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Professionals who specialize in the styling, cutting, relaxing and coloring of hair can train at a hair school or hair styling college. Hair schools offer a very specialized, hands-on educational track for individuals that want to work as barbers, celebrity hair stylists or within a salon setting. These programs allow students to work and train in a simulated salon environment so that they can earn credits and working hours towards a degree or diploma.
What to Expect at Hair School
Hair school education programs are typically divided into classroom instruction and instructor-led, hands-on training. Some programs allow students to complete their courses within 12-15 months, while others may be comprehensive 2-year programs where the student earns a diploma, degree or certificate as a barber or cosmetology professional. Cosmetology schools may also offer training programs for prospective hair stylists, designers and barbers, as all States require stylists to be licensed.
All programs have a hands-on component where students may take on an apprenticeship role or work for school credit at a local salon. On-the-job training is tremendously valuable for any student who has not yet graduated hair school and often serves as a launch pad for a career as a professional hair stylist.
Hair schools may also teach students basic business principles for opening up and running their own salon, customer and client relations, and marketing or advertising their business. This educational component helps balance out the stylist's technical expertise, and can be particularly advantageous for students who do not have a strong business background but want to open their own salon or business later in their career.
Hair Stylist Training Classes
Programs are typically comprised of the following classes:
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Highlighting Basics
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Foil and Frosting Techniques
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Shampooing and Conditioning Techniques
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Hair Styling Techniques
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Clipper Cutting and Fading Techniques
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Razor Cuts
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Children's Hair Cuts
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Hair Styling Tools
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Hair Up-Dos
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Salon Sanitation and Hygiene
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Client Relations
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Salon Management and Marketing
A hair styling college may also offers students a number of workshops, seminars and classes that focus on how to communicate effectively with clients, how to offer advice or recommendations for different types of hair, and information about different ethnicities, hair textures and potential challenges for cutting and styling.
Hair School Admission Requirements
The majority of hair schools require students to enter their program after completing a high school diploma or GED. Students will need sufficient time in their schedule to attend classroom sessions and the hands-on experience in the salon or studio setting. Many offer evening and weekend programs for students who need a flexible schedule, or for those who want to work at a job while taking courses at the college.
Career Options After a Hair School Education
After completing all educational requirements and working hours, the hair stylist, designer or barber may need to obtain a professional license. Licensing requirements vary by state, but a college can provide students with guidance and resources to obtain their license through the state board.
Licensed hair stylists, barbers and designers may pursue careers as:
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Professional Hair Stylists for Movies and Television
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Barbershop Lead or Supervisor
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Hair Designer for Independent Clients
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Personal Appearance Consultant
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Fashion and Style Consultant
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Hair Product Sales Representative
Individuals who decide to advance in their careers will need to build a steady clientele or open their own business. Hair schools prepare students for a number of career options in salons and barbershops, hotels and resorts, and even residential nursing homes that need an in-house stylist or professional to take care of its residents. Some graduates choose to work in the fashion and modeling industry where they may work side-by-side with professional designers, consultants and makeup artists.
Salary and Employment Prospects After Hair Styling College
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook reports that almost 46 percent of workers in the hair styling and barber industry are self-employed. Many decide to work in their own salon, or rent a chair at a local salon where they can offer their services in exchange for a small fee. Employment of licensed stylists and barbers is expected to increase as professionals retire and leave the industry. Individuals who have exceptional skills and talents can expect to command higher earnings and advance in their careers. Median annual earning for salaried hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists with tips and commission were $10.25 in 2006, and salaries for barbers with tips were $11.13. Some salons and hospitality businesses offer vacation time and benefits for salaried employees, and many hair stylists and designers are eligible for product discounts, free samples and have access to industry trade shows and events.
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