How to Be Hairstylist/Colorist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 30, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Having a hairstylist and colorist who understands your hair type and texture can have a huge effect on the overall health and look of your hair. A professional hairstylist/colorist can help you achieve the style and color you desire while minimizing the risk of damage to your hair. They will be able to accurately apply the right hair products, use the proper tools, and provide advice on how to maintain your look.

In addition, they can provide tips on how to protect your hair from the sun, wind and other environmental factors. Having an experienced and knowledgeable hairstylist and colorist can help keep your hair looking great for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Get a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a hairstylist/colorist is to earn a high school diploma or GED.
Get a Cosmetology License. In order to become a hairstylist/colorist, you will need to get a cosmetology license in the state where you plan to practice. To get a license, you will need to complete an accredited cosmetology program and pass a licensing exam.
Get Training and Experience. Once you have earned your license, you should gain experience in the field by working as an apprentice or assistant in a salon. This will help you learn the basics of hairstyling, coloring, and cutting techniques.
Develop Your Own Style. Developing your own style is an important part of becoming a successful hairstylist/colorist. This can be done by attending classes, reading books, and studying the work of other hairstylists.
Market Yourself. Once you have developed your own style, you need to market yourself to potential clients. You can do this by networking with other local professionals, creating a professional website, and joining industry associations and organizations.
Stay Up-to-Date. Staying up-to-date on the latest trends in hairstyling and coloring is essential for success in the field. You should attend classes, workshops, and seminars regularly to ensure that you are providing your clients with the best service possible.

Having the right skills and qualifications as a hairstylist/colorist is essential in order to deliver a successful service. Being educated and trained in the latest techniques and products is key in order to satisfy clients and ensure they come back to you for future appointments. A hairstylist/colorist should have knowledge of different hair types, hair textures, hair colors, and hair care products, as well as be able to use the latest cutting and coloring techniques.

With the right skills, a hairstylist/colorist can create beautiful looks that will have clients returning for more services. having the proper qualifications can open up more opportunities for the stylist and create new career paths. Being knowledgeable and experienced in the field is also beneficial in order to stay ahead of the competition and ensure clients are getting the highest quality of service.

Job Description

Hair Stylist: Responsible for cutting and styling hair according to customer requests, as well as providing advice on hair care and styling options.
Colorist: Responsible for coloring hair according to customer requests, as well as providing advice on color choices, maintenance, and application techniques.
Hair Extension Specialist: Responsible for applying, maintaining, and removing hair extensions.
Wig Specialist: Responsible for measuring, fitting, and styling wigs for customers.
Makeup Artist: Responsible for applying makeup according to customer requests, as well as providing advice on makeup choices and application techniques.
Nail Technician: Responsible for manicures, pedicures, and other nail services according to customer requests.
Salon Receptionist: Responsible for scheduling appointments, greeting customers, and providing general customer service.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of hair coloring techniques, including highlighting, balayage, ombre and color blocking
Ability to match colors and provide excellent color results
Proficiency in using a variety of professional hair coloring products
Understanding of the latest trends in hair styling and coloring
Ability to create custom hair coloring looks to suit individual clients
Excellent customer service skills
Knowledge of basic haircutting techniques
Ability to work with a variety of hair types and textures
Knowledge of the chemistry of hair coloring
Good communication and listening skills
Ability to follow instructions and take direction
Ability to keep up to date with new trends and techniques in the industry
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
Attention to detail

Having the right skills is essential for a successful career as a hairstylist or colorist. One of the most important skills is the ability to listen and understand a client's needs. Clients come in with different hair types, skin tones, and desired results, so being able to quickly and accurately assess their individual needs is critical.

Understanding the science behind hair color, being able to identify various hair textures, and having the ability to properly mix and apply color are also essential skills for any hairstylist or colorist. having a creative eye and an understanding of current trends can help give clients the look they want. Finally, strong customer service skills are important for any successful hairstylist or colorist, as they need to be able to provide clients with an enjoyable experience during their visit.

By having these skills, hairstylists and colorists can ensure that their clients leave with a look they love.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a hairstylist/colorist?
How would you rate your ability to work with different hair types?
What techniques do you use when coloring hair?
What do you think are the most important elements when it comes to providing excellent customer service?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in hairstyling/coloring?
What do you do to ensure that your clients leave feeling satisfied with their results?
How do you handle difficult clients or situations?
Do you have any experience with chemical services such as perms, relaxers, or keratin treatments?
Are you familiar with any special coloring or styling techniques?
What is the most rewarding part of being a hairstylist/colorist?

Common Tools in Industry

Haircutting Shears. A pair of scissors specifically designed for cutting hair. (eg: Hairdressing Shears)
Comb. A tool with teeth of varying sizes used to detangle and style hair. (eg: Wide-toothed Comb)
Hair Dryer. A device used to blow hot air onto hair to dry it quickly. (eg: Professional Hair Dryer)
Styling Brush. A brush with densely packed bristles used to smooth and shape hair. (eg: Boar Bristle Brush)
Curling Iron/Wand. A device used to create curls in hair. (eg: Tapered Curling Iron)
Hair Clips. Metal or plastic clips used to secure sections of hair while styling. (eg: Butterfly Clips)
Hair Coloring Kit. A kit containing dyes, developer and other necessary items used to color hair. (eg: Permanent Hair Color Kit)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH)
International Association of Professional Haircolorists (IAPHC)
Society of Hair Colorists and Chemists (SHCC)
Hair Color USA (HCUSA)
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCDA)
American Haircoloring Association (AHA)
American Salon Professional Association (ASPA)
International Congress of Esthetics and Spa (ICES)

Common Important Terms

Hair Cutting. The technique of cutting hair to a desired style or shape.
Hair Styling. The practice of arranging the hair in a particular way to create a desired look.
Hair Coloring. The process of changing the color of the hair by adding artificial or natural pigments.
Highlights. The process of adding lighter-colored strands to the hair to create a multi-dimensional look.
Lowlights. The process of adding darker-colored strands to the hair to create a multi-dimensional look.
Balayage. A technique of hand-painting highlights onto the hair to create a natural, sun-kissed look.
Ombre. A two-tone style of color where the hair is lightest at the ends and gradually darkens towards the roots.
Glossing. The process of adding shine and vibrancy to dull hair with a clear gloss treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long should I wait before getting my hair colored again? A1: It is typically recommended to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between color treatments to avoid damaging your hair. Q2: What type of color is best for my hair? A2: The best type of color for your hair depends on your desired look and hair type. It is best to consult with a professional hairstylist/colorist who can recommend a color that best suits you. Q3: How much does a color service cost? A3: The cost of a color service can vary depending on the type of color and the length and thickness of your hair. It is best to consult with a professional hairstylist/colorist for an accurate cost estimate. Q4: What products should I use to maintain my hair color? A4: To maintain your hair color, it is important to use products specifically designed for colored hair. These include sulfate-free shampoos and color-safe conditioners to help lock in the color and prevent fading. Q5: What is the difference between a hairstylist and a colorist? A5: A hairstylist specializes in cutting, styling, and creating hairstyles while a colorist specializes in coloring hair. A colorist is trained to expertly select, mix, and apply hair color to create the desired look.