determine factors like your earning potential, obligations, and required skills.

If you want to set your own schedule and you feel up to the task of business ownership, then you may prefer start up your own hair salon. On the other hand, if you would like to focus solely on hairstyling and you like the stability and structure of working for someone else or as part of a team, you may prefer seeking a job at an existing salon.

Getting a job as a hair stylist

You can work as a staff hairstylist at a wide variety of establishments, from traditional beauty salons and hair salons to resorts, spas, or even TV and movie sets. As an employee, you’ll have a relatively stable income, and you won’t need to worry about going out and finding your own clients.

If you decide to apply for a hairstylist job, be sure to have that comprehensive resume and portfolio handy. As you job hunt, look at the requirements of each listing. If you notice that you’re missing some of the skills or experience that most positions require, work on developing those while you apply for hairstyling jobs.

Additionally, try to make use of your network during this time. Ask experienced hairstylists or educators who you’ve met along your career journey thus far to recommend openings or simply act as a reference.

Starting your own hairstyling business

Becoming a self-employed hairstylist comes with both benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, you get to be your own boss. You can set your own schedule and work when, how, and where you want. You also get to keep all the money you earn.

The drawback is that you also have to cover all your upfront costs, which can be substantial. You’ll need to pay for your own space, equipment, and products, then also pay for extra services such as business insurance and advertising.

While you can build your own website and market your hairstyling business on your own, it can be a time-consuming process. That said, there are ways to make the process of starting up your own hairstyling business a bit easier.

Many successful stylists create small styling spaces in their own homes, build a basic website, and then advertise their services via photo-heavy social media platforms like Instagram. They also often rely on their networks for getting business, especially if they previously worked at a salon and built up a loyal client base.

For many professionals in this industry, hairstyling is a full-time gig. Because of the high starting costs, licensing requirements, and long training period, it’s a career that attracts only passionate individuals looking for a way to make a living in the beauty industry.

With that said, you can still do hairstyling part-time as a side hustle. Before doing so, however, take a moment to weigh up the pros and cons of a hairstyling career.

With the growing demand for hairstyling services, you can often work when and how you want and earn beyond a basic salary through tips. Even as a part-time hairstylist, you can build a loyal client base and even take that client base with you if you ever decide you want to go full-time.

A hairstyling side hustle could be a good choice if you’re already working in the beauty industry, retired, looking for a non-digital side hustle you can do from home, or just truly passionate about hair.

Just remember that even if you only style hair as a side gig, you’ll still need to get the proper license and obtain the required education. If you don’t like the idea of putting in all that time, money, and work just for a side job, you may want to look at other opportunities.

How much can you make as a hairstylist?

According to Indeed, the average salary for a hairstylist in the United States is $20.95 per hour, with those on the higher end earning up to $47.80 hourly. 6 The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites a slightly lower hourly wage of $15.74, but this figure only reflects the earnings of employed workers (rather than self-employed hairstylists). 7

In addition to the type of employment you pursue, your actual earnings as a hairstylist will depend on other factors, including location and experience. You can also expect to earn more over time as you settle into your career.

If you choose to work at a salon, you’ll find that hairstylists can be paid several different ways. Some hair salons pay their stylists based on commission, whereas others pay an hourly rate.

Other beauty industry jobs

In addition to hairstyling, there are other side hustles you can do within the beauty industry, including ones that don’t require as much time spent on education or licensing:

• Makeup artist: You can do makeup professionally with an esthetician’s license (which is easier to get than a cosmetology license) or no license at all. For example, in New York State, an esthetician’s license requires only 600 hours of education rather than 1,000 hours. 8
• Nail artist: Nail technicians focus on providing manicures, pedicures, and doing nail art. Opening the door to this line of work may make it easier to find a suitable apprenticeship that’ll get you work experience in a salon.
• Personal stylist: Want to help people look glamorous without a license or course diploma? Then becoming a personal or fashion stylist could be a good alternative. Since this job mainly consists of helping clients choose the best clothing for their body type and lifestyle (rather than altering their physical appearance), there’s no license required.
• Beautician: On the flip side, if you actually want to expand your specialties and expertise beyond hairstyling, you can become a beautician, which combines hairstyling, makeup artistry, waxing, and other services. Just like with hairstyling, the education and licensing requirements for beauticians vary from one state to the next.

Each of these careers has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Before diving into a new side hustle, explore all your options to choose a profession that’ll bring you the most joy and fit your financial goals and lifestyle.