Hairstylists

Hairstylists are professionals who cut, color, style, and treat hair to meet clients’ appearance goals while maintaining hair health. They assess face shape, hair texture, and scalp condition, and collaborate with clients to plan cuts, color, and maintenance. Beyond aesthetics, they may advise on daily care, styling routines, and product selection for home use.

Education and licensing requirements vary by country and region but typically involve attending a beauty or cosmetology program and passing a licensing exam. In many places, stylists must complete supervised training, adhere to sanitation and safety standards, and participate in continuing education to learn new techniques and products.

Common services include client consultations, precision hair cutting, coloring (roots, highlights, balayage), chemical texturing (perms and straightening), styling for events, updos, braiding, and sometimes extensions. Tools and products used include scissors or shears, razors, clippers, combs, brushes, blow dryers, curling and straightening irons, and a range of styling products. Safety considerations include patch testing for allergies and avoiding cross-contamination.

Work settings vary from traditional salons and barber shops to spas, hotels, media productions, and mobile or freelance work. Many stylists earn commissions or hourly wages with tips; some are independent and run their own studios. Trends influence demand, with growing emphasis on healthy hair care, textured and natural looks, diverse styles, sustainable products, and advanced color techniques.

Career paths include specializing as colorists, texture or extension technicians, platform artists, educators, or salon owners. Successful hairstylists combine technical skill with customer service, marketing, and business sense, and often pursue ongoing training and industry involvement to stay current with tools, techniques, and safety standards.