How to Be Hair Stylist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 28, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The hair stylist is an important professional in the beauty industry, as having a great hairstyle can have a major impact on a person's overall look and confidence. Being a hair stylist requires a variety of skills, from being able to identify and understand different hair types, to knowing the latest trends, and how to apply them. It also requires a working knowledge of various hair styling tools and products, such as curling irons, blow dryers, and hair gels.

With the right technique, a hair stylist can create amazing looks that can make people feel their absolute best. The effects of a good hairstyle are often long-lasting; people who receive quality styling services may feel more attractive and confident, leading to improved self-esteem and even better job prospects.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most states require hair stylists to have a high school diploma or GED before they can become licensed.
Get Trained. After graduating from high school, you will need to complete a cosmetology program at a school approved by your state's licensing board.
Get Licensed. After completing your cosmetology training, you will need to pass a state-administered licensing exam.
Get Certified. After obtaining your license, you may want to pursue additional certifications to demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of hair styling such as color, cutting, and styling.
Attend Industry Events. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry by attending industry events and conferences.
Consider Specialization. Consider specializing in a particular area of hair styling such as barbering, natural hair styling, bridal styling, or wig making.
Build Your Clientele. Develop relationships with clients and build your clientele by networking with other stylists and salons.
Stay Current. Make sure to keep up with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

The hair styling industry is a highly competitive field and it takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to become a successful hair stylist. The primary cause for this is the fact that the job requires an extensive understanding of different hair textures and how to work with them. Furthermore, a hair stylist must also be familiar with the latest hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques to create beautiful and unique styles that clients will love.

a qualified hair stylist must possess excellent customer service skills in order to provide a positive experience for clients. Finally, they must keep up with the newest trends to remain competitive and in-demand. As a result of these qualifications, successful hair stylists are respected professionals who can make a good living in the industry.

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Job Description

Consult with clients to determine their individual hair styling needs.
Cut, trim, and shape hair using clippers, scissors, and other styling tools.
Provide coloring and highlighting services.
Create a variety of hairstyles for special events.
Recommend and apply styling products, such as pomades, gels, and mousses.
Educate clients on hair care and maintenance techniques.
Clean and sterilize tools and work areas.
Perform scalp treatments and conditioning services.
Analyze hair texture and facial features to determine the best styling options.
Keep up to date with the latest hair styling trends and techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hair styling techniques, products, and tools
Skilled in cutting, coloring, and styling hair
Ability to work with all hair types and textures
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Ability to stay up to date with trends in hair styling
Ability to work efficiently under pressure
Ability to work with a team
Knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures
Ability to use computer systems for client bookings and payments

Having a good eye for detail and creativity, as well as strong technical cutting and styling skills, are essential for any aspiring hair stylist. This combination of skills enables hair stylists to create the desired looks for their clients. Without these skills, a hair stylist wouldn't be able to identify the most suitable hair styles and cuts for each individual, and also wouldn't be able to perform the necessary tasks to create those looks.

Furthermore, in order to keep up with the ever-changing trends in fashion, a hair stylist must also be willing to continuously learn new techniques and styles and to stay up-to-date with the latest hair products and tools. As such, being a successful hair stylist requires the ability to stay on top of the trends, while still being able to provide excellent customer service, which is key to building a successful career.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a hair stylist?
How have your previous experiences prepared you for this role?
What techniques do you use to customize hair styles for clients?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in hair styling?
What do you enjoy most about being a hair stylist?
How do you handle difficult clients?
Describe a time when you had to think quickly in order to provide a customer with an optimal solution.
How would you handle an unhappy customer who is dissatisfied with their hair style?
What is your approach to promoting the services offered at the salon?
What sets you apart from other hair stylists?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Dryer. A device used to dry and style hair, typically using hot air. (eg: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer)
Hair Brush. A tool with a handle and bristles used to brush and detangle hair. (eg: Mason Pearson Hair Brush)
Hair Straightener. A device used to straighten and shape hair. (eg: GHD Platinum Hair Straightener)
Hair Clippers. A tool used to trim and shape hair. (eg: Wahl Professional Hair Clippers)
Curling Iron. A device used to create curls in the hair. (eg: BaByliss Pro Ceramic Curling Iron)
Hair Rollers. A tool used to create waves or curls in the hair. (eg: Conair Instant Heat Hair Rollers)
Hair Pins. A small metal pin used to secure sections of the hair in place. (eg: Goody Ouchless Hair Pins)
Hair Extensions. An artificial addition of hair to the natural head of hair. (eg: Luxy Hair Extensions)
Hair Spray. A product used to add hold and shine to the hair. (eg: Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray)
Hair Scissors. A tool used to trim and shape hair. (eg: Joewell Pro-Series Hair Scissors)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH)
International Makeup Association (IMA)
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHC)
National Beauty Tool Sharpeners Guild (NBTSG)
American Hair Loss Council (AHLC)
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)
American Association of Hair Styling and Colorists (AAHC)
American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)

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Common Important Terms

Blowdry. A technique used to dry and style the hair using a blowdryer.
Trim. Cutting away split ends or sections of hair to give it a cleaner look.
Updo. An intricate hairstyle in which hair is pulled away from the face and often pinned or twisted at the back of the head.
Layer Cut. A hairstyle that involves cutting hair into different layers to give it added texture, shape, and volume.
Highlights. A technique used to add lighter, brighter shades to the hair.
Balayage. A French term meaning "to sweep" or "to paint. " It is a freehand dyeing technique used to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.
Ombre. A French term meaning "shaded" or "shadowed. " It is a hair coloring technique where the bottom half of the hair is darker than the top half.
Curling. A technique used to create curls or waves in the hair using a curling iron.
Straightening. A technique used to smooth the hair using a flat iron.
Hair Extensions. Hair pieces that are attached to the natural hair to add length, texture, and volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of training do professional Hair Stylists need?

Professional Hair Stylists typically need to obtain a cosmetology license from their state's board of cosmetology, which usually requires at least 1,500 hours of training.

What type of tools does a Hair Stylist use?

Hair Stylists use a variety of tools, including clippers, combs, scissors, blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons and brushes.

How much does a Hair Stylist usually charge for a haircut?

The cost of a haircut depends on the experience level of the stylist and the type of haircut requested. Generally, a Hair Stylist will charge between $20 and $90 for a cut.

What type of products do Hair Stylists use?

Hair Stylists use a variety of products to achieve the desired hairstyle. This can include shampoo, conditioner, mousse, gel, hairspray, wax, pomade and more.

What types of services do Hair Stylists provide?

Hair Stylists provide a range of services including haircuts, coloring, highlights, perms, styling, blowouts and more.

Web Resources

The Basics of Hair Stylist Training - Evergreen Beauty College www.evergreenbeauty.edu
Hair Stylist/ Associate Stylist | Summit Salon Academy summitsalonacademy.edu
The Five Traits of a Great Stylist (Updated 2020 douglasj.edu