Your Guide to Starting a Career in Hairdressing

If you love working with people and have a passion for creativity, hairdressing might be the perfect career path for you. As a hairstylist, you get the opportunity to make others look and feel their best while building a career that’s both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Hairdressers are part of the broader cosmetology field—an industry that employs over 600,000 professionals and is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade. If you’ve dreamed of becoming a hairstylist, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to launch your career in hairdressing.

Meet Basic Requirements 

Before you can start cutting and coloring hair professionally, you’ll need to meet some baseline qualifications. While specific requirements vary by state, here are some general guidelines:

• Age Requirement: Most states require you to be at least 18 years old.
• Education: You must complete a state board-approved cosmetology program.
• Licensing Exam: You’ll need to pass both a written and practical exam to become licensed. Some states may require additional testing, often focused on health and safety protocols.
• Background Checks: Certain states restrict licensure if you have a criminal record. If that applies to you, check with your state’s licensing board for potential additional steps or exceptions.

Go to a Board-Approved Cosmetology School

Choosing the right school is one of the most important steps in your journey. Board-approved cosmetology programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, and specialized beauty academies. When researching programs, look for:

• Experienced Faculty: Instructors with real-world salon experience can offer invaluable insights.
• Hands-On Training: A fully equipped student salon or clinic allows you to practice on real clients under supervision.
• Flexible Scheduling: Decide whether full-time or part-time study best suits your lifestyle, especially if you’ll be working while attending school.

Most programs take 1–2 years to complete, depending on your schedule and the number of required hours in your state.

What to Expect During Cosmetology School?

Cosmetology school combines both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. You’ll be learning technical skills alongside business knowledge that prepares you for the real-world demands of the salon industry.

Subjects You’ll Study:

• Hair: Cutting, coloring, styling, and treatments.
• Skin & Nails: Basic esthetics and manicuring techniques.
• Health & Safety: Sanitation, sterilization, and client protection.
• Chemistry: Understanding how products interact with hair and skin.
• Business: Client management, upselling, and running a salon.

You’ll also need a professional cosmetology kit and textbooks to support your training. Expect to study for exams, complete assignments, and participate in live demonstrations. Most importantly, you’ll start working on real clients in the student clinic, where licensed instructors are available to guide and support you every step of the way.

Get Your State License for Cosmetology

Once you graduate from cosmetology school, the next step is obtaining your license. Each state requires a licensing exam, which typically includes:

• Written Test: Covers safety, sanitation, laws, and theoretical knowledge.
• Practical Exam: Demonstrates your hands-on skills in haircutting, coloring, and other services.

Licensing Tips:

• Apply Early: Submit your application with school transcripts and any required documentation.
• Exam Retakes: If you don’t pass on your first attempt, most states allow retakes after a waiting period (which may include a fee).
• License Renewal: Keep in mind, licenses must be renewed—often every 1–2 years—depending on state regulations.

How Much Money Can You Expect to Make as a Hairdresser 

Your income as a hairstylist will grow over time as you gain experience and build a loyal client base. Most hairstylists earn money through a combination of:

• Hourly Wage or Salary
• Tips from Clients
• Commissions on Products or Services

Entry-Level Income:

New stylists typically earn around $17 per hour, including tips and commission. While starting income may vary, many hairstylists quickly increase their earnings as their reputation grows.

Long-Term Income:

Experienced hairdressers who’ve built a loyal clientele can earn $50,000–$60,000 per year—often while working flexible hours (around 29 hours per week on average). Success in this career depends heavily on relationship-building, technical skill, and a consistent client experience.

Finding Your First Job

Once licensed, it’s time to find your first position as a hairstylist. Here’s how to get started:

• Create a Resume: Highlight your cosmetology training, relevant skills, and any salon experience from your student clinic.
• Build an Online Presence: Post your resume on job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. Consider creating an Instagram or TikTok portfolio to showcase your work.
• Network: Let your friends, family, and former instructors know you’re job hunting—they may know of opportunities.
• Ask Your School: Many cosmetology schools have strong industry connections and can help place graduates in salons.

Choose the Right School to Launch Your Future

Your journey begins with the right education, and where you study can shape your entire future. At Academy of Hair Design, we bring over 50 years of experience training the next generation of hair professionals. We’re proud to offer:

• Experienced Instructors who mentor and inspire
• Hands-On Practice in our professional-grade student salon
• Career Support to help you transition from school to salon

Whether you’re just beginning or ready to take the next step, we’re here to support your goals. Contact us today to schedule a tour, meet our team, and start your journey to a successful and creative career in hairdressing.

Ready to style your future? Contact us today.