Are you passionate about hair? Is the idea of working as a professional hairstylist exciting? While there’s no doubt that raw talent and passion are important, it’s not enough to become a hairstylist.
The salon industry is tightly regulated. Professional hairstylists undergo extensive training and licensing to provide safe services for their clients. However, don’t let that deter you! Once you understand all of the industry’s requirements, the path to becoming a professional hairstylist can be easy to follow.
Why Do People Start Careers in Hair?
Some people are born to style hair. Others are drawn to the profession after trying out other careers that leave them unfulfilled. It’s common for people who are driven to become hairstylists to start with styling the hair of family and friends. They delight in the opportunity to experiment with new looks. While the technical aspects of hairstyling can be thrilling to creatively inclined people, there’s also a sense of satisfaction from helping people feel confident about their appearance.
Another primary reason why so many people are drawn to professional hairstyling is that, as a creative career, styling allows a person to break free from the constricting office lifestyle that so many people are forced into. While hairstylists work hard, they aren’t necessarily trapped in the daily grind. They have more freedom and flexibility. They also get to leave work “at work” instead of being on call around the clock, the way that so many people are today.
People who are attracted to hairstyling also love the person-focused nature of this career. It is an excellent fit for personable people who like to see the results of their work in real time. Ultimately, hairstyling is an excellent fit for someone looking for a passion-driven career.
How to Become a Hairstylist
How does a person go from being interested in styling hair to getting paid to work as a professional hairstylist? Like any career, becoming a hairstylist is a process. Here’s a look at the steps to becoming a hairstylist.
Step #1: Complete a Cosmetology Program
While you may have spent hours perfecting your skills using online hair tutorials, you need more than your self-taught skills to land a hairstylist job. All professional hairstylists must complete a cosmetology program. The good news is that your skills will be incredible assets in your educational journey. If you have yet to gain any underlying experience with hairstyling, instructors will teach you everything you need to know about successfully styling hair.
What Do You Learn in a Cosmetology Program?
Cosmetology programs provide comprehensive education regarding the services salons and spas offer. You are taught by experienced instructors that offer feedback and personal attention. For students, the experience combines classic lecture and hands-on learning. You will be fully immersed in the salon industry. As a result, graduates are true hair experts capable of providing styling and consultations. Services you will be equipped to provide following graduation include:
- Cutting
- Coloring
- Highlighting
- Styling
- Shampooing
- Scalp treatments
- Product recommendations
Cosmetology programs teach you proper styling methods and cover skin and nail treatments, such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and various skincare treatments. These programs also train you in best practices for safety and regulatory compliance. Finally, you will learn about the “business side” of hairstyling through course content covering customer service, marketing, and vendor relationships.
Step #2: Take the Licensure Exam
After graduation, cosmetology students are prepared to take the state’s licensure exam. The exam covers all of the topics that you studied during your program. The exam is timed and includes multiple-choice questions.
Step #3: Let the Vocational School Help Find you a Job
With your cosmetology diploma and license in hand, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs. Plus, Meridian College has a career services department dedicated to helping you find a job after graduation.
Step #4: Enjoy a Lifelong Career
A salon is a great starting point for recent graduates. You may begin by seeing walk-ins, handling shampooing, filling in for colleagues, or having your own chair. As time passes, you can open a salon or take your clients privately. The sky’s the limit.
Want to Learn More?
Are you ready to enjoy the many opportunities available 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.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.