If you have a love of originality and the world of fashion there are many directions you can take your career. But if you also want to challenge your creativity while getting to know a wide variety of people, you can’t do much better than working as a professional hairdresser. Every day is a different opportunity, and if you have a real talent there’s no limit to where this career could take you. Stylists for the stars often end up with their own television shows and fashion brands, making this one of the only hands-on careers that can lead to your own celebrity. Of course, no one starts out that way. You’ll need a real grounding in cosmetology, and enough practice to be able to serve the wants and desires of a demanding customer base. Here is one pathway to becoming a professional hairdresser.
This career will almost always start by attending a cosmetology school. Depending on where you live you might be able to take some of these classes within a vocational high school program. But all of the higher end salons will expect you to have a degree from a respected program. Take the time to research the local institutions, and if you are really committed consider traveling to a major metropolitan center to be taught by the best in the industry.
After completing a cosmetology program you will need to be licensed. Anyone can cut hair, but unless you are satisfied working at the low end of the spectrum you will want to start out as a licensed cosmetologist at the very least. Each state has their own program, and it requires a basic knowledge base and customer service skills. You pay a small fee and take your test. In some states you will have to periodically renew your registration as well.
Now you should look for ways to increase your skills outside of the school environment. Some cosmetology schools offer continuing education opportunities, so you can work with real clients while being observed by more experienced hairdressers. You should also get all of your friends and family to offer themselves up as test subjects. Hair grows back, so don’t worry about making some missteps! Make sure that you take photographs of all of your successful work, and collect positive client statements as well.
Now it’s time to put together a portfolio and begin looking for work. The portfolio will include all of the photos you snapped of your best cuts and styles. You can also include mannequin work from school. But obviously real customers will be preferred. Create a physical portfolio and put one up online so you can share a link with hiring managers. Then you can go out and pound the pavement.
Start off by checking to see if your cosmetology school has some sort of career services counselor. They may regularly receive notices of open positions, and will also recommend you to salons they’ve placed hairdressers with in the past. At the same time you should do your own research as well. Don’t get distracted and buy Chi flat iron online! You’re on the web to look for jobs, so check with Craigslist and the specific posting boards for your industry. And don’t be afraid to head out into the neighborhood and talk to the managers of your favorite salons. Leave your resume with them if they don’t have any immediate openings. But always have your portfolio available to show them on the spot, and be willing to take an apprenticeship position at first. It’s a very common step on the way to full employment, and it gives you a chance to work at a great salon, earning experience and making a good living.
