Hairstylists need specific skills to become a successful at cutting and styling hair. These skills may be learned while attending vocational school and while on the job. Hairstylists are constantly learning and will want to keep up on the newest trends to be successful
What Does a Hairstylist Do?
Hairstylists offer a wide range of hair services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hairstylists also keep records of products and services provided to clients, such as hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment used. Tools include hairbrushes, scissors, blow dryers, and curling and flat irons. Hairstylists typically do the following on a day-to-day basis:
- Discuss hairstyle options
- Wash, color, lighten, and condition hair
- Chemically change hair textures
- Cut, dry, and style hair
- Cut and style wigs or hair pieces.
- Clean and disinfect all tools and work areas
Skills of the Trade
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also cites 8 skills that a hairstylist will need to succeed. These 6 skills include creativity, customer service, listening skills, physical stamina, tidiness and time management. There are also two skills that are of vital importance for hair stylists to gain success, active listening and problem solving.
Skill #1: Creativity
Hairstylists must keep up with the latest trends and be ready to try new hairstyles for their clients. A hairstylist will also may need to use a picture as a reference supplied by the client and recreate that look for their them. Many clients will ask for advice and ideas on how to cut or style their hair. Being creative is fun and so is a career in hairstyling.
Skill #2: Customer-Service Skills
Since hairstylists work with clients on a daily basis, they must be pleasant, friendly, and able to interact with customers in order to retain them. The customer is always first and offering good customer service will allow them to spread the word. This buzz will keep the appointment book full and lead to happy customers coming back for more. Ultimately, the hairstylist will want to create a true connection with clients.
Part of customer service in a salon is selling styling products. A good hairstylist will be able to identify a need for the client and offer the right styling products for their situation. It is also important for the hairstylist to throw in something extra to show the client they are valuable. Maybe the hairstylist can offer the client a dab of gel to style their hair or a warm towel to remove the hair on their face and neck. These little extras will go along way in creating a pleasant experience.
Skill #3: Listening skills
Hairstylists should be good listeners. A good listener gives their full attention. They are patient and keep an open mind. Keeping an open mind will allow the client to join the conversation about the best hairstyle for them. The hairstylist must listen carefully to what the client wants in order to make sure that the client is happy with the result.
Skill #4: Physical Stamina
Hairstylists must be able to stand on their feet for long periods. A comfortable and supporting pair of shoes will help the hairstylist during those long hours standing. Having proper near vision is important for hairstylists as well to work with clients at a close range. In addition to physical stamina is dexterity, a hairstylist will use their hands and grasp small objects when styling and cutting hair. Further, finger dexterity allows the hairstylist to make precise and coordinated movements to grasp, manipulate or assemble small objects.
Skill #5: Tidiness
Workers must keep a neat personal appearance and keep their work area clean and sanitary. This requirement is necessary for the health and safety of their clients, to meet standards and guidelines, and for making clients comfortable enough so that they will want to return. A hairstylist will also want to keep a fashionable hairstyle, wear proper and clean attire, and practice good hygiene. The hairstylist is a model for their clients and they will want to put forth a neat personal appearance.
Skill #6: Time-Management Skills
Hairstylists need to manage their time efficiently when scheduling appointments and providing services. The hairstylist must prioritize their time and understand how much time a task will actually take. Clients don’t want to wait if they have made an appointment in advance. Clients who receive timely hair care are more likely to return and this will keep the appointment book full.
Skill #7: Active Listening
A hairstylist must listen actively to better understand the depth and complexity of the communication with a client. A hairstylist that practices active listening focuses on the details. Active listening improves a hairstylist’s ability to learn and teach, identify and solve problems and be emotionally available to others.
Skill #8: Problem Solving
All hairstylists will run into a problem or complex situation eventually. A client may come to the hairstylist with a botched haircut or coloring gone wrong. It is up to the hairstylist to be a good problem solver. They must identify the problem and come up with a solution that works for the client’s hair and pocketbook. Being a good problem solver is a skill that any hairstylist will need to be successful.
Do you have one or all of the skills to be a successful hairstylist? Interested in honing your hairstylist skills by earning your diploma in Cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.
The cosmetology training course at Meridian College teaches perfecting men’s and women’s haircutting, styling, perm application, coloring and bleaching, performing facials, chemical waving, scalp treatment, proper shampooing techniques and manicure/pedicure techniques.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.