Hair Stylist: Duties & Job Market

by Amanda Fornecker

A very rewarding job lies within helping others feel good about themselves. That's the job of a hair stylist - to design hair in such a way that will give clients satisfaction in their appearance. A hair stylist has vision and can replicate what a client wants when asked for a particular hairstyle.

Duties of a hair stylist
A hair stylist cuts, colors, and styles hair. Occasionally a hair stylist might also be the one to shampoo clients or create up-dos for special events. Since hair stylists deal with people every day, it's important for them to be able to communicate, listen, and interact with different types of personalities.

Where to find hair stylist jobs
Most hair stylist jobs are found at salons, where a hair stylist rents out a chair from the salon and builds up a solid clientele base. There are different types of salons, including high-end salons, beauty shops, and barber shops. Hair stylists may also work in nursing homes, on cruise ships, or in casinos.

Hair stylist programs
Hair stylist programs can be found in cosmetology schools throughout the country. By attending a hair stylist program, students get hands-on experience working in the field. They also take beginner classes to more advanced classes, depending on what level they are at in hair styling.

Hair stylist programs are important for preparing students to take the licensing exam. In order to practice legally, students must first obtain a license. The exam consists of a written portion and sometimes some practical work or an oral exam component.

Demand for hair stylist jobs
The outlook for hair stylists is good, considering that the field is expected to grow by 14 percent by 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Competition is expected to be stiffer at high-end salons because these tend to be higher paid positions. However, the number of hair stylist jobs is expected to increase because of a tendency for individuals to complete career switches.

Hair stylists are also an authority on beauty. With excellent people skills, a good education, and a great attitude, hair stylists can be very successful.