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Professional stylists, or hairdressers, are the ones who work directly on their clients' hair to cut, style and dye them the color they want. These professionals must gain experience in various techniques and procedures related to hairstyles, and in this article, we will show you what you need to know about a career as a stylist.
What you will find here?
· Basic activities
· What kind of education is required to become a stylist?
· Who do they teach in a cosmetology school?
· Is a license required?
· Is there any certification or licensing required?
· How long does it take to become a stylist?
· What are the job opportunities?
· What are the long-term career prospects for hairstylists?
· How can I find a job as a stylist?
· What is studying to be a professional stylist?
· Job exit
· What is the service of a professional stylist?
· Functions of the professional stylists
· Hygiene and safety measures
· Security measures to prevent the risk
· Cleaning and disinfection of work tools
· Hair care through service
· Communication techniques
· Advisory areas
Basic activities
Cutting, curling, straightening, blow-drying, waving, braiding, highlighting, relaxing, and coloring are some of the activities that stylists can do with your hair. In addition, they know different types and styles of hairstyles and must know how to create a hairstyle that suits the type of hair and the special characteristics of their clients.
Clients often go to visit their stylists with an idea of what they would like to have done to their hair, and stylists must be able to work with their clients' hair to create a style that meets their expectations. Here you will know everything about the career of a professional stylist.
What kind of education is required to become a stylist?
Stylists learn their art and science by taking courses at cosmetology schools or by following an approved or certified vocational program. In some countries, stylists must obtain a license to practice their activity and, to obtain their license. They must complete one of the existing training programs or studies.
However, as during the process of satisfactorily serving their clients, they have physical contact with people, and unexpected accidents can occur, in addition to the certification to work as stylists, they must obtain a health certificate, which guarantees that they are in perfect condition. Medical care when serving their clients and does not represent a risk to them.
What do they teach in a cosmetology course?
Depending on the cosmetology course it can take between 6 and 18 months to finish, in some cases longer.
Check out the details of cosmetology programs at Touched by an Angel Beauty school.
These cosmetology courses teach participants how to cut, color, dry, and style hair. Participants learn by working with real clients who go to cosmetology institutes to get these discounted services. Through this procedure, participants do their internships and learn the skills they require to have a license and learn how to relate to their clients and create a style that meets their needs and tastes.
Those who attend beauty and cosmetology courses study more than just hair. They learn the art of makeup and color combinations, depending on people's skin types, makeup application, nail care and protection, and skincare, as these topics are part of a plan of cosmetology studies. In the process of learning these topics, participants learn about the structure and shapes of human faces, color theory, applying facial treatments, how nails should be treated and cared for, and performing manicures and pedicures.
Some states allow stylists to have trained through an apprenticeship. The apprentices carry out their activities under the supervision of a licensed stylist, who teaches them about the process and receives a monetary reward for the activities they perform while they learn.
As we already said, to be a best hair stylist, you have to attend courses that usually last about two years, and participants may need to enrich their training with classroom instruction for the duration of the courses, where you will learn everything about a career as a professional stylist.
Is a license required?
After earning their beauty and cosmetology school degree or completing an apprenticeship, stylists must apply for their state license and start work, but many follow new courses to gain better training, to learn other skills and techniques, and to be up to date on current trends.
Many hairdressing institutes and schools of cosmetology and aesthetics offer advanced studies for licensed and experienced stylists. A stylist might attend advanced training to learn more about braiding techniques or to learn a special technique for cutting curly hair, among other things.
Is there any certification or licensing requirements?
As we've explained, many countries require stylists to be licensed, but licensing requirements vary from state to state. To be a stylist it is usually required that you have a bachelor degree, take a cosmetology and beauty course that has the necessary accreditation and take and pass the exam to obtain a license.
There are regulations that allow authorization to practice cosmetology and be a stylist in the same license, but other regulations only grant licenses individually to cosmetologists and stylists, so that if you prepare for both, you will have to comply with the requirements to obtain both licenses. The cosmetology license alone will give you authorization to be a stylist who can offer, in addition to hairstyle, other activities such as applying makeup or providing manicure and pedicure services.
To become licensed, stylists have to pass a practical exam, which requires applicants to perform certain cutting and styling techniques on a mannequin. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they know how to cut, blow dry, and apply chemical treatments to permanently color, straighten and curl hair.
By showing their skills, those who have applied to acquire their licenses must also demonstrate that they will have workplace safety and proper sanitation procedures.
How long does it take to become a stylist?
In the case of cosmetology courses, it can take several months to complete the program and up to two years to complete a stylist course. In some courses, participants are sometimes allowed to work as stylists while meeting their licensing requirements, but others must wait until they pass their exam.
What are the job opportunities?
According to statistics, employment of hairstylists was projected to grow 13 percent between 2012 and 2020, roughly the same intensity as the average growth for all occupations. The competition for a position in the exclusive salons was very strong, and experienced stylists had to demonstrate the best skills to qualify for these positions.
What are the long-term career prospects for hairstylists?
Stylists, who are experienced, have gained additional training and a solid reputation, with a client base, can land jobs in highly regarded salons and charge more for their services. With adequate funding, some stylists will be able to open their own salons or go into teaching, training new stylists at hairdressing academies and schools of cosmetology and beauty.
How can I find a job as a stylist?
Before beginning your job search, a stylist should put together a professional portfolio of the hair styles that you have created. Your portfolio should demonstrate a wide variety of skills. If you are just starting out, you can include the assignments you have completed as a student. You can also ask your friends and family to let you cut and style your hair, as a practice, so that you can include a photo of the result in your folder.
Stylist jobs can be found on applications posted on general job websites and on job websites geared towards the beauty industry. Additionally, you can find employment through your cosmetology and beauty school, as many institutes offer job placement services upon graduation.
Some institutes are affiliated with certain chains of beauty salons, and stylists may be able to find employment in one of these salons, after graduation, where they will have to demonstrate what they have learned, that is, everything about the career of professional stylist .
What is studying to be a professional stylist?
Studying to be a professional stylist consists of a cycle of meetings where we will be taught skills and abilities to perform manual jobs that serve as family savings or to obtain economic resources, providing a service to the community.
The student will be trained on how to serve the client, and how to achieve success in their professional development. The main idea is that each participant manages to obtain their own style as a professional stylist and workforce, creativity and commitment, to distinguish themselves in a medium that is very competitive and that is constantly growing, in addition, depending on the interest and the desire that each student has, many will be able to acquire greater knowledge in the course of styling and particular techniques that make them a stylist with their own style.
Job exit
It is a course with many opportunities in the labor market, which will allow them to be employed in the best chains of hairdressers, as well as to be able to work independently, really professional stylists, once they are positioned by experience, knowledge and success, they have excellent earnings.
The job and career as a professional stylist is very active and very creative, because it does not consist only of repeating styles of cuts or hairstyles, but of finding a way to create the image for clients, taking into consideration their physical features and their type of hair.
As a stylist, you will have a mission to satisfy the expectations of all your clients, which can vary widely, from the very conservative to those who want very modern styles, so your dedication, practices and commitment when carrying out your activities will be the foundation to perform these tasks efficiently.
During your training you must learn to identify the different tools that you can use at work and what uses each one has, identify the different types of faces and what type of cut will favor their features and what type of hair they have, as well as the way in which They must take care of themselves, give the clients the appropriate advice, so each of the techniques must be learned, therefore, when the client requests our services we will already be able to analyze their image and we can give them our opinions on what hairstyle they can favor them.
Give ideas to clients about the styles and hairstyles that best favor their image, according to the needs they may have and according to their special physical characteristics, cut their hair and make sure it is symmetrical, build a menu of services, and so that Potential clients are interested in your work is one of your most important missions.
Styling has to become your passion, a professional way of expressing yourself, a way of life and of making people look and feel good, therefore it is a very creative and simple profession to do.
What is the service of the professional stylist?
In the case of professional stylists, the main objective they must pursue is to provide clients with a quality service, using your skills, knowledge in image and aesthetics, along with the necessary advice so that they optimize the care of their hair and their skin.
Functions of the professional stylist
Among the main functions that you must fulfill if you pursue a career as a professional stylist, are the following:
· Create styles for your clients, according to the types of cut.
· Make them the right hairstyle that suits their features and characteristics.
· Give guidance on products that improve your health.
This profession will allow you to develop independently, or in beauty salons, in hotels and on television, modeling or cinema.
Before you can provide your services to clients, it is essential:
· Have knowledge of communication and customer service guidelines, to identify their needs.
· Know the characteristics of the different types of hair to know what advice should be offered and how to carry out your work.
· Learn about the different types of haircuts that exist and which one is indicated for the client, according to the type of face.
· Learn about classic styles and the latest trends, so you can satisfy your customers
Hygiene and safety measures
You must bear in mind that your work involves the use of equipment and materials that can cause accidents if care is not taken in their use, therefore, some measures must be taken.
Security measures to prevent risk
· Make sure your equipment and the materials you use are in the best condition.
· Check that the basic first aid kit has the necessary healing supplies, such as disinfectants and some other medications.
· Cleanliness and hygiene in the salon where you do your work is essential, therefore the floor must be free of water and hair to avoid accidents.
· Check that the equipment is in good condition, so that no difficulties occur.
· It is recommended that appliances that are not being used be unplugged, not only to save on electricity, but so that other unforeseen events do not occur.
· You must clean and disinfect all the materials and instruments you use, to avoid infections and they must be kept in order so they do not get lost.
· Towels, robes and sheets must be washed in hot water and need to be replaced.
· The work area must be kept ventilated.
· Order and cleanliness are essential for safety at work, since it significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
Cleaning and disinfection of work tools
These activities must be carried out in detail. Disinfection of work tools guarantees that infections will be avoided and no harm is caused to the client, such as hair disease, for this you must do the following:
· Clean and remove dirt with plenty of soap and water.
· Disinfect by applying substances that eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
Use plenty of hot water to remove any remains, including hair that may have remained on the comb or brush. We advise you to prepare a solution with soap and water in a plastic container and immerse the materials and tools, wash them one by one with a sponge, make sure to rinse and drain them.
Then immerse them in another container with disinfectant, of which you have read the instructions very well, let them rest for a few minutes and drain them until they are at room temperature.
In the case of appliances such as dryers, irons and tongs, make sure that you verify that they are switched off by unplugging them and wiping them with a clean, damp, lint-free cloth.
The cleaning of the materials and tools that you use be constant and we recommend that you have at least 2 copies of the material or work tool that you use.
Hair care through service
It is necessary that, before providing any service, you are able to recognize some of the hair problems that some of your clients may suffer.
One of them is hair loss and this can have many causes, such as some vitamin deficiencies, stress, use of aggressive products and others. This condition can be easily identified by hair loss and lack of shine.
One piece of advice we can give you is to use cold water and shampoo to strengthen the hair from its roots, as well as to use the dryer in room temperature mode.
Color change is another symptom that can be generated when the hair has been subjected to various chemical processes. This type of condition is characterized by the fact that the hair has little hydration. One measure to prevent this from happening is to use the right products for each type of hair, in addition to using the iron and dryer as little as possible.
Dandruff is another common problem. It is a type of fungus that is found on the capillary surface, which can be generated by stress and health problems, you identify it because the root of the hair has small scales and they are easily detached from the scalp.
Communication techniques
The way in which you manage to express yourself will have a direct impact on your clients, therefore your messages must be easy to understand, and you must make sure you have accurate, truthful and complete information on the subject you want to talk to them about.
In addition, that communication must be established at a specific time, so that you achieve the expected impact according to the situation. You have to be attractive and meet the needs of your interlocutor, so when talking with the client you must keep your body in a relaxed position, which allows you to breathe freely, when speaking you must gesticulate properly, so that you clearly understand yourself, we must choose well our words in order to capture the customer's attention from the moment we are addressing it.
· Modulate the volume and pitch of your voice. Avoid being too high or low, speak fluently, emphasize the key words of what you want to convey
· Identify who you are addressing and adjust your speech.
Practice your pronunciation and intonation to improve your communication skills, so you can attract a lot of customers. Remember that the way you treat them, how you approach them and the knowledge you show will depend on what type of problem the client presents.
Professional Stylist Profile
The future stylist must work in different environments, when he has obtained the position, he will have a lot of competition and to overcome it, he must work with attitude, creativity, ethics and responsibility, taking into account that only good performance will help him achieve his goals in this career of professional stylist.
The attitude that they must assume in their daily work as professionals, within the space in which they will carry out this very personal and artistic activity, is to show commitment to provide a quality and prestigious service.
You have to innovate and handle the various tools and materials, carefully executing the practices to prepare the professional in a creative way.
A good profile must present a description regarding the sector or area in which we want to work efficiently, with great management and organizational capacity, aimed at obtaining results and improving performance.
But you must also be able to work independently, with minimal supervision, and also contribute and collaborate as a productive member of the team.
In summary, what is required to have a good professional profile is:
· Interpersonal skills and ability to demonstrate effectively to the team.
· Assume leadership roles, strengthen professional ties and establish business relationships.
· License
· A professional career
· Training in the specialty
· Be passionate
· Become a responsible person, with values and ethics
To be a professional stylist, one must understand the levels or bases in the complementary areas of hairdressing that every professional stylist must develop, as well as having the ability to design integral solutions, taking into account the characteristics and needs of the client, which is what is really important.
Advisory areas
The professional stylist must be able to offer beauty advice covering hair areas such as:
· Hair treatment
· court
· Colour
· Hairstyle
· Keratin
Developing your skills in the stylist career and connecting with the client, with which you can complement your services by carrying out an activity that satisfies the client.
A professional stylist can provide many ideas and recommendations, so it is required to have the skill and ability to guide and develop procedures in the different areas related to cosmetology and beauty, taking into consideration not only the characteristics of the company and of the region, but the social realities and the environment in which the sector is immersed.
Styling and fashion advisor
A professional stylist is also an image consultant, because he must be able to observe the external image of people, give advice, analyze what can be best for his clients, depending on their particular characteristics, it can be said that the stylist advisor is the psychologist of the external image of people.
It is not about changing people, what image consulting is about is finding the qualities of clients to enhance or re-educate them regarding their image. With the passage of time, it is the clients who come to change, but it is they themselves who are doing it, but thanks to the advice of the image consultants, that way they will get used to assuming a more correct image.
The expression in a person is very important, the way he walks gestures and projects his personality, so based on what they project and what the person wants, professional stylists give their opinions, in terms of styles, cuts, hairstyles and hair color.
Laporsha Grier, a renowned stylist, says that dealing with clients should be charming, because in some way the client comes with a need and when you can increase their self-esteem and confidence, the result is enriching.
The client who usually appears is an executive, a housewife, young women, and also the client who does not have time, so that we can give them solutions, because on many occasions we stylists buy for the client or with him.
Professional hairstylist as a university degree
In the specialty of styling, as a professional course that is studied with theoretical bases, with the objective that the student creates his own and innovative style, the purpose is that the participant can attract clients and in the future have a great career as a professional stylist .
The student specialized in styling must know the latest trends, must carry out numerous styling projects, exhibiting their ability to face new tests in their purpose and thus have new visions, so that they can have various perspectives and be successful in their career.
The purpose of the higher degree is to teach students to understand new aesthetic forms, which provides them with a lot of knowledge to connect with the demands and needs of their clients.
Arguably, the stylist performs the following functions:
· Visualize
· Advisor
· Organize
· Creates
· Proposes
It is also important to tell you that the stylist must have certain skills that will help him in his endeavor, such as making his own publicity, through social networks, to attract new clients and be recognized.
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